Completed Projects
Municipal Case Studies: the planning process and climate change included five municipal case studies across the country that address a sample of the major climate change impacts facing Canadian communities. These include water resource depletion, coastal erosion due to higher sea levels, and permafrost melting.
City of Calgary: Municipal Water Supply
The City of Calgary is currently one of the fastest growing population centres in Canada. Currently the greater Calgary area (Calgary, Cochrane, Airdrie, Bragg Creek) relies solely on water supply from the Elbow and Bow Rivers. The amount of water the City is currently licensed to withdraw places a clear upper limit on the population base it can support. However, current climate change models predict river discharge in the future will drop due to decreased precipitation and decreased glacial coverage in the headwaters of the basin. As the city would likely have to share water shortages with other major users (industry, agriculture), this places a high degree of uncertainty on the upper limit of population that can be supported solely on the river system. We are now investigating groundwater resources to augment surface water supply.
Finished Plain Language Report
Corporation of Delta Case Study: Sensitivity of the Roberts Bank Tidal Flats to Accelerated Sea Level Rise and Intensified Storminess
The Corporation of Delta and Tsawwassen First Nations Reserve are located on the coast of the Fraser River delta adjacent to Roberts Bank. The Roberts Bank tidal flats are host to important fish and bird habitats as well as major economic infrastructure such as the Deltaport and Tsawwassen ferry terminal. The natural response of Delta's shoreline to rising sea level would be for it to migrate inland, but because the coastline is dyked, the tidal flats are likely to shrink. In other words, most tidal flat zones, including present areas of marshland, will likely be more frequently flooded by water and more frequently subjected to wave attack. This is likely to result in increased erosion of the tidal flats, including the marsh, and potentially in undermining of the dykes and the port facility causeways. Economically and environmentally important habitats may be degraded, in particular, marsh and eelgrass habitat for juvenile salmon may be eroded or displaced and habitat for migrating shorebirds may also be threatened. These potential biophysical impacts of sea level rise will be evaluated within the complex stakeholder context with the aim of developing adaptation strategies for the communities.
Partners
- Natural Resources Canada
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada
- Environment Canada
- University of British Columbia
- Corporation of Delta
- Tsawwassen First Nation
Finished Plain Language Report
Graham Island Case Study: Impacts of Sea Level Rise
Northeastern Graham Island, Queen Charlotte Islands, is one of Canada's most sensitive coasts. It is a region that is subject to high tides and frequent extreme storm events, which produce ongoing erosion of 1 to 3 metres per year. This study is examining the potential physical, socio-economic, and cultural impacts of climate change on this coastal area. Enhanced sea-level rise from a warming climate could increase the vulnerability of community infrastructure, cultural sites, the tourism industry, and sensitive ecological areas. Scientific research will be integrated with traditional community knowledge to assess past, as well as future changes, in order to determine what these changes may mean for the environmental and social integrity of the region. Projected physical impacts will be mapped to identify regions at risk to enhanced erosion, flood inundation, tidal encroachment, and ecosystem change. Sensitive areas and activities of socio-economic and cultural significance will be evaluated in consultation with local stakeholders in an attempt to develop appropriate adaptation strategies.
Partners
- University of Victoria, Natural Resources Canada
- Council of Haida Nation
- Town of Masset
- Town of Old Masset
- Town of Tlell
- Skeena-Queen Charlotte Regional District
- Naikoon Provincial Park
- Parks Canada
- B.C. Parks
Finished Plain Language Report
Southeastern New Brunswick Coastal Communities Case Study: Impacts of Sea Level Rise
Some of the most severely threatened coastline, from climate change, in Canada is along the Atlantic coast. Rising sea-levels in southeastern New Brunswick have already had significant impacts and are expected to accelerate as a result of climate change. Most damage is caused by coastal flooding and erosion during wind storms. In the winter, when the Gulf of St. Lawrence is partially covered by sea ice, the water level may be raised sufficiently for the ice cover to be pushed inland, impacting houses and important infrastructure. This multi-partner study aims to quantify the impacts of climate change and sea-level rise on coastal erosion, flooding and ice hazard in this area and how they effect human activities and wildlife/plant habitat. Digital flood-risk and ecosystem maps will be created for sections of this coastline to support sustainable management, community resilience, and development of adaptation strategies.
For more information about this project visit Environment Canada's Website.
Partners
- Environment Canada
- New Brunswick Natural Resources and Energy
- Centre of Geographic Sciences, Université de Moncton
- Parks Canada
- University of New Brunswick
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada
- Dalhousie University
- Mount Allison University
- New Brunswick Environment
- Watermark Industries Ltd.
- Université de Sherbrooke
- New Brunswick Environment and Local Government
- Irving Eco-Centre
- Natural Resources Canada
- Kent District Planning Commission
- Ville de Bouctouche
- Beaubassin Planning Commission
- Town of Shediac
- Pays de Cocagne Sustainable Development Corporation
- Village de Cape Pelé
Finished Plain Language Report
Salluit Case Study: Impacts of Degrading Permafrost
Salluit (pop. 1075), located in northern Quebec, has a rapidly expanding population that requires new housing and municipal development. Being located in the bottom of a valley along a fjord, on ice rich soils, there is little space for new expansion. Inland in the valley, a landslide that took place in 1999 has put a stop to development. The problem is made more complex by the fact that the area is affected by rapid climate warming since 1995. Permafrost temperature has gone up by about 1.5 °C, from -6.5 °C to -5.0 °C, and the active layer depth has increased by about 150%. The increase in temperature has a huge impact on the bearing capacity of the soils which, therefore, limit the spatial expansion of the village.
For more information about this project visit the University of Laval's Website.
Partners
- Université Laval
- Ministère de la Sécurité publique Québec
- Natural Resources Canada