SUDBURY—Communities across Northern Ontario are set to benefit from new federal funding aimed at tackling the growing challenges of climate change. The Government of Canada has announced an investment of over $2.7 million in five projects designed to strengthen climate resilience, including initiatives led by Manitoulin’s Al Douglas, president of the Climate Risk Institute. The funding comes as part of the federal Climate Change Adaptation Program (CCAP), which supports efforts to prepare for and mitigate climate-related risks across Canada.
Mr. Douglas, a respected climate expert, is at the helm of three of these projects, run out of Laurentian University’s Climate Risk Institute. His work focuses on equipping professionals, decision-makers and First Nations communities with the tools and training needed to adapt to climate change.
“We are seeing climate change outpacing our efforts to protect people and communities from the harsh impacts of extreme weather,” said Mr. Douglas. “The Climate Risk Institute is grateful for this support from Natural Resources Canada, which will provide examples of best current practices in climate resilience and inspire greater implementation at scale.”
Building Resilience in Northern Ontario
The funded projects will focus on multiple aspects of climate adaptation, including the development of training programs for professionals in the forestry, mining and energy sectors, as well as community-led resilience initiatives. One initiative, CANAdapt, will serve as a national virtual platform connecting practitioners across Canada to share knowledge, success stories, and adaptation strategies.
“Training materials are essential,” Mr. Douglas explained. “We want to create a space where people can find the right resources for their field of work—whether that’s engineering, architecture, or forestry—so they can build capacity and integrate climate adaptation into their projects.”
A key component of this work is understanding how climate change is altering natural ecosystems. Douglas pointed out that as climate conditions shift, invasive species and competition for resources can lead to the loss of biodiversity. “We need to keep an eye on how climate might be promoting a narrowing of species diversity. If we don’t act, less robust species could be lost, impacting the entire ecosystem.”
Local Action and Economic Impacts
Beyond government-led initiatives, Mr. Douglas emphasized the role of local businesses and municipalities in preparing for climate risks. “Many businesses already factor climate adaptation into their continuity planning, often without realizing it,” he said. “Supply chain disruptions, road closures, and extreme weather events all force businesses to think outside the box. But as these events become more frequent, adaptation needs to be even more intentional.”
Municipal governments, too, are beginning to integrate climate adaptation into their policies. Douglas pointed to efforts by municipalities like Central Manitoulin and Billings Township, which have conducted risk assessments and begun developing strategies. “The fact that local governments are paying attention is encouraging. The next step is implementation.”
The Role of Policy and Individual Action
While large-scale policy is necessary, Mr. Douglas stressed the importance of community-led climate action. “Both are equally important,” he said. “Local knowledge brings a level of detail that policymakers can’t always capture. But at the provincial and national level, government resources can enable resilience efforts by providing funding, guidelines, and regulations.”
As for what individuals can do, Mr. Douglas encouraged people to take practical steps to safeguard their homes. “Homeowners can check their sump pumps, improve grading around their foundations, and take other precautions to prevent flooding,” he suggested. “More broadly, we need to hold our municipal and provincial governments accountable to keep climate resilience on the agenda.”
Looking Ahead
Despite the challenges, Mr. Douglas remains hopeful. “What gives me hope is that we’re seeing action at multiple levels—government, businesses, communities, and individuals. If we continue to push for climate adaptation as a priority, we can protect our communities, livelihoods, and ecosystems for future generations.”
With the support of federal funding, the Climate Risk Institute and other organizations across Northern Ontario are taking critical steps toward a more resilient future. As climate challenges mount, Manitoulin’s own Al Douglas is leading the way in ensuring that communities across Canada are prepared to adapt and thrive.
