Investing in the Long-Term Strength of Our Industry: Wildfire Resilience Assistance Program Launches Expression of Interest for Eligible Tourism Operators
This past year asked a great deal of Manitoba’s tourism industry, with wildfires causing disruption, uncertainty and hardship for many operators. The impact to communities was considerable. Many businesses across the North and eastern parts of the province lost most or all of their summer season, which they rely on to sustain them year-round.
Yet time and again, the industry adapted and focused on supporting one another.
Travel Manitoba has dedicated up to $1.35 million from the additional funds invested through Budget 2025 to support the long-term health and resilience of the sector through a targeted prevention and value protection equipment program, with the goal of assisting with future wildfire mitigation efforts. This approach, rooted in our mandate, supports the work we have been doing to strengthen emergency preparedness across our sector.
Travel Manitoba is launching a Wildfire Resilience Assistance Program (WRAP). The program is designed to enhance wildfire preparedness and protection capacity for remote and tourism-dependent lodges and operators, through targeted investment in Value Protection Units (VPUs) and FireSmart training and assessments.
Under the program, eligible tourism operators will get subsidies of up to 90 per cent for the purchase and installation of wildfire protection equipment. The program also includes FireSmart training along with tailored business assessments.
Each kit, which will be compatible with Manitoba Wildfire Service’s standard equipment, will be a complete unit and include sprinklers, hoses, a water pump and all necessary connections. If you purchased value protection equipment after April 1, 2025, you may qualify for a rebate. Email us at Tourismprograms@travelmanitoba.com to learn more.
The value of prevention and preparation cannot be overstated. We are proud to be able to offer a program that will strengthen our coordinated efforts to protect more of Manitoba’s outstanding destinations and attractions so that they can thrive.
Interested lodges and operators are invited to complete an expression of interest form before noon on February 17, 2026. Learn more about the Wildfire Resilience Assistance Program here.
Thank you to the many industry members who responded to our survey, answered our phone calls and emails and worked with us to understand the impact of the wildfire season, including those who provided feedback and advice on the development of WRAP. A special thank you to the Manitoba Lodges and Outfitters Association and to the Manitoba Wildfire Service for their ongoing advice and cooperation.
Colin Ferguson
President and CEO
Travel Manitoba
