Apr 14, 2026

EMC holding Holland Creek wildfire fuel mitigation informative walking tours

Ladysmith, BC — Residents are invited to learn more about local wildfire risk reduction efforts at an upcoming community information session hosted by Emergency Management Cowichan (EMC).

On April 17 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, EMC will lead informative walking tours through Holland Creek, highlighting the wildfire fuel mitigation work that was completed last November. Tours will begin at the Mackie Road trailhead entrance. EMC's FireSmart staff will be on site to lead tours, answer questions, and share insights into the work.

Tour participants will have the opportunity to see the work firsthand and learn how FireSmart crews reduced wildfire risk through the removal of small trees, dense underbrush, and invasive plant species.

"This is a unique chance for Ladysmith residents to see firsthand the critical work EMC carried out last November to protect our trails and reduce wildfire risks,” says Nicholas Pescod, the Town’s Communications & Engagement Specialist.

“Community wildfire resilience depends on strong relationships among residents, emergency responders, planners, Indigenous partners, and governments. FireSmart projects—whether focused on fuel management, land use, or education—provide communities with opportunities to work together to reduce wildfire risk and prepare us to respond collaboratively when wildfires occur,” says April Driver, Emergency Management Cowichan’s Manager, Emergency Operations & Planning.

EMC is a regional government service administered by the Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) to provide mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery for the regional district, Towns of Ladysmith and Lake Cowichan, Municipality of North Cowichan and City of Duncan.

All residents are welcome to participate and learn more about EMC’s wildfire risk-reduction efforts. Registration is not required to attend this event. Anyone interested in joining the walking tour can simply arrive at the Mackie Road trailhead meeting point.

For more information, please visit https://emcowichan.ca/community_events/holland-creek-park-public-showcase-fuel-mitigation-project/.

-30-

Media Contact
Nicholas Pescod
Communications & Engagement Specialist
npescod@ladysmith.ca
250-268-0606