Understanding Risk Communication in Alberta’s Municipalities

Overview

Alberta’s municipalities are at risk from multiple hazards like wildfires and flooding, which have increased in frequency and intensity as a result of climate change. Across the province, municipalities are beginning to develop adaptation plans using existing regulatory strategies and legislation to reduce the exposure of new development to these hazards.

This study aims to understand the nature and state of risk knowledge that multiple stakeholders have concerning new land developments in risk prone areas in Alberta, and the ways in which this risk knowledge is communicated. The study will use select case studies that will be identified and investigated from a list of new developments in risk-prone areas in municipalities across the province of Alberta.