Climate change has a significant impact on the water cycle and sea levels, resulting in long-term and extreme weather events like flooding, increased precipitation and droughts. To address water-related risks and vulnerabilities worsened by climate change, communities from coast to coast to coast are adapting their infrastructure design and planning processes.

Your municipality needs reliable climate data and projections to effectively adapt to local climate challenges. To help you make sense of climate data, our Municipalities for Climate Innovation Program (MCIP) partnered with the Canadian Center for Climate Services (CCCS) to develop a series of five case studies to explore how small and medium sized municipalities used data to improve their resilience. In the case studies, you’ll discover:  

• the importance of climate data
• how to integrate existing climate data as you develop different types of plans  
• ways to access and track local data for the benefit of your entire municipality
• essential climate data portals local governments can access to find local climate projections
• examples of how municipalities across Canada are responding to past and future climate impacts that jeopardize their communities
• resources relating to identifying climate vulnerabilities in your community
• the role climate data plays in identifying risks and developing adaptation strategies

Grand Forks, British Columbia: Strengthening flood resilience

Find out how the City of Grand Forks is using climate data and state of the art flood models to guide their resilient recovery following significant flooding in 2018.

L’Islet, Quebec: Developing a community climate action plan

Learn about the community’s approach to identify how the climate hazards they are facing will change into the future, and how they are preparing.

Saint John, New Brunswick: Adapting to floods and storm surges

Read about Saint John’s concurrent community and infrastructure climate risk assessments, and how the city is working to safeguard citizens and services.

Quinte Conservation, Ontario: Enhancing community drought resilience

Discover how a conservation authority is pairing climate projections and condition monitoring to identify and prepare for drought conditions, and what the 18 involved municipalities will do when identified thresholds are exceeded.

Windsor, Ontario: Integrating climate change adaptation into municipal planning

Learn about Windsor’s approach to mainstreaming climate change into decision-making across the organization by implementing a council report climate lens.  

Who is this case study series for?

This case study series was developed for municipal staff in small and medium sized communities who have positions as asset managers, climate change staff, engineers, planners and water/stormwater coordinators.

These case studies were created for the Municipal Climate Services Collaborative (MCSC), a joint initiative of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and the Canadian Centre for Climate Services (CCCS). The MCSC draws on the expertise of local governments, Provincial and Territorial Associations and expert organizations representing each region of Canada to develop resources that facilitate the use of climate information local government decision-making.

This article is part of a series called How energy-efficient affordable housing is improving the lives of Canadians. The series features the inspiring stories of six Canadians who are living comfortably and saving money thanks to energy-efficient affordable housing.

For Megan, living at Rossland Yards in British Columbia’s Kootenay region has meant more than just finding a place to live—it’s meant finding stability. 

“I’ve lived in the Kootenays my whole life,” she says. “I’ve been at Rossland Yards for about a year and a half now, and it’s been such a good fit for me and my boys.”

Megan lives in a two-bedroom unit with her 12-year-old son and her 18-year-old nephew, who stays with them part-time. After years of renting in different communities, she says the difference in comfort, safety, and affordability has been life changing. “I feel safe here, and the boys are happy," she says. "That’s the biggest thing.”

A safe, family-friendly space

Before moving to Rossland Yards, Megan lived in older, more expensive homes that didn’t always feel secure. “I was paying over $2,000 a month for a place where I couldn’t even use the backyard,” she recalls. “It just didn’t feel safe.”

At Rossland Yards, things are different. “Security was a huge thing for me,” she says. “You need a fob to get in, and I’ve never had any problems. It makes me feel more comfortable—especially as a mom.” Her new home, she says, is bright, spacious and welcoming. 

“My unit is perfect for me and the boys. We each have our space, and it’s big enough for them to play or hang out. It’s really lovely.”

The building’s pet-friendly policy is important to them as well. In the past, it was difficult for the family to find housing because many landlords didn’t want pets or kids. “I have a cat—she’s a pretty expensive one,” she says with a laugh. “I’m so glad I was able to bring her. Here, we’re accepted as we are.”

Comfort that makes a difference

For Megan, comfort is about more than convenience—it’s about health and peace of mind. She lives with chronic bronchitis, so stable indoor temperatures matter. 

"I’ve rented lots of places over the years, and this is the only one that hasn’t been drafty. The temperature stays steady all year—I’ve never even had to turn on the baseboard heaters. That consistency has made a real difference for my health. In the past, moving from a warm room to a cold one would trigger my bronchitis, but here it’s all one temperature. It’s honestly been good for my health.”

She also appreciates how well the building’s systems keep the air fresh. “There are little vents that bring in clean air, so it never feels stuffy,” she says. “It’s a neat feature, and it makes a difference, especially for me and the boys.”

Affordability that creates room to breathe

In addition to feeling healthier and more secure, Megan says the affordability of her home has eased a major burden. 

“Before, I was always behind on bills. Now, I’m actually ahead—I even have a credit on my account. It’s a huge break.”

Having predictable costs means she can plan for the future. “It’s affordable, and that makes all the difference,” she says. “I can put money away for when the boys are older and want to travel or do their own thing. I’ve never been able to do that before.”

That stability, she explains, has reduced stress for the whole family. “I’m happier, which means the boys are happier,” she says. “I’m not constantly worried about rent or utilities. It’s such a relief.”

Room to grow

With that stability has come time to focus on what she loves. “I’m a bit of a language nerd,” she says, smiling. “Since moving here, I’ve learned a few new languages just because I have the time now. I’m not constantly running around trying to make ends meet.”

She also spends more time with her sons—going camping, hiking, or just getting outside. “We’re outdoors people,” she says. “Now, when I tell them to go play or go for a walk, I know they’re safe. They can go to the skate park, they can bike, they can just be kids.” For Megan, that sense of balance—safety, affordability, and the freedom to enjoy life—is what makes Rossland Yards special.

“This place is my favourite out of everywhere I’ve lived. It’s safe, it’s beautiful, and it feels like home.”

Rossland Yards was developed by the Lower Columbia Affordable Housing Society and supported by the Green Municipal Fund’s Sustainable Affordable Housing (SAH) initiative. 

This article is part of a series called How energy-efficient affordable housing is improving the lives of Canadians. The series features the inspiring stories of six Canadians who are living comfortably and saving money thanks to energy-efficient affordable housing.

At the resident’s request for privacy, their name has been changed and identifying information has been removed. 

When Jessie moved into their home at Aspen Heights in Saskatoon, they noticed the difference almost right away.

“There’s really not a lot that I can think of that’s negative,” Jessie says. “The units are bright, they’re new, and they have all the comforts of home you would want.”

Aspen Heights, developed by the National Affordable Housing Corporation (NAHC) with support from the Green Municipal Fund’s Sustainable Affordable Housing (SAH) initiative, includes 56 energy-efficient townhouse units. Thirty percent are designated as low-income households, with priority for residents with mental health or developmental needs.

Jessie has lived at Aspen Heights since 2022 and describes it as a comfortable, well-built place to call home. “It’s in a good part of the city—away from the hustle and bustle—and it just feels more at home because of that.”

Living comfortably year-round

The homes at Aspen Heights are built to handle Saskatchewan’s extreme weather, with well-insulated walls, durable construction, and efficient heating and ventilation systems that help residents stay comfortable all year long.

“There aren’t as many fluctuations when the seasons change, which is really good. We have extreme weather in Saskatchewan—really cold in winter and hot in summer—so anything that mediates that is nice. It’s literally shelter from the elements.”

Jessie adds that the concrete foundation helps the unit stay cool in summer, while good insulation prevents drafts in winter. “It seems to be extremely good that way,” they say. “Everything’s sealed off well. You don’t feel anything—it operates as it should.”

When Jessie moved in, staff walked residents through the home’s energy-saving features. “We went over the air-exchange system and how to set it for summer or winter,” Jessie recalls. “That helps with temperature control, and obviously that saves money because you don’t have to turn the heat up as much.”

Predictable bills, less stress

Lower utility costs have been one of the biggest benefits of living at Aspen Heights. Jessie says their energy bills are lower and more consistent than anywhere they’ve lived before. “It hasn’t gone up since I moved in,” they say. “That’s a huge help for someone working part-time. I definitely wouldn’t be able to afford to live here without it being cheaper on the bill.”

That financial stability has eased day-to-day pressures. “It’s cut down on stress,” Jessie explains. 

“I haven’t had to stress as much about increasing rent or utility costs. It’s allowed me to spend more money on other things, like furthering my education and increasing my skills—and that plays a large part in my mental health and happiness.”

A sense of community

Jessie also appreciates the atmosphere at Aspen Heights. “It’s nice to be around other kind, respectful people,” they say. They enjoy recognizing familiar faces in the complex. “It makes you feel like you’re not alone,” they say. “There’s a sense of community here.” That sense of stability and belonging is something NAHC and GMF aimed to achieve when they partnered on Aspen Heights: creating energy-efficient homes that are safe, affordable, and supportive. 

Redefining affordable housing

Asked what they wish more people understood about affordable housing, Jessie reflects for a moment. 

“People often think affordable housing is for someone who’s really struggling — just barely getting by. But it can be something different. It can impact you in a positive way and help you grow and improve areas of your life that you wouldn’t think it would.”

For them, Aspen Heights represents what affordable housing can and should be: well-designed, comfortable, and built to last. “If you’re going to do it right,” Jessie says, “this is the way to do it.”

Aspen Heights was developed by the National Affordable Housing Corporation (NAHC) and supported by the Green Municipal Fund’s Sustainable Affordable Housing (SAH) initiative. 

This article is part of a series called How energy-efficient affordable housing is improving the lives of Canadians. The series features the inspiring stories of six Canadians who are living comfortably and saving money thanks to energy-efficient affordable housing.

For Eli, moving into Aspen Heights in Saskatoon has been a turning point. 

“I’m very happy here,” he says. “Compared to where I used to live, it’s a much nicer neighbourhood. I feel safer and much happier.”

Before coming to Aspen Heights, Eli rented in older buildings where maintenance and comfort were ongoing challenges. Heating was unreliable, and the neighbourhoods didn’t always feel safe. “It was hard to relax,” he says. “Something always needed fixing, or I’d worry about the bills changing.”

At Aspen Heights, things are different. “Here, everything just works,” he says. “It’s quiet, clean, and well maintained, and I don’t have to worry about anything.” He adds that the stability and sense of care in the community make a big difference day to day. 

“It’s nice to come home and know that you’re in a good place.”

Developed by the National Affordable Housing Corporation (NAHC), Aspen Heights was created with the goal of giving residents like Eli a stable, affordable place to call home. The development demonstrates how affordable housing can support both quality of life and environmental goals.

A home that works as it should

Eli describes his home as solid, comfortable, and easy to manage through every season. “It’s very comfortable,” he says. “In the winter, if I’m not happy with the temperature, I can adjust it easily, and in the summer, I just change the thermostat a little and it’s fine.”

Living in Saskatchewan means dealing with long, cold winters and warm summers, but Eli says his home handles the changes well. “It’s nice and warm,” he explains. “Everything works the way it should.”

While he doesn’t focus much on the technical features, he appreciates that the building performs efficiently without extra effort on his part. “I might have been told about the energy-saving features when I first moved in,” he says, “but what matters is that everything stays comfortable and it’s easy to manage.”

Predictable costs, lasting peace of mind

For Eli, one of the biggest differences at Aspen Heights is the consistency of his monthly expenses. 

“I always pay the same amount every month, and it never changes. It’s cost-effective, and I don’t have to worry about my finances being impacted by utilities.”

That stability gives him peace of mind and a stronger sense of control over his budget. “It’s reliable,” he says. “I know what to expect, and that makes a big difference.”

He also appreciates that the homes were designed with sustainability in mind. “It’s good for the environment,” he says. “The more we can help right now, the better.” For Eli, that’s an added benefit of living somewhere that’s responsible as well as affordable.

A neighbourhood that feels like home

Beyond the comfort of his own unit, Eli says he values the quiet, friendly atmosphere of the community itself. “The location is great, and the people are nice overall,” he says. “I like the nature that’s around when you walk here.” That sense of safety and belonging is what stands out most for him. “Before, safety was a concern,” he says. “Now I live in a nice neighbourhood, and I feel comfortable and secure.”

Housing that supports well-being

Eli says his health and comfort have remained steady since moving in. “My health is good, the air quality is good, and I stay warm in the winter,” he says. “It’s good overall.” The biggest difference, he says, is the sense of ease that comes from knowing his housing is reliable and secure. “It’s a good place to live,” he says simply—a reflection of how stable, sustainable housing helps residents feel grounded and at home.

Aspen Heights was developed by the National Affordable Housing Corporation (NAHC) and supported by the Green Municipal Fund’s Sustainable Affordable Housing (SAH) initiative.