Climate change threats prompt CCA to demand stronger policies and investments

• A CCA report is calling for increased investment and stronger policies to protect infrastructure from climate change
• The report highlights the need for resilient infrastructure to withstand extreme weather events and population growth pressures
• Recent incidents like Toronto's flooding and Jasper's wildfires show the vulnerabilities of aging infrastructure

An urgent threat: The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) has released a report emphasizing the urgent need for increased investment and stronger policies to protect Canadians and their infrastructure from climate change.

• The "Climate resilience in construction: Building for a sustainable future" report highlights the importance of building resilient infrastructure to withstand extreme weather events and other threats.

Why it matters: The report identifies the need for substantial investment to protect assets and address the strain from population growth and housing developments.

• The construction sector has made strides in sustainability, cutting emissions from 230 tonnes in 2010 to 140.9 tonnes in 2022 per million dollars invested.
• But achieving long-term sustainability requires broader support from stakeholders and all levels of government, and incentives are needed to pilot new processes and technologies.

Real-world impact: Recent incidents like Toronto's flooding, Jasper's wildfires, and Calgary's broken water main underscore the vulnerabilities of Canada's aging infrastructure.

• The report suggests that current infrastructure investments often prioritize political expediency over critical needs.
• The industry faces challenges such as labor shortages, procurement issues, alternative delivery models, and supply chain disruptions.

The big picture: Without significant investment and strategic planning, Canada's infrastructure remains vulnerable to climate-related disasters, impacting community well-being, economic stability, and environmental goals. Emphasis on creating effective policies to address labor shortages, procurement issues, and supply chain challenges is crucial.