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ClimateReadyYYC

ClimateReadyYYC

Building community resilience with local climate action

The program funds community organizations, non-profits, social organizations and groups of Calgarians to deliver practical projects that build resilience to extreme heat, wildfire smoke, energy disruptions, hail, strong winds, drought, extreme rainfall and river flooding.

Program-to-date impact snapshot

  • 42

    Community resilience initiatives supported

  • 428256

    Distributed to community organizations

  • 679505

    Leveraged through other funding streams

  • 1.1

    Million total investment in community-led climate action

  • 206

    Applications received

  • 2.5

    Million in total community funding requests

What ClimateReadyYYC projects support

  • Heat resilience

    Projects help Calgarians stay safer and more comfortable during extreme heat through shade, water fountains, misting stations, cooling spaces, drought-tolerant landscaping and other local improvements.

  • Water resilience

    Projects support water conservation and drought preparedness through rain barrels, cisterns, water-wise gardens, rain gardens and other measures that help communities use water more efficiently.

  • Wildfire smoke resilience

    Projects support indoor air quality via HEPA filter purchases and the education to respond to smoke events, including air filtration and community education where applicable.

  • Food resilience and community gardens

    Projects strengthen local food resilience through food forests, composting, greenhouses, climate-adapted growing spaces, hail tunnels and community gardens.

  • Community capacity and education

    Projects build local knowledge through workshops, land-based learning, climate education and community-led programming.

  • Energy resilience

    Projects build local knowledge through workshops, installing solar panels and supporting alternative transportation methods.

What this looks like in communities

Projects turn climate adaptation into visible, local improvements. Funded projects have supported public space resilience via installing rain barrels, rainwater capture systems, hydration hubs, sunshades, HEPA filters, drought-tolerant plantings, pollinator habitats, hail tunnels, food forests and by providing education to support community understanding. Funding is administered by the Federation of Calgary Communities.

Learn more about what this looks like

Alex Community Food Centre 

Food, water and heat resilience 

Resilience actions:

  • Installed greenhouse awnings to reduce heat impacts.
  • Expanded pollinator gardens with drought-tolerant plants.
  • Added berry bushes and food forest plantings to increase biodiversity and food production. 
  • Expanded composting programs to improve soil health.
  • Piloted hail tunnels to protect crops from extreme weather.

The Alex Community Food Centre strengthened local food security and climate resilience through gardening, composting, and community-led environmental programs. These initiatives improved biodiversity, supported sustainable food production, and engaged community members in hands-on climate action and environmental learning.

Norfolk Housing

Heat and water resilience

Resilience actions:

  • Installed sunshades in shared outdoor spaces to reduce heat exposure.
  • Distributed and installed rain barrels to capture and reuse rainwater.
  • Hosted a community information session on climate adaptation.
  • Promoted water conservation and sustainable outdoor water use.

Norfolk Housing improved resilience to heat and water challenges through practical adaptation measures and resident education. Sunshades created cooler, safer outdoor gathering spaces during hot summer months, while rain barrels helped conserve water and support sustainable gardening practices. Together, these initiatives increased resident awareness and capacity to adapt to changing climate conditions.

L’Arche Association of Calgary

Wildfire smoke resilience

Resilience actions:

  • Purchased air filters for community residents living in community homes.
  • Installed air filtration systems in community spaces.
  • Implemented water conservation measures to support outdoor spaces during dry conditions.

L’Arche improved resilience to wildfire smoke by enhancing indoor air quality for residents and community members. The project also promoted water conservation, helping the organization better manage resources during periods of environmental stress.

Wellspring Alberta

Heat and water resilience

Resilience actions:

  • Planted drought-tolerant plants and trees.
  • Applied mulch to improve soil health and moisture retention.
  • Installed self-watering planters to reduce water use.
  • Enhanced habitat for pollinators and local wildlife.

Wellspring Alberta revitalized the gardens at Randy O’Dell House to be more sustainable and climate resilient. The improvements help reduce heat impacts, conserve water, and create a welcoming outdoor space that supports wellbeing, recovery, and connection for cancer patients and the community.

Community partnerships

ClimateReadyYYC is built on partnerships with community associations, cultural organizations, housing providers, non-profits and grassroots groups across Calgary.

These partnerships help ensure funded projects are locally relevant, community led and responsive to the needs of people most affected by climate change.