Climate Change Adaptation

The Cities Initiative's climate adaptation projects provide municipalities with the tools they need to effectively adapt their infrastructure and municipal operations to a changing climate. Cities are often the first to feel the effects of climate change – in the Great Lakes – St. Lawrence region, cities have experienced increased flooding and extreme weather events. Climate adaptation programs help cities evaluate infrastructure needs and keep their communities safe by preparing for more frequent extreme weather events.

Climate Change Adaptation Programs (MARS: Municipal Adaptation and Resiliency Services)

• Climate Ready Infrastructure and Strategic Sites Protocol (CRISSP): This project gives municipalities a simplified method to assess the vulnerability of municipal assets to extreme weather. The central tool of CRISSP is a helpful, easy-to-use Risk Matrix, that takes users through a series of critical questions to assess the vulnerability of municipal facilities, sites or infrastructure.
• Climate Ready Cities Toolkit: Climate adaptation and readiness tools developed through assessments of five Great Lakes – St. Lawrence municipalities. This Toolkit and its webinars form the core pieces of the MARS program.
• Pilot Projects: Pilot projects in Hamilton and Thunder Bay, Ontario integrating climate adaptation and green infrastructure practices.
• Extreme Weather Events: Descriptions of the impacts of extreme weather events (floods, tornadoes) in member municipalities.
• Best Practices Library: Select either of the “Climate Change” categories to find adaptation plans and tools from Great Lakes – St. Lawrence municipalities.
• CRISSP (Climate-Ready Infrastructure and Strategic Sites Protocol) Program: Coming soon!