ICLR releases new book ‘Cities adapt with climate resilient infrastructure’

Local governments are taking action to reduce the risk to Canadians from extreme weather through the use of climate resilient infrastructure. Cities adapt with climate resilient infrastructure: Celebrating local leadership is the fifth book by the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction extolling local governments adapting to climate change and building more resilient communities. The five books provide a total of 100 case studies describing local action in Canada that is consistent with best practices for climate resilience as identified by the Institute. Communities included in the book are demonstrating their commitment to ‘get ahead’ of the risk of damage from severe wildfire and climate change by building back better in recovery or through proactive investments in anticipation of future risks.

The book features chapters on:

• Norman Wells, N.W.T., which embarked on a project to reduce the impact of river bank erosion on the community;
• Windsor, Ont., which involved residents in an effort to better understand flood risk to develop a flood protection master plan;
• Laval, Que., which used the PIEVC Protocol to better understand risk to support future adaptive actions;
• Vernon, B.C., which involved multiple stakeholders in a drainage infrastructure prioritization project;
• Victoriaville, Que., which restored a reservoir to ensure continuous water supply;
• Surrey, B.C., which undertook a railway bridge replacement project;
• Montreal, which rethought parks to mitigate flood risk;
• Victoria-by-the-Sea, P.E.I., which undertook a seawall replacement project;
• Toronto, which undertook the replacement of the Finch Avenue culvert;
• Trois-Rivières, Que., which conducted a detailed analysis of the future of its potable water systems.

Cities adapt with climate resilient infrastructure also recognizes actions in Ottawa, Tuktoyaktuk, N.W.T., Mississauga, Ont., Welland, Ont., RM of Torch River, Sask., St. John’s, Calgary, Selkirk, Man., Saddle Lake Cree Nation, Alta., and Edmonton.

Cities adapt with climate resilient infrastructure: Celebrating local leadership was written by Sophie Guilbault, Esther Lambert, Paul Kovacs, Darrel Kwong and David Lapp. The publication builds on previous Institute reports – Cities adapt to extreme rainfall, Cities adapt to extreme heat, Cities adapt to extreme weather, and Cities adapt to extreme wildfires. The communities featured in the books are leading the way in Canada with risk reduction actions that other communities should consider. 

Paul Kovacs, executive director of the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction, said, “The Institute is excited to continue to identify and celebrate actions that have been implemented by community leaders across Canada to successfully adapt to climate related risks. We feel that gathering and sharing climate change adaptation case studies of projects conducted by and for Canadian communities helps others to identify best practices in the area and brings to life actual actions that can be undertaken by Canadian communities of all sizes. This publication puts a spotlight on local officials that demonstrate leadership through their actions to build a more resilient society adapted to cope with extreme climate risks.”

Cities adapt with climate resilient infrastructure: Celebrating local leadership can be downloaded for free at www.citiesadapt.com.