Published on
February 4, 2026
Travel Manitoba has introduced an important new initiative to help protect the province’s tourism sector from the increasing threat of wildfires. The Wildfire Resilience Assistance Program (WRAP) is designed to provide eligible tourism businesses with subsidized equipment and FireSmart training to help prevent devastating losses from future wildfires. This programme, now open for expressions of interest, specifically targets tourism lodges and operators located in areas most at risk of wildfires. It’s a proactive step to ensure that these businesses are better prepared and more resilient in the face of environmental challenges.
A New Initiative to Safeguard Manitoba’s Tourism Industry
The tourism industry in Manitoba is a vital economic contributor, generating a staggering $1.89 billion annually. As wildfires become an increasingly frequent and destructive force, the government of Manitoba is stepping up its efforts to safeguard this critical sector. Through WRAP, Travel Manitoba aims to strengthen the resilience of operators and preserve the province’s reputation as a premier tourist destination. This initiative reflects the broader commitment to ensuring that tourism businesses can continue to thrive despite the challenges posed by climate change.
Financial Support for Protective Equipment and Training
The WRAP programme will offer eligible tourism operators substantial financial support. A subsidy of up to 90% will be available for the purchase of wildfire protection equipment, enabling businesses to safeguard vital infrastructure. Each protection kit provided will include sprinklers, hoses, and a water pump, all designed to meet Manitoba Wildfire Service standards. This equipment is tailored to help tourism operators enhance their defences against wildfires, which can otherwise lead to severe disruptions, property damage, and loss of livelihood.
Alongside equipment support, the programme will also provide FireSmart training, designed to empower operators with the skills needed to effectively prevent and manage wildfires. FireSmart is a widely recognised programme that focuses on strategies for reducing the risk of fire, ensuring that communities and businesses are better prepared for potential threats.
Tailored Business Assessments for Increased Protection
One of the standout features of WRAP is the access it offers to tailored assessments for each business. These assessments will help operators identify their unique vulnerabilities to wildfire risks and develop strategies to mitigate them. This personalized approach aims to ensure that each tourism business, whether located in a rural, remote, or urban area, receives the specific support required to bolster its resilience.
By focusing on the distinct needs of individual operators, WRAP goes beyond generic solutions, providing tourism businesses with a practical, targeted response to the challenges they face. These tailored assessments, combined with the subsidies for equipment and training, offer a comprehensive strategy to protect both infrastructure and operations from the devastating impacts of wildfires.
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The Program’s Alignment with Manitoba’s Long-Term Tourism Goals
The launch of the Wildfire Resilience Assistance Program is a direct outcome of increased investments in the tourism sector made through Manitoba’s Budget 2025. This budget is focused on enhancing the long-term viability of the tourism industry, with a clear emphasis on resilience and sustainability. Travel Manitoba, the province’s official tourism organization, is tasked with ensuring that the tourism sector remains robust and adaptable in the face of various environmental challenges.
The WRAP programme is perfectly aligned with these broader objectives, as it will not only help mitigate the risk of future disasters but also contribute to the overall growth of the province’s tourism economy. As tourism businesses are better equipped and trained, they will be able to maintain operations even in the face of natural disasters, preserving jobs and revenue generation in rural and remote communities.
Small and Medium-Sized Businesses at the Forefront
A significant portion of Manitoba’s tourism industry comprises small and medium-sized businesses, many of which are family-owned. These businesses are vital to the rural and remote communities they serve, providing not only unique experiences for visitors but also crucial economic support through job creation and revenue generation.
The Manitoba Lodges and Outfitters Association, which represents these businesses, has voiced strong support for the WRAP programme. The association believes that the initiative is a key step in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the province’s hunting and fishing sectors, which form a critical part of Manitoba’s tourism offerings. As operators take advantage of the subsidies and training, they will be better positioned to withstand the challenges posed by wildfires and other environmental risks, ultimately securing their future.
How to Apply for the Program
Operators interested in participating in WRAP are invited to submit an expression of interest by February 17, 2026. Following this, official applications will be made available on Travel Manitoba’s industry website. The application process is designed to ensure that businesses most at risk from wildfires are prioritized, with subsidies being allocated to those with the highest need for protection.
The program’s opening to expressions of interest marks an important step in the implementation of the initiative, providing tourism businesses with an opportunity to express their interest and start the process of securing the support they need.
A Step Toward a Resilient Future for Manitoba’s Tourism
The Wildfire Resilience Assistance Program marks an important step forward in protecting Manitoba’s tourism sector from the growing threat of wildfires. By offering financial support for equipment, training, and personalized assessments, the program is helping businesses take proactive measures to reduce their wildfire risks. This will not only strengthen Manitoba’s tourism industry but also ensure that visitors can continue to enjoy its world-class destinations for years to come.
What makes this program especially significant is its focus on supporting small and medium-sized businesses—many of which are family-run and essential to rural and remote communities. These businesses are the lifeblood of Manitoba’s tourism industry, and WRAP is designed to safeguard them. Through this initiative, Travel Manitoba is demonstrating its ongoing commitment to resilience, sustainability, and the long-term success of the tourism sector. WRAP is more than just a protective measure; it’s a vital investment in the province’s future, making it a model for how wildfire risk can be managed in the tourism industry.
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