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A survey of over 300 municipalities and Indigenous communities in the Prairie provinces reveals that while over 80% have experienced unusual extreme weather in the last decade, formal preparation is low, with only 5% having completed a formal adaptation plan. Communities report significant barriers to progress, including limited financial resources, staff time, and technical skills.

The document examines the increasing risk of wildfires in Canada due to climate change and evaluates the FireSmart program as a tool for community resilience. It highlights the high cost of disasters like the Fort McMurray fire and argues for a shift from reactive response to proactive risk reduction through updated building codes, limited urban sprawl, and integrated forest management.

The document argues that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of wildfires in Canada, necessitating a shift from reactive to preventive strategies. It highlights the FireSmart program as an effective tool for reducing building vulnerability through vegetation management and fire-resistant materials, while noting that individual efforts must be supported by updated building codes, limited urban sprawl, and inclusive community consultations to protect vulnerable populations.

The Town of Canmore utilized the Climate Resilience Express tool to identify climate risks and prioritize adaptation actions following 2013 flooding. This process resulted in a Climate Resilience Action Plan that integrates adaptation priorities into municipal budget cycles and includes a flood risk assessment of the Bow River.

The Town of Canmore developed a Climate Resilience Action Plan in 2016 to address vulnerabilities to extreme weather, particularly following a catastrophic flood in 2013. Using the Climate Resilience Express (CRE) tool provided by All One Sky, the town identified eight priority risks and three opportunities. The highest risks were forest fires, Bow River flooding, and mountain creek flooding. Implementation steps since 2016 include a Bow River flood risk assessment, the creation of creek mitigation plans, and the integration of adaptation actions into municipal budget planning. The document highlights the value of structured planning tools and the importance of incorporating detailed costing into adaptation strategies.