Waterloo Leverages Climate Expertise to Lead Climate Adaptation Training for Municipalities
The Waterloo Climate Institute has been awarded funding through the Local Leadership for Climate Adaptation Initiative of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ (FCM) Green Municipal Fund (GMF) to catalyze municipal climate adaptation planning and implementation through an innovative training program designed specifically for municipal employees. In collaboration with climate experts across the University of Waterloo, the new certificate will offer a dynamic learning experience that utilizes cutting-edge e-learning tools and in-person applied learning opportunities. Developed for municipal staff new to climate change and associated impacts, this program is specifically designed to build critical capacity across the municipal workforce to address increasing risks such as extreme heat, flooding, fires, poor air quality and others.
“Communities are on the front lines of climate change, experiencing the direct impacts of both extreme weather events and long-term shifts. We have an important opportunity to plan ahead, build resilience, and ensure that communities can thrive even as these changes unfold. By investing in municipal capacity, the certificate program will speed up implementation of resilient programs and infrastructure needed to adapt to climate change impacts.” - Dr. Sarah Burch, Executive Director of the Waterloo Climate Institute
A tree-lined walkway provides shade, reduces urban heat, and improves air quality, demonstrating how green infrastructure can help cities adapt to a changing climate.
“FCM’s Green Municipal Fund is a leader in providing municipalities with training and resources to help them the capacity to create sustainable and resilient communities. Our partners, such as the Waterloo Climate Institute, are helping build a future for all Canadians that is secure and prosperous by accelerating the pace at which municipalities can undertake this critical work.” – Rebecca Bligh, FCM President
« Le Fonds municipal vert de la FCM est un chef de file dans la prestation de formations et de ressources aux municipalités pour les aider à créer des collectivités durables et résilientes. Nos partenaires, comme le Waterloo Climate Institute, nous aident à bâtir un avenir sûr et prospère pour toute la population canadienne en accélérant le rythme auquel les municipalités peuvent entreprendre ce travail essentiel. » - Rebecca Bligh, présidente de la FCM.
Launching in January 2026, the three-part micro-credential will provide synchronous and asynchronous learning opportunities for municipal staff interested in gaining a foundation in climate adaptation.
“Municipal leaders experience firsthand the impacts of climate change. Congratulations to the Waterloo Climate Training Program on this important initiative. By equipping municipalities with the resources and support to develop climate adaptation strategies tailored to their specific regions and needs, this program will help build local expertise and better protect our infrastructure and communities. Our federal government remains committed to working alongside municipal leaders to address climate change and build stronger, more resilient communities for the future.” – The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
« Les dirigeants municipaux sont des témoins directs des répercussions des changements climatiques. Félicitations au programme de formation sur le climat de l’Université de Waterloo pour cette initiative importante. En donnant aux municipalités les ressources et le soutien qui leur permettront d’élaborer des stratégies d’adaptation aux changements climatiques spécialement adaptées à leur région et leurs besoins, ce programme contribuera à développer une expertise locale et à mieux protéger notre infrastructure et nos collectivités. Le gouvernement fédéral demeure résolu à travailler avec les dirigeants municipaux afin de lutter contre les changements climatiques et de bâtir des collectivités plus fortes et plus résilientes pour les années à venir. » – L’honorable Steven Guilbeault, ministre de l’Environnement et du Changement climatique
“Congratulations to the Waterloo Climate Institute for launching this cutting-edge program. The Waterloo Region has a strong track record of innovation, and this training will give municipalities the tools they need to adapt to climate change. By equipping local leaders with expertise, we’re actively building a more resilient future for generations to come.”- Honourable Bardish Chagger, Member of Parliament for Waterloo
« Félicitations au Waterloo Climate Institute pour le lancement de ce programme de pointe. L’histoire de la région de Waterloo est riche en innovation, et cette nouvelle formation donnera aux municipalités les outils dont elles ont besoin pour s'adapter aux effets des changements climatiques. En dotant les élus municipaux de l’expertise nécessaire, nous contribuons activement à créer un avenir plus résilient pour les générations à venir. » -- L'honorable Bardish Chagger, députée de Waterloo
Nature-based solutions are key to building resilience in municipalities across Canada. Rain gardens and green roofs help regulate local stormwater runoff by absorbing rainfall and reducing flooding.
Launching in 2026, the training program will help municipal professionals build essential expertise in climate adaptation. Participants will gain a foundational understanding of climate science, risk assessment, and adaptation strategies while learning how to integrate climate adaptation measures into local government operations. The program also highlights the importance of equity-driven approaches and Indigenous relationship building, ensuring that solutions to climate risks address the needs of diverse and vulnerable populations.
The certificate program consists of three micro-credentials. The first, Climate Risk and Adaptation Foundations, introduces climate risks, tools, and strategies to implementing adaptation plans and projects at the municipal level. The second, Applying Climate Adaptation in Municipal Roles, offers a menu of 6 role-specific courses designed for municipal workers’ functional roles, which focus on practical implementation within municipal systems. The final component, Learning to Action Mini-Capstone, provides a hands-on opportunity to apply knowledge to on-the-ground projects that municipal employees are engaged in or are scoping. The completion of all three components earns participants a certificate in municipal climate adaptation and provides them with the knowledge and practical skills needed to actively implement climate adaptation projects within and across their portfolios and functional areas.
By combining UWaterloo’s strengths in climate change education and deep research expertise across disciplines with state-of-the-art mixed online and in-person learning, the new lifelong learning certificate offers an important pathway for municipalities in Canada to gain the critical capacity, skills, tools and knowledge they need to build climate-resilient communities. This initiative marks a critical step in accelerating local climate adaptation efforts nationwide.
About the LLCA initiative
The Local Leadership for Climate Adaptation (LLCA) initiative is a $530 million program provided through FCM’s Green Municipal Fund that aims to accelerate local, equity-informed climate adaptation action by supporting knowledge development and project implementation across 1,400 municipalities.
LLCA is funded through the Government of Canada Adaptation Action Plan and is a key component of the National Adaptation Strategy. LLCA is Canada’s second largest funding source helping municipalities adapt to the impacts of climate change.
À propos de l’initiative Leadership local pour l’adaptation climatique
L'initiative Leadership local pour l'adaptation au climat (LLCA) est un programme offert par le Fonds municipal vert de la FCM qui vise à accélérer et à élargir les mesures locales d’adaptation aux changements climatiques fondées sur l’équité, en favorisant le développement des connaissances et des compétences et en finançant la planification de la résilience et la mise en œuvre de projets. Les gouvernements locaux pourront ainsi renforcer leur résilience à long terme face aux répercussions des changements climatiques.
L’initiative Leadership local pour l’adaptation climatique du FMV est rendue possible grâce au soutien généreux du gouvernement du Canada. Le FMV est un partenaire essentiel qui soutient la mise en œuvre du Plan d’action pour l’adaptation du gouvernement du Canada (PAAGC).