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The document highlights findings from the 2026 federal assessment of Canada's changing climate, warning that Canada will be nearly 3 C warmer over the next two decades regardless of future emissions. It emphasizes that while some warming is unavoidable, failing to cut global emissions could lead to 5 C of warming by 2100, causing the near-total disappearance of glaciers and severe permafrost thaw. The author calls for immediate investment in infrastructure adaptation—noting that every dollar spent now avoids up to $15 in losses—and a swifter national transition to clean power to avoid uncontrollable devastation.

The report details a national survey of 2,219 Canadians showing strong public demand for urgent government action on water infrastructure, with 72.5% viewing it as an urgent priority. While awareness of the term 'natural infrastructure' is low (47% have not heard it), there is high support (71.1%) for its implementation as a cost-effective alternative or supplement to grey infrastructure. The findings highlight significant regional disparities, such as high rates of water main breaks in the Prairies and seasonal shortages in British Columbia, and underscore a persistent infrastructure gap for Indigenous communities who experience disproportionately higher rates of boil-water advisories and water shortages.

The report examines how natural infrastructure, such as wetlands and small naturalized dams, can be optimized to improve water quality in the Canadian Prairies. Using data from the De Salaberry project (2019-2023), the authors demonstrate that hydraulic retention time is the primary driver of phosphorus reduction. They argue that standard design practices, which prioritize flood mitigation, often overlook quantifiable water quality benefits. The document recommends integrating dynamic treatment models into planning to target phosphorus hotspots and optimize outlet structures to increase the time water remains stored before release.

The briefing identifies household energy consumption as a source of nearly 20% of Canada's greenhouse gas emissions and proposes a transition from fossil fuels to electricity via electric vehicles (EVs), heat pumps, and efficient appliances. Modeling suggests that by 2050, electricity should cover 73% to 91% of residential heating needs and over 96% of passenger vehicle kilometers. While electrification is generally cost-effective, regional differences exist; for example, natural gas remains cheaper than electric heating in the Prairies under current policies. The document emphasizes that energy efficiency—such as better building insulation—will reduce overall household energy consumption by 26% by 2050 despite population growth. To accelerate this, the author recommends government policies to lower initial costs for low-income households, mandate EV-readiness in multi-unit buildings, and double or triple clean electricity production to meet rising demand.

The report argues that electrifying household energy use—specifically through electric vehicles (EVs), heat pumps, and electric appliances—is the most cost-effective path for Canada to reach net zero emissions. While electricity prices have remained more stable than volatile fossil fuel prices, the transition requires government intervention to overcome upfront costs and infrastructure gaps. Modelling suggests that by 2050, electricity could meet 73% to 91% of residential heating loads and over 96% of total vehicle kilometers travelled. To support this, the report recommends policies to increase consumer uptake and a massive build-out of clean electricity generation, which may need to double or triple by 2050.

The report argues that rural Canadian communities face disproportionate challenges in climate adaptation due to limited financial and human resources, a lack of technical expertise in nature-based solutions, and gaps in vulnerability data. It highlights that while adaptation planning has increased, implementation often stalls after consultancy phases. To address this, the authors advocate for tailored financing, the integration of climate resilience into all new infrastructure investments, and a 'multi-solving' approach that addresses climate, biodiversity, and housing crises simultaneously.

The document highlights the decline of natural water storage in the Canadian Prairies due to drainage and land conversion, which increases vulnerability to climate-driven extremes. It advocates for a combination of wetland conservation and constructed water retention projects to improve water security, reduce flood peaks, and enhance water quality. The brief provides specific examples of successful projects in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, while outlining a strategic framework for future expansion, including prioritized conservation and increased funding.

A national survey conducted by Nanos for the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment in October 2025 found that 65.4% of Canadians view climate change as an important priority for the government. The report highlights strong support for methane regulation (64.5%) and a high sense of urgency (75.2%) regarding government action to reduce health risks associated with climate change, such as wildfires and heat waves. These sentiments are significantly more pronounced among 'progressive' voters and those who would consider voting for both the Liberal and NDP parties.

The report evaluates 17 types of natural infrastructure across four functional families (cover, basins, watercourses, and groundwater) to support water management in the Canadian Prairies. It argues that while natural assets like grasslands and wetlands are essential, constructed analogues such as bioretention and green roofs are necessary in urban areas to bridge the infrastructure gap. The document provides performance rankings and technical data to help decision-makers build a more robust business case for nature-based solutions over traditional grey infrastructure.

The document highlights the increasing frequency and severity of wildfires in Canada, emphasizing that current support systems are strained. It calls for the full implementation of the National Adaptation Strategy, modernization of infrastructure, and a change in financial aid to prioritize preparation over intervention. The author notes that adaptation is critical for economic security, citing that every dollar invested in adaptation can save up to 15 dollars in avoided costs.

The International Institute for Sustainable Development has developed a replicable strategy for spatial targeting of water retention projects, such as wetlands and small naturalized dams, in the Canadian Prairies. This approach uses models like PTMApp and LiDAR-based digital elevation models to identify optimal sites for phosphorus interception, particularly in ungauged basins where data is limited. Such natural infrastructure is presented as critical for mitigating the increased flood and drought risks caused by climate change in the region.

The document argues that natural infrastructure—comprising eight natural assets and nine constructed assets—is essential for bridging the water-related infrastructure gap in the Canadian Prairies. It details how these assets support flood mitigation, water supply, drought mitigation, and water quality, often complementing existing 'grey' infrastructure to enhance resilience against climate-driven extreme weather events.

The report advocates for the use of spatial targeting to maximize the water quality and climate adaptation benefits of water retention projects, such as wetlands and naturalized dams, in the Canadian Prairies. It highlights the PTMApp model and the necessity of high-resolution LiDAR-based digital elevation models (DEMs) to accurately map phosphorus loading and identify non-contributing areas. Using the Swan Lake study area as a demonstration, the document argues that strategic site selection improves cost-effectiveness and phosphorus interception, particularly during high-magnitude spring runoff events.

The report argues that while Canadian federal infrastructure programs generally allow for natural infrastructure, significant design gaps—such as high funding thresholds, lack of capacity-building support, and a focus on new 'tangible capital assets' over existing ecosystem preservation—stymie widespread adoption. It evaluates programs like the ICIP, CCBF, and DMAF against 14 enabling criteria, finding that most fail to prompt or require the consideration of natural solutions. The report recommends a 'natural infrastructure-first' approach, differentiated support for rural and underserved communities, and the integration of natural infrastructure into housing and biodiversity policies to address interconnected crises.

The report identifies a capacity gap in the Canadian Prairies where the demand for natural infrastructure is growing, but the workforce remains primarily trained in 'grey' (human-made) infrastructure. It argues that scaling natural infrastructure requires a multidisciplinary approach involving engineers, planners, biologists, and skilled trades. The document proposes expanding professional development through industry associations, linking training to climate resilience and federal funding, and integrating Indigenous rights-based approaches to ensure sustainable and equitable project delivery.

The report estimates that approximately CAD 98.4 million in combined federal and provincial grant funding was directed toward natural infrastructure in the Canadian Prairies in 2022. Nationally, 16 analyzed funds provide an estimated CAD 346.6 million annually. The analysis highlights that ecosystem restoration receives the most funding, while the Natural Infrastructure Fund is the only program specifically dedicated to natural infrastructure.

The report highlights a significant funding gap in the Canadian Prairies, where grey water infrastructure depreciation exceeded investments by nearly CAD 3 billion between 2017 and 2021. It argues that private capital can supplement government funding through outcome-based financing models and government incentives, provided that ethical considerations regarding land rights and Indigenous values are prioritized.

The Advancing Natural Infrastructure Forum 2024 brought together practitioners and leaders to discuss the transition from 'grey' to 'green' infrastructure in the Canadian Prairies. The event highlighted successful projects—such as beaver dam analogues by Blood Tribe Land Management and floating treatment wetlands at Olds College—and emphasized the need for watershed-scale collaboration and dedicated funding. Key discussions focused on the business case for natural assets, the role of Indigenous leadership, and the integration of natural infrastructure into municipal asset management and corporate reporting to address climate adaptation and biodiversity.

The report examines the infrastructure funding gap in Canada, specifically within the water sector of the Canadian Prairies, and proposes a shift toward natural infrastructure. It identifies several private financing instruments—including carbon and biodiversity credits, outcome-based financing, natural asset companies, and insurance mechanisms—while emphasizing the need for intermediary organizations to coordinate stakeholders and the importance of Indigenous involvement in the reconciliation process.

The report examines how the City of Nelson, Halifax Regional Municipality, and EPCOR integrate natural infrastructure into their water management. It highlights the use of local bylaws in Nelson, a multi-level policy hierarchy in Halifax, and a hybrid grey-natural approach by EPCOR in Edmonton to enhance climate resilience and flood mitigation.