Resilient by Design - Creating a Future-Ready Calgary

Join us for the opening session of the 7th annual Calgary Climate Symposium and discover how Calgary is planning for a resilient, low-carbon future. Learn how The City is taking action to both reduce emissions and adapt to a changing climate to create a healthier, more sustainable city for everyone.

City of Calgary staff will share updates on local climate initiatives, programs, and resources that support Calgarians, businesses, and communities in taking climate action. Explore how proactive planning and intentional design can make Calgary more resilient to climate risks while driving innovation and economic opportunity.

Speakers: Nicole Newton (City of Calgary); Lewis Percy (City of Calgary); Reed Froklage (City of Calgary); Morgan Rice (City of Calgary); Amanda Burke (City of Calgary); Paulette Fox

Moderator: Nick Butt (City of Calgary)

Keynote: Dr. Katharine Hayhoe, Global Chief Scientist of Nature United

From Challenge to Opportunity: Acting Together for a Climate-Ready Future

As our climate continues to change, the impacts are being felt in our communities, businesses, and daily lives. Yet within this challenge lies a powerful opportunity to build a future that is not only resilient, but also prosperous and equitable. Blending science with strategies from innovation and collaboration, Katharine Hayhoe explores how the choices we make today can unlock solutions that benefit people, industry, and the planet. She argues that collective action, practical strategies, and informed decision-making can turn climate risks into opportunities for growth, leadership, and hope: which is not the absence of fear, but rather the courage to act together for a better tomorrow.

Building Energy Equity: Local Solutions for Affordable, Clean Energy

Environment versus Equity? These panelists say no. This doesn't have to be an either/or question. This webinar explores how local initiatives are concurrently advancing energy equity and sustainability across Calgary are proving that environmental sustainability and equity can–and must–go hand in hand. Join us to learn how the City of Calgary engaged with the community to create Advancing Energy Equity Together: Calgary’s Energy Equity Strategy and how it is addressing energy affordability, how Kambo Energy Group is improving home comfort, lowering emissions and reducing energy costs for families, and how Solar Alberta is driving a just transition to a sustainable energy future. Together, these efforts highlight the power of community-driven solutions in building a more equitable and environmentally-friendly Calgary.  

Speakers: Heather MacKenzie (Solar AB); Brittany Tran (City of Calgary); Robert Mains (Kambo Energy)

Moderator: Pat Letizia (Alberta Ecotrust)

Current Approaches to Building for Resilience and High Performance in Alberta

As Alberta navigates the challenges of climate change and energy transition, resilient and high-performance buildings are becoming essential to a sustainable future. This session, hosted by Alberta Ecotrust, brings together insights from leading initiatives focused on advancing building practices across the province. 

Participants will hear key findings from the Emissions Neutral Buildings Information Exchange (ENBIX) research project, which explores strategies for reducing operational emissions in Alberta’s built environment. The Retrofit Accelerator team will share practical approaches to enhancing resilience in commercial buildings, including measures that address climate risks and energy efficiency. Additionally, Passive House Alberta, an Alberta Ecotrust Foundation grantee, will present compelling case studies showcasing low-embodied-carbon building assemblies and their role in reducing lifecycle emissions.

Speakers: Garrett Clark (AB Ecotrust); Frank Crawford (Passive House Alberta)

Moderator: Juan Monterrosa (AB Ecotrust)

Community Climate Action Through the ClimateReadyYYC Program

Discover how Calgarians are leading the way in community-driven climate action through the ClimateReadyYYC grant program. Funded by the City of Calgary and administered by the Federation of Calgary Communities, this initiative has supported 21 innovative projects that help communities adapt to climate change and build resilience - especially for those most vulnerable to its impacts. In this session, grant recipients will share their experiences, showcasing creative and practical solutions like climate education, green infrastructure, and local sustainability efforts. Learn how these projects are strengthening neighborhoods and explore ideas that can be scaled or replicated to foster a more climate-ready Calgary. This grant program also empowers first-time applicants and grassroots groups by removing barriers to participation and building capacity for successful climate action.  

Speakers: Crystal Hanson (Wellspring Alberta); Laura Shutiak (Youth En Route); Joanna Tschudy (The Alex); Jared Blustein (Calgary Climate Hub); Paulah Madzinga (Norfolk Housing); Colleen Foster (Crossroads Residents); Pooja Shrestha (Calgary Communities)

Moderator: Ruth DeSantis (City of Calgary)

Pathways to Equity: Indigenous Innovation and Urban Accessibility

This webinar will explore the disproportionate effects of climate change on Indigenous peoples and other equity-denied communities, often facing systemic barriers to climate inclusion and resilience in urban environments. Innovative, community-led approaches to climate action and accessibility will also be showcased. Hear from Indigenous youth leaders behind Lightning Path, an augmented reality app developed by Steel River Group to raise awareness about sustainable transportation and clean fuels. Blending cutting-edge technology with traditional teachings, this initiative empowers youth to envision themselves as leaders in Canada’s clean energy future. Drawing on both historical and contemporary perspectives, this session highlights how climate solutions can be both equitable and innovative.

Speakers: Mona Ha (City of Calgary); Wacey Little Light (Steel River Group); Kendra Fequet (Steel River Group)

Moderator: Hira Shah (City of Calgary)

Strengthening Alberta’s Homes and Infrastructure for Climate Resilience

This webinar explores how Alberta communities and organizations are preparing for the impacts of a changing climate through innovative, data-driven, and resilient infrastructure solutions. From climate-resilient homes to adaptive energy systems and sustainable stormwater design, the session highlights practical strategies that address key climate risks such as hail, flooding, heat, and wildfire smoke. Speakers will share insights on coordinating incentives across sectors to support homeowners, using climate modeling to guide energy infrastructure planning, and integrating naturalized stormwater systems to enhance community resilience. Together, these approaches demonstrate how collaboration between researchers, utilities, engineers, and municipalities can build a safer, more climate-ready Alberta.  

Speakers: Morgan Rice (City of Calgary); Jennifer Massig (Magna Engineering Services); Keith Porter (Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction); David Sauchyn (University of Regina / Prairie Adaptation Research Collaborative); Samantha Murphy (ENMAX)

Moderator: Chris Villacorta-Lopez (CPAWS)

Urban Agriculture and Food Resilience in Calgary

This webinar explores how Calgarians can reduce waste and support sustainable food systems through practical, community-driven solutions. Learn how reducing food waste at home and in the community can make a big impact, and discover how organic practices contribute to healthier ecosystems, ethical food production, and climate resilience. The City of Calgary will also share insights on waste and recycling programs that help Calgarians manage materials responsibly and reduce environmental impact. Together, these speakers will offer actionable ideas for building a cleaner, more sustainable Calgary - starting with what we eat and what we throw away.  

Speakers: Yanyu Li (City of Calgary); Carolyn Kury de Castillo (Green Calgary); Tracey Smith (Organic Alberta)

Moderator: Shane Gagnon (City of Calgary)

Powering Alberta’s Future: Clean Energy Innovations in Southern Alberta

Alberta’s energy landscape is rapidly changing, led by innovative leaders who are redefining how communities power their future. This webinar brings together key voices advancing this shift toward a low-carbon future. Learn how Calgary Transit is reducing emissions and building a more resilient city through electric and CNG buses, while leveraging renewable energy to power the LRT system. Discover impactful energy transition projects from Southern Alberta, recognized by the Alberta Emerald Foundation for their leadership and success. Explore the potential of hydrogen as a clean fuel source and its growing role in Calgary’s energy strategy, as presented by the Calgary Region Hydrogen Hub. Together, these leaders offer a compelling look at how Alberta is moving forward—collaboratively, creatively, and with purpose.  

Speakers: Marisa Orfei (AB Emerald Foundation); Jordan Zukowski (City of Calgary – Transit); Zak Cunningham (Calgary Region Hydrogen Hub)

Moderator:  Amy Thompson (ACEE)

EV Ready: The Rise of Electric Mobility in Calgary

This session explores how national and local leaders are supporting the transition to cleaner transportation. Plug’n Drive will share insights on electric vehicle (EV) ownership, charging, and the future of electrification, including highlights from their EVs are for EVeryone tour. The City of Calgary will present its ChargeYYC pilot program, which is helping residents of multi-unit buildings access EV charging at home—an essential step toward inclusive and sustainable mobility. Together, these speakers will highlight practical solutions and emerging opportunities in Canada’s EV landscape.  

Speakers: Grace Brown (City of Calgary); Ron Groves (Plug’n Drive)

Moderator: Jordan Carrier (City of Calgary)

Future-Ready Buildings: Advancing Energy-Efficient Design

Calgary’s building sector is evolving to meet the challenges of climate change through innovative design, sustainable construction practices, and energy-efficient technologies.  

This session brings together organizations from across the industry to explore how net-zero homes, green building programs, and certification strategies are shaping a more climate-resilient city. From residential tours to municipal initiatives and commercial optimization, attendees will gain insights into how Calgary is advancing high-performance buildings and reducing emissions in the built environment. Whether you're a builder, planner, property manager, or community member, this session offers practical perspectives on building a more sustainable and future-ready Calgary.

Speakers: Bill Black (Calgary Construction Association); Andrew Mills (Eco-Solar Home Tour); Angie Dean (City of Calgary); Jay Islam (BOMA Calgary)

Moderator: Ahsan Syed (Carbon Upcycling)

Healthy Cities in a Changing Climate: A Panel Discussion on Urban Well-Being

Climate change is not only an environmental issue - it’s a growing public health challenge. This panel brings together health professionals and experts to explore the deep connections between planetary health and human well-being. From the impacts of air pollution and extreme weather on physical and mental health, to the role of urban planning and nature-based solutions in building resilient communities, panelists will share insights from clinical, psychological, and public health perspectives. Topics will include eco-anxiety, the health effects of wildfire smoke and urban heat, and strategies for creating healthier, more sustainable cities. Join this timely conversation to learn how healthcare professionals are leading the way in climate resilience and advocating for healthier communities by design.  

Speakers: Stephen Wilton (CAPE / University of Calgary); Christine Gibson (CAPE / Safer Spaces Training); Kirsten Sjonnesen (CAPE); Philip Barber (CAPE); Cortney Hlady (Alberta Health Services)

Moderator: Jodi Hughes (CTV News)