Presentation overview:

Our regional context – the Calgary region as a place

Presentation overview:

The Calgary Metropolitan Plan and climate change

Research in our region to understand climate change

Calgary Metropolitan Plan area within the South Saskatchewan River Basin (Regional Planning area)

Mean Annual Flow (m3 sec-1), Bow River at Calgary

1911-2010

ChallengesBenefits

Bow River Project: Reaching Agreement

Mike Kelly, WaterSMARTDavid Hill, AIEES

May 17, 2012

It can be managed to mitigate climate effects on supply, demand, environmental and economic factors

The Bow is a Managed River

Source: BRBC State of Watershed Plan

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South Saskatchewan River Basin Flows (Bow + Oldman)

Historic and tree ring data indicate future flood/drought events could be far more severe than recent record

Source: David Sauchyn, University of Regina

History Demonstrates Extreme Climate Variability

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A collaborative project of southern Albertans to explore practical options for adapting to climate variability and change.

Water is fundamental to community sustainability and growth

How water is managed in the SSRB will become even more important in the face of changing weather patterns and climate

This project will build on and integrate existing data, tools, capacity and knowledge to:

Improve our shared understanding

Explore how to manage for the range of potential impacts

Support collaborative testing of adaptation responses

Increase capacity for water resource management throughout the SSRB

The SSRB Adaptation Project at a Glance

Work will be conducted with Stakeholders, by Stakeholders

The SSRB Basin is Extensive and Diverse

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Climate Variability Scenarios for the Bow River Basin

Source: Water Survey of Canada

Dave Sauchyn, Ph.D., P. Geo.Prairie Adaptation Research Collaborative, University of ReginaAdjunct Professor, University of Lethbridge

SSRB Adaptation Project meeting, Calgary, 11 June 2012

Key Research Questions

www.calgaryregion.ca/cmp