Sept 26, 2024: AB Branch Webinar: Drought Planning & Preparedness in Calgary with The City of Calgary

Title: Drought Planning & Preparedness in Calgary

Presenter: George Roman (The City of Calgary), Pamela Duncan (The City of Calgary)

When: September 26, 2024 @ 12 pm (MT)

About: 

Southern Alberta has always been drought prone, and climate change is increasing the risk of drought. The City of Calgary has been planning and preparing for drought with a range of coordinated plans, programs, and actions. The City’s Drought Resilience Plan was approved by Calgary City Council in November, 2023. This strategic long-term plan provides a path forwards for people, ecosystems, and businesses in Calgary to adapt to the impacts of drought as we continue to grow. To achieve this, the plan includes five integrated goals: i. reduce water demand, ii. protect water supply, iii. conserve healthy landscapes, iv. foster strong relationships across the watershed, and v. increase drought preparedness.

Increasing operational drought preparedness was a key focus during 2024. A Drought Readiness and Response Implementation program (DRRI) coordinated several short-term drought preparedness actions. Key initiatives included the development of Drought and Water Shortage Principles, a public communications campaign, website updates, negotiating regional Water Sharing Agreements with other licensees, updating The City’s drought indicators and triggers, regular drought monitoring, and coordinating drought preparedness across all City Business Units. Although drought concerns diminished with the snow and rain received from March to early July, many of the drought preparedness initiatives still proved highly beneficial during the infrastructure-related city-wide water shortage that began on June 5th.