Sioux Lookout, ON – The Municipality of Sioux Lookout is proud to announce they have been selected as a 2025 recipient of funding through Intact Financial Corporation’s expanded Municipal Climate Resiliency Grants program. The Municipality received a grant of $200,000.00 to implement its "Pathways to Prevention" project, an initiative designed to enhance public safety by reducing wildfire risks through education, prevention, risk mitigation, fuel removal, and improved emergency response capabilities.
As climate change continues to escalate the frequency and intensity of wildfire seasons, proactive measures are essential to safeguard our communities. Sioux Lookout’s "Pathways to Prevention" project is set to build upon and expand existing FireSmart™ neighborhood programming to conduct workshops, distribute educational materials, remove hazardous vegetation, and equip its fire department to better handle wildfire threats, cultivating a more resilient community.
The project implementation will begin this week at the 43rd annual Home, Craft, and Trade Show, with results tracked through completion milestones.
This initiative is among 19 community-led projects across Canada selected by Intact as part its expanded $3.1 million commitment to climate adaptation through its Municipal Climate Resiliency Grant program.
This program is rooted in the belief that municipalities are on the front lines of climate change and that equipping them with effective tools is essential to building resilience. The 2025 cohort of grant recipients was selected from over 170 applicants and reflects a diverse mix of municipalities, registered charities, and Indigenous communities across the country.
Sioux Lookout Fire Chief, Jeremy Funk, is excited to put these funds to work, saying, “Assisting local homeowners with completing a FireSmart assessment is just the first step in reducing wildfire risks in the community. Education is a critical element. Having the equipment to deal with emergencies when they happen, like the specialized wildfire response unit and suppression equipment this grant from Intact will provide, is the next step in reducing property loss from wildfires.”
“Communities like Sioux Lookout are showing how rural and small-town leadership can drive big change on climate resilience. These projects are grounded in science, collaboration and stewardship, and we’re proud to support their vision through our Municipal Climate Resiliency Grants program,” said Peter Janzen, Senior Vice President, Ontario, Intact Insurance.
Intact has been dedicated to climate adaptation for over a decade, investing more than $30 million since 2010 in over 100 projects. The Municipal Climate Resiliency Grants program was launched in 2021 to support municipalities, which own 60 per cent of Canada's infrastructure and serve as frontline responders when disasters strike. Under the program's first round of funding, Intact invested $1 million to fund 10 communities nationwide. In 2024, the organization announced plans to double its commitment from $1 to $2 million for the 2024-2025 program. With the overwhelming demand and urgent need, Intact recently announced that it has increased its program funding to $3.1 million over the next two years to support 19 communities throughout Canada.
To learn more about the program, visit: intactfc.com
How Intact is Supporting Canadians to Prepare for a Changing Climate:
- Intact recently launched a national, long-term prevention program called Keep It Intact. The program provides an array of tools, solutions, and practical advice to empower Canadians in protecting their properties. With many easily implemented and proven tips, homeowners can take proactive steps to help prevent or reduce damage from extreme weather.
- Through its partnership with the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation, Intact has released easy-to-follow infographics and simple maintenance steps explaining how Canadians can help protect their communities against extreme weather, including wildfire and floods.
Key Facts
- Summer of 2024 was the most destructive season in Canadian history for insured losses due to severe weather, totaling $7.1 billion. With 228,000 claims filed, this represents a 406% increase in claims due to severe weather events compared with the 20-year average.
- Municipalities own and operate 60% of the public infrastructure in Canada.
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About the Municipality of Sioux Lookout
The Municipality of Sioux Lookout is a dynamic and diverse northern Ontario community that serves as a hub for commerce, healthcare, and culture. It is committed to supporting innovation, environmental stewardship, and community-led growth across the region.
About Intact Financial Corporation
Intact Financial Corporation (TSX: IFC) is the largest provider of Property and Casualty (P&C) insurance in Canada, a leading Specialty lines insurer with international expertise and a leader in Commercial lines in the UK and Ireland. The business has grown organically and through acquisitions to almost $24 billion of total annual operating direct premiums written (DPW).
In Canada, Intact distributes insurance under the Intact Insurance brand through agencies and a wide network of brokers, including its wholly-owned subsidiary BrokerLink. Intact also distributes directly to consumers through the belairdirect brand and affinity partnerships. Additionally, Intact provides exclusive and tailored offerings to high-net-worth customers through Intact Prestige.
In the US, Intact Insurance Specialty Solutions provides a range of Specialty insurance products and services through independent agencies, regional and national brokers, wholesalers and managing general agencies.
Across the UK, Ireland, and Europe, Intact provides Personal, Commercial and/or Specialty insurance solutions through the RSA, 123.ie, NIG and FarmWeb brands.
Municipality of Sioux Lookout Media Inquiries:
Jeremy Funk
Manager, Emergency Services
807-737-2564
[email protected]
Intact Media Inquiries:
Caroline Audet
Manager, Media Relations and Public Affairs
416 227-7905 / 514 985-7165
[email protected]