ClimateWest 2026 Forum

Agenda

The ClimateWest 2026 Forum brought together over 20 knowledgeable speakers to explore the theme of “Mainstreaming Climate Adaptation” throughout the Prairie provinces. Topics included communicating and engaging on climate adaptation; incorporating climate risks into planning; intersection of planning, architecture, and design; and real-world adaptation projects showcasing how adaptation is being brought to life at the national level and across the Prairies.

Download the full agenda for a list of speakers and topics that were explored at the forum.

Presentations

We are pleased to share the presentations from the forum below:

Day 1 – May 12, 2026

• Climate Change and Freshwater Availability in the Canadian Prairies, Dr. Daniel Peters, Environment and Climate Change Canada
• Two-Eyed Seeing in Partnerships for Solutions Across the Prairies, Thomas McKay, Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources (CIER)
• Preparing for Rising Flood Risk in the Prairies: Action at Home and in Communities, Dr. Anabela Bonada, INTACT Centre for Climate Adaptation
• Navigating the Waters: The City of Winnipeg Flood Manual, Jeremy Greshuk, City of Winnipeg
• Red River Métis Perspectives on Flooding and Drought: Community Impacts and Climate Resilience, Eli Desautels, Manitoba Métis Federation

Day 2 – May 12, 2026

• Communicating Climate Adaptation: Prairie Perspectives Brought Into Focus, Emma Bider, Re.Climate, Derek Bruno, SevGen Consulting & Asha Nelson, ClimateWest
• Improving Climate Resilience Considerations in Manitoba’s Approach to Development Approvals, Roger Rempel, Government of Manitoba, Climate Action and Energy Innovation Division
• Building Resilience: The Role of Standards in Advancing Climate-Ready Infrastructure, Jessica Akande, Standards Council of Canada
• Designing Sustainable Streets: Lessons from Implementing Green Infrastructure in Municipal Transportation Projects, Kaili Brown, HTFC Planning & Design
• From Strategy to Implementation – Progress on Canada’s National Adaptation Strategy, Laniel Bateman, Environment and Climate Change Canada
• Advancing Climate Resilience Through the Local Leadership for Climate Adaptation Initiative, Kaylyn Gervais, Green Municipal Fund
• A Systems View to Enhancing Climate Resilience in Eight First Nation Communities, Carolyn Smeltzer, Swampy Cree Tribal Council & Darren Swanson, Novel Futures Corporation

Recordings

We are pleased to share the recordings from the forum through our YouTube channel:

Day 1 – May 12, 2026

• Climate Change and Freshwater Availability in the Canadian Prairies, Dr. Daniel Peters, Environment and Climate Change Canada
• Two-Eyed Seeing in Partnerships for Solutions Across the Prairies, Thomas McKay, Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources (CIER)
• Preparing for Rising Flood Risk in the Prairies: Action at Home and in Communities, Dr. Anabela Bonada, INTACT Centre for Climate Adaptation
• Navigating the Waters: The City of Winnipeg Flood Manual, Jeremy Greshuk, City of Winnipeg
• Red River Métis Perspectives on Flooding and Drought: Community Impacts and Climate Resilience, Eli Desautels, Manitoba Métis Federation

Day 2 – May 12, 2026

• Communicating Climate Adaptation: Prairie Perspectives Brought Into Focus, Emma Bider, Re.Climate; Derek Bruno, SevGen Consulting; Asha Nelson, ClimateWest
• Resourcing Resilience: Aligning Economics, Policy, and Community Action, Emilia Cameron, Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction; David Leibl, Wawanesa Insurance; Duane Nicol, City of Selkirk
• Improving Climate Resilience Considerations in Manitoba’s Approach to Development Approvals, Roger Rempel, Government of Manitoba, Climate Action and Energy Innovation Division
• Building Resilience: The Role of Standards in Advancing Climate-Ready Infrastructure, Jessica Akande, Standards Council of Canada
• Designing Sustainable Streets: Lessons from Implementing Green Infrastructure in Municipal Transportation Projects, Kaili Brown, HTFC Planning & Design
• From Strategy to Implementation – Progress on Canada’s National Adaptation Strategy, Laniel Bateman, Environment and Climate Change Canada
• Advancing Climate Resilience Through the Local Leadership for Climate Adaptation Initiative, Kaylyn Gervais, Green Municipal Fund
• Eagle Eye View to Enhancing Climate Resilience in Eight First Nation Communities, Carolyn Smeltzer, Swampy Cree Tribal Council & Darren Swanson, Novel Futures Corporation

Photos

Photo credit: Friendly Visual

Land Acknowledgement

The ClimateWest 2026 Forum will be held on Treaty 1 Territory, the historic meeting place of the Anishinaabeg, Ininiwak/Nehethowuk, Anishininewuk, Dakota Oyate and Denésuline, and in the birthplace and homeland of the Red River Métis Nation. We recognize that Indigenous people carry knowledge that is critical to building climate resilience.

ClimateWest’s work occurs on Treaty 1, Treaty 2, Treaty 3, Treaty 4, Treaty 5, Treaty 6, Treaty 7, Treaty 8 and Treaty 10. We acknowledge the many First Nations, Métis and Inuit who have lived in and cared for these lands since time immemorial. 

We respect the spirit and intent of the Treaties, and are dedicated to fostering reciprocal partnerships with Indigenous people in the spirit of truth and reconciliation.