November 8, 2017 - The City of Thunder Bay has been accepted into the Federation of Canadian Municipalities' (FCM) new Climate and Asset Management Network, which is available through the Municipalities for Climate Innovation Program. It is delivered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and funded by the Government of Canada. 

This will assist Thunder Bay and other Canadian municipalities better integrate climate change and sustainability goals into decision-making about infrastructure assets and services, such as roads, drinking water and wastewater services. The City is looking to guide its infrastructure investments and provide a strategy for decision makers to prioritize investments that are appropriate to our changing climate.

"Through our strategic commitments, the City aims to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, as well as integrate Climate Adaptation into our asset management decisions, planning and practices," said Rena Viehbeck, Climate Adaptation Coordinator and Acting Sustainability Coordinator - EarthCare Thunder Bay. "By building upon our current Asset Management Plan, we will be better prepared and adaptable to the new and unforeseen realities of climate change, as well as increase our sustainability. Preparing Thunder Bay to become more resilient to the impacts of climate change, including extreme weather events, is a significant long-term goal of the City." 

FCM approved a financial contribution of up to $52,000 to help develop an asset management policy, strategy and governance framework that align with the City's Climate Adaptation Strategy and other social, economic and environmental sustainability goals. As part of the Network, representatives from Engineering & Operations Division, Financial Services Division, and EarthCare Thunder Bay will take part in peer learning opportunities including knowledge sharing with participants from other municipalities across Canada.   

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Contact:    Rena Viehbeck, Climate Adaptation Coordinator and Acting Sustainability Coordinator - EarthCare Thunder Bay, 625-2411