Edmonton's climate is changing, and the City has created the Climate Resilience Planning and Development Action Plan to build a more sustainable future for everyone.
The Climate Resilience Planning and Development Action Plan is a strategy to ensure we incorporate energy transition and climate adaptation action in every stage of planning and development processes as our city continues to grow.
Resilient Landscaping on Private Property
Project Overview
Edmontonians want the City to take action to prepare for the changing climate we are seeing today. We are committed to building a city that anticipates, prepares for and adapts. As part of our ongoing efforts, we gathered feedback from July 15 to August 5, 2026 as Advise level public engagement to explore options for consideration to increase resilient landscaping on residential, commercial and industrial land through education and possible regulatory changes. Public engagement is now closed.
This work supports the Climate Resilient Planning and Development Action Plan, Action 4 and responds to a previous Council motion that directed Administration to assess landscaping regulations and provide Zoning Bylaw amendment options to implement the work of climate resilience in planning and development, if necessary.
Next Steps
The City is developing education campaigns for the public and City building partners, including effective tools and resources to help Edmontonians adapt their landscaping practices which will launch this fall.
A report will be brought forward for Urban Planning Committee’s consideration in the future, tentatively planned for December 1, 2026, with public engagement feedback, opportunities and recommendations to improve zoning regulations for increasing resilient landscaping on private property, and an update on education and programming that is underway to support Action 4. Any changes to the Zoning Bylaw would require a future Public Hearing, giving Edmontonians further opportunities to share their feedback in 2027.
Target City Council Dates
Urban Planning Committee: December 1, 2026
Public Hearing: To be determined
What is Climate Resilience?
Climate resilience is the ability to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change and climate-related events.
- Adaptation means making adjustments to social, economic and environmental practices to reduce vulnerabilities to climate change.
- Mitigation involves using new strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Stay Connected and Sign Up
Receive news about upcoming public engagement.
About the Action Plan
Building on the City’s existing climate change initiatives, the Climate Resilience Planning and Development Action Plan identifies the first 15 priority actions to incorporate climate resilience measures into the planning and development continuum. These actions are intended to be implemented from 2024 to 2026 in order to lay a strong foundation for ongoing climate resilience building.
The action plan supports the holistic integration of climate resilience throughout the planning and development continuum including:
Neighbourhoods
New and existing communities that provide homes, amenities, recreation and other services.
Site Design and Landscaping
The location of development and landscaping on individual sites.
Buildings
New construction and building retrofits.
City Processes
How administration reviews and processes development and planning applications, develops new policies and plans, and collaborates across departments and areas of expertise.
Outcomes
The Climate Resilience Planning and Development Action Plan aims to achieve the following outcomes:
Energy Transition
Support the energy transition through energy efficient buildings and low carbon energy sources.
Resilient Community Design
Guide community design to support low carbon transportation and infrastructure that is resilient to the impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather events and rising temperatures.
Preservation of Natural Assets
Preserve and improve natural assets to support carbon sequestration and improved resilience to climate impacts.
Improved Public Health and Safety
Contribute to healthier communities by reducing exposure to climate-related risks.
Education and Information Sharing
Support education of partners and decision makers about risks and opportunities and foster dialogue about climate resilience.
Engagement Timeline
Phase 2 engagement was completed in July 2024.
Engagement was focused on reviewing and refining the list of 15 draft actions. Feedback supported further adjustment and prioritization of the draft actions and informed the development of the Action Plan.
Engagement opportunities were shared with Edmontonians and directly with numerous GBA+ organizations to reach marginalized and equity-deserving communities.
Read the Phase 2 What We Heard Report.
Phase 1 engagement was completed in April 2024.
Engagement was focused on identifying the opportunities and challenges for climate action within the City’s planning and development processes.
Read the Phase 1 What We Heard Report.
Further engagement will be conducted, as needed, to inform the specific components of each action.
Implementation
The implementation of the Climate Resilience Planning and Development Action Plan is targeted to take place over two and a half years (mid 2024 to late 2026). The groundwork for some actions has already begun and others will begin soon.
By following this broad approach, the City of Edmonton is committed to building a resilient, sustainable, and inclusive future for all.