2002/104 (a)

BACKGROUNDER

RESEARCH PROJECTS ON WATER RESOURCES

The Government of Canada has announced $651,000 in funding through the Climate Change Action Fund (CCAF) for the following seven research projects into the impacts of climate change on water resources:

The Implications of Climate Change for Canada’s Boundary and Transboundary Water Management

This project will analyze the potential impacts of climate change on boundary and transboundary water basins between Canada and the United States and between provinces and territories. It will also examine existing water-related agreements and procedures and assess their ability to adapt to climate change.
Total budget: $282,200 (CCAF contribution: $139,300)
Project leads: Dr. Jim Bruce, Global Change Strategies International; Dr. Gordon McBean, University of Western Ontario.

Expanding the Dialogue on Climate Change and Water Management in the Okanagan Basin, British Columbia

This study will provide scenarios of the impacts of climate change on water supply and demand in the Okanagan Basin of British Columbia. Results of this work will be used to build on previous adaptation research and to expand the dialogue on adaptation with resource managers and stakeholders in this region.
Total budget: $734,000 (CCAF contribution: $220,000)
Project leads: Dr. Stewart Cohen, Environment Canada; Dr. Denise Neilsen, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

Climate Change Impacts on Low-Flow Characteristics of New Brunswick Rivers and Adaptation Strategies for Instream Flow Needs

The objectives of this study include evaluating low-flow characteristics in New Brunswick and associated long-term trends; quantifying potential impacts of climate change on runoff, low flows, water availability and aquatic resources; and identifying potential impacts of reduced flow on irrigation, drinking water supply and industrial water usage.
Total budget: $309,200 (CCAF contribution: $90,200)
Project lead: Dr. Nassir El Jabi, Université de Moncton.

Climate Change and Groundwater: A Modelling Approach for Identifying Impacts and Resource Sustainability in the Central Interior of British Columbia

This project will create a numerical model of an aquifer system using data on groundwater, surface water and water use. It will also measure climate change impacts on seasonal groundwater levels, water budgets and flow direction within the Grand Forks aquifer, and eventually other regions in British Columbia.
Total budget: $37,200 (CCAF contribution: $18,600)
Project lead: Dr. Diana Allen, Simon Fraser University.

Institutional Arrangements and Capacity for Adaptation to Climate Change at the Watershed Scale

The project will analyze the extent to which institutional arrangements for water management affect the ability of watershed management structures to adapt to climate change, specifically during droughts and other low-water periods.
Total budget: $244,600 (CCAF contribution: $118,900)
Project leads: Dr. Rob de Loe, Dr. Jan Smithers, Dr. Reid Kreutzwiser, University of Guelph.

Impacts of Climate Change on Hydroelectric Generation in Newfoundland

The aim of this project is to assess the impact of climate change on hydroelectric generation on the island portion of Newfoundland. The project will address both historic and current sensitivity of generation to climate variation and the potential sensitivity under future climate change conditions.
Total budget: $93,600 (CCAF contribution: $44,000)
Project lead: Susan Richter, Acres International.

Enhancing Water Supply Infrastructure Investment Planning Practices for a Changing Climate

The aim of this project is to improve practices in investment in infrastructure to protect water supply systems from changes in hydrology and consumptive patterns resulting from climate change.
Total budget: $41,700 (CCAF contribution: $20,000)
Project lead: Dr. François Bouchart, University of Calgary.

For more information, please contact:

Heather Bala
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa
(613) 996-7252

Pam Kertland
Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation
Research Program
Natural Resources Canada
(613) 943-0650
pkertlan@nrcan.gc.ca