OTTAWA — The Government of Canada is providing $2.49 million in funding to help ensure that our communities and infrastructure are well adapted to a changing climate. The funding will support two projects led by Canada’s engineers and planners.
“We’re very pleased to work with Engineers Canada and the Canadian Institute of Planners to assess how climate change will affect our infrastructure and communities and how we can best adapt,” said the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Natural Resources. “Climate change affects the frequency and intensity of storms and other environmental conditions, and we need to prepare for these changes.”
“This funding will help Canadian communities respond to the impacts of a changing climate,” said the Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of the Environment. “Adaptation measures like these complement the action we are taking to combat climate change and reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent from 2006 levels by 2020, and 60 to 70 percent by 2050.”
The first project, led by Engineers Canada, will be carried out by its Public Infrastructure Engineering Vulnerability Committee (PIEVC). Through the application of an engineering protocol developed by the PIEVC, this project will build expertise and knowledge about the implications of climate change on infrastructure and the practice of engineering in a changing climate. The project will also help owners and operators plan for climate change in the maintenance and decommissioning of infrastructure.
“We’re delighted with today’s announcement,” said Chantal Guay, CEO of Engineers Canada. “This funding will allow our assessments of public infrastructure to continue, which is very important to maintaining public safety in Canada.”
The second project, led by the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP), will develop and deliver climate change adaptation tools, resources and training to enhance the ability of Canada’s planners to apply climate change information to their work.
“Our institute is working with members, partners and stakeholders to bring the science of climate change to bear on community planning,” said Steven Brasier, CIP executive director. “All communities — large, medium and small — need the capacity to take constructive and meaningful steps toward climate change adaptation and mitigation.”
Both projects are funded through Natural Resources Canada’s Climate Change Adaptation Initiatives program and are scheduled to be completed by March 2011.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
Natural Resources Minister Lisa Raitt says the Government of Canada will provide $2.49 million for projects to examine the impact of climate change on infrastructure and communities. The funding will support two projects led by Engineers Canada and the Canadian Institute of Planners.
Media may contact:
Jocelyne Turner
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Lisa Raitt
Ottawa
613-996-2007
Bianca Spence
Manager, Communications
Canadian Institute of Planners
Ottawa
613-237-7526
Media Relations
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa
613-992-4447
William Meyer
Manager, Communications
Engineers Canada
Ottawa
613-232-2474 ext. 249
David Lapp
Manager, Professional Practice
Engineers Canada –
PIEVC Secretariat
Ottawa
613-232-2474 ext. 240
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