Community-Based Climate Change Adaptation Strategies

Problem Context

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) sought to develop community-based climate change adaptation strategies at five sites across Canada. The goal was to link science-based research results to the goals and objectives of community members. One of the selected sites was Roberts Bank, located near the towns of Tsawwassen and Delta on the Lower Mainland of British Columbia (BC). The towns of Delta and Tsawwassen have been experiencing adverse effects (e.g., storm surge) related to climate change. Local farmers and other businesses from the area are concerned about the impacts of climate change on their businesses and interests. NRCan thought that the combination of ecological, social, and economic values and associated objectives would make Roberts Bank a good test site for the development of adaptation strategies that grapple with a problem with multiple objectives. Roberts Bank is an important ecological site and also a major transportation hub for the Lower Mainland as the BC Ferries terminal, the Coal shipping port, and many other port activities occur at Roberts Bank.

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