Prepare or Repair: How climate-proofing public infrastructure pays off
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Climate change is already taking a heavy toll on Canada’s aging roads, bridges, sewers, and water systems—but new research shows that by investing upfront in adapting public infrastructure, governments could limit damage and save up to $10 billion each year.
A new report from the Canadian Climate Institute finds that rising heat and heavier rainfall are driving up infrastructure repair bills—with knock-on effects that can leave communities isolated, disrupt supply chains, and harm local economies. Prepare or Repair: How climate-proofing public infrastructure pays off warns that taxpayers will face steep and growing costs if adaptation is delayed. At the same time, it highlights a clear opportunity: if governments invest now and prepare public infrastructure for climate risks, they can save $5-$10 billion each year, plus further savings in avoided indirect economic losses.
Still, the upfront costs of adaptation are not insignificant (averaging $3 billion a year) and will largely fall to municipal governments, which own most public infrastructure but often lack sufficient financing tools.
To close this gap, the report calls for expanded adaptation funding, modernized municipal financial tools, stronger climate hazard data and mapping, faster updates to codes and standards, and embedding climate risk in all infrastructure spending, with targeted support for the most vulnerable communities.
The message is clear: every year of delay raises future costs, while investing now in resilient infrastructure will protect families, communities, businesses, and Canada’s economy from escalating climate risks.
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