Skip to content
Français

FAQ: Residential Mitigation Incentive Program

1. What is the Residential Mitigation Incentive Program?

The Canadian Red Cross recognizes that mitigation measures can be powerful tools for protecting against future wildfires. This program provides financial incentives for people living in impacted areas who are interested in completing mitigative activities to be better prepared for and help reduce the risks and the impacts of future wildfire events.

2. Who is eligible for the program?

The program is available to those who:
  • Are residents of Nova Scotia with a primary residence in an area that was impacted by the 2023 Nova Scotia Wildfires.
  • Were previously registered and authenticated with the Canadian Red Cross due to the 2023 Nova Scotia Wildfires.
  • Are a homeowner, tenant, or live in a community-owned home.
  • Have a primary residence that was not damaged or incurred minor damage due to the 2023 Nova Scotia Wildfires, such as damage to your home that did not impact your ability to continue living there.

3. Can I access this program if I have not already registered with the Canadian Red 
Cross?

To be eligible for this program, you must already be registered and authenticated with the Canadian Red Cross. Unfortunately, we are not able to accept new registrations for this program at this time.

4. If my home incurred major damage or was destroyed due to the 2023 Nova Scotia Wildfires, can I access the Residential Mitigation Incentive Program?

  • The Residential Mitigation Incentive Program is only open to those with a primary residence in an area impacted by the 2023 Nova Scotia Wildfires and whose homes experienced minor to no damage.
  • If your home incurred major damage or was destroyed due to the 2023 Nova Scotia Wildfires, we encourage you to make an appointment with our Case Management team. We can forward your information to the Case Management team to book an appointment for you, or you can send an email to NSRecovery@redcross.ca and make that request.

5. I am a tenant/I rent my home. Am I eligible for this program?

  • Yes, as long as you are already registered and authenticated with the Canadian Red Cross due to the 2023 Nova Scotia Wildfires. This program is intended to support both homeowners and tenants with no damage or only minor damage to their primary residence.
  • Please note that eligible mitigation activities may vary based on whether you are a homeowner or a tenant, and the type of dwelling in which you live. For more information, visit redcross.ca/atlanticwildfires.

6. Are small businesses eligible to this program?

No, small businesses are not eligible for this program

7. I am a landlord. Am I eligible for this program?

No, landlords are not eligible for this program.

8. How much assistance is available?

Depending on the activities selected and completed, households may be eligible for a reimbursement of up to $3,000 to help with associated costs. Please note that there are limited funds available for this program. Eligible residents are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

9. How long is the application period?

Applications will be accepted from July 22, 2025, until October 31, 2025.

10. What happens after I complete the application?

  • After you complete your application, the information you provide will be reviewed by the program team. You will then be notified of the outcome of your application.
  • If your application is approved, the program team will reach out to you via email with information on what your next steps are depending on which activities you have selected.
  • You can also send an email to request support with your application or if you have questions to NSMitigation@redcross.ca.
  • If you have not received an email from the Red Cross, please check your email bulk, junk or spam mail folders.

11. What are mitigation activities?

Mitigation activities refer to actions taken on your home and property to reduce or prevent the impact of natural hazards such as wildfires.

12. Why are mitigation activities important?

  • Mitigation activities are important because they help to reduce the impact of natural hazards, protect lives and property, and save communities money in the long term.
  • By taking proactive steps to prevent or reduce the impact of natural hazards, individuals and communities can help mitigate the costs of recovery and rebuilding after an event occurs.

13. I completed some of the activities on the list before I knew about this program. Can I get reimbursed for those costs?

Unfortunately, only activities that occur on or after July 22, 2025, are eligible for reimbursement.


14. Is there a timeline to complete mitigation activities?

All activities must be completed, with final reports submitted, by September 30, 2026, to be eligible to receive reimbursement.
  • As part of the program process, approved applicants are required to submit a short report no later than September 30, 2026, along with before and after photos, to show proof of the completed work, and receipts for reimbursement, if required, once activities are completed.
  • You can also send an email to request support with your application or if you have questions to NSMitigation@redcross.ca.

15. How do I complete my application for the Residential Mitigation Incentive Program if I do not have internet access / do not own a computer or need help completing the application?

If you have questions about the Residential Mitigation Incentive Program or need assistance applying, please contact us at NSMitigation@redcross.ca or call us at 1-833-966-4225 from Monday to Friday, between 9:00 am and 5:30 pm Atlantic Time, closed on weekends and statutory holidays.

16. I am having trouble accessing the online application form for the Residential Mitigation Incentive Program. What can I do?

  • The application system (SM Apply) works best when you use Google Chrome as the browser. Try first opening the application in Chrome.
  • You can also send an email to request support with your application to NSMitigation@redcross.ca.

17. How long does the application form for the Residential Mitigation Incentive Program take to complete?

  • The online application should take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete. It may take additional time for you to collect any required documents before you submit the application.
  • You can also save it in the system and come back to it later when you have everything collected.

18. Will anyone ask me for banking information during the application process for the Residential Mitigation Incentive Program?

  • Banking information is not required to apply for the program or to receive assistance.
  • The Canadian Red Cross communicates only via email, phone, or in person and would never send a link through a text message. We will never ask for your social insurance number, bank account information or credit card number during your application or to receive assistance.
  • If you have questions about the Residential Mitigation Incentive Program or need assistance applying, please contact us at NSMitigation@redcross.ca or call us at 1-833-966-4225 from Monday to Friday, between 9:00 am and 5:30 pm Atlantic Time, closed on weekends and statutory holidays.