Mutual
Aid
Support programs designed to help Upper Hammonds Plains residents care for their homes, improve safety, and strengthen the community.
FireSmart Program
Building a More Wildfire-Resilient Community
Upper Hammonds Plains Community Land Trust (UHPCLT) is proud to participate in FireSmart Canada, a national program that helps communities reduce the risk of wildfire through education, prevention, and community action.
FireSmart Canada provides practical, science-based recommendations that help homeowners and communities better prepare for wildfire. By making small changes around homes and neighbourhoods, residents can significantly reduce the risk of wildfire damage while helping protect lives, property, and the natural environment.
Our Goal
UHPCLT is working toward becoming a FireSmart Canada Recognized Neighbourhood.
Achieving this recognition means bringing our community together to complete wildfire preparedness activities, educate residents, reduce wildfire risks, and create a safer, more resilient Upper Hammonds Plains for everyone.
What We're Doing
As part of this initiative, UHPCLT is:
- Offering free FireSmart Home Assessments to residents.
- Hosting community clean-up and fuel reduction activities.
- Providing wildfire preparedness education and resources.
- Working with partners to identify opportunities that help residents complete recommended FireSmart improvements.
Free FireSmart Home Assessments
Residents can register for a free home assessment conducted by trained FireSmart professionals. During the assessment, you’ll receive personalized recommendations to help reduce wildfire risks around your property.
Eligible homeowners may also qualify for assistance with recommended FireSmart mitigation work, subject to available funding.
Who it's for
Residents of Upper Hammonds Plains who want to better protect their homes and contribute to a more wildfire-resilient community.
Get Involved
Register today for a free FireSmart Home Assessment and help us achieve FireSmart Canada Recognized Neighbourhood status.
FireSmart 101
FireSmart 101 is a free educational session that introduces residents to the basics of wildfire preparedness. Participants will learn how wildfires spread, why some homes are more vulnerable than others, and the simple, practical steps they can take to reduce wildfire risk on their property.
The session covers topics such as:
- Understanding wildfire risk in Nova Scotia.
- The Home Ignition Zone and how to reduce hazards around your home.
- Vegetation management and fuel reduction.
- Fire-resistant landscaping and building materials.
- Emergency preparedness and evacuation planning.
FireSmart 101 is a great starting point for anyone interested in protecting their home, family, and community from the threat of wildfire.
Home Repair Assistance Program
Helping Residents Make Their Homes Safer
Upper Hammonds Plains Community Land Trust is committed to helping residents maintain safe, accessible, and healthy homes. Through our Home Repair Assistance Program, eligible residents may receive assistance with minor repairs that improve the safety, accessibility, and functionality of their homes.
Depending on program eligibility and available funding, households may receive up to $1,000 per program cycle, including labour and materials, for approved repairs.
Eligible Repairs
Examples of eligible repairs include:
- Grab bars and accessibility improvements
- Handrail and stair repairs
- Minor plumbing repairs (such as leaking faucets or toilet repairs)
- Door and lock repairs
- Minor window repairs
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detector installation
- Minor drywall repairs
- Minor flooring repairs that address safety concerns
- Basic carpentry
- Other minor repairs related to health and safety
Repairs Not Covered
The Home Repair Assistance Program does not cover:
- Major renovations or remodeling
- Roof repairs or replacement
- Structural repairs
- Electrical work requiring a licensed electrician
- Major plumbing projects
- Cosmetic upgrades or decorative improvements
- Landscaping or yard work
- Appliance repairs
Who Can Apply?
This program is available to eligible residents of Upper Hammonds Plains. Applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis based on program eligibility, available funding, staff capacity, and community need.
Apply for Assistance
If you have a minor repair that would make your home safer, more accessible, or easier to maintain, we encourage you to apply.
Questions?
Program Information
Please note that assistance is available for approved repairs only. Approval is based on program eligibility, available funding, staff capacity, and community need. Once a household reaches the maximum assistance amount for the current program cycle, additional repairs may be considered in a future cycle as funding and resources become available.