The Town of Altona’s Climate Change Adaptation Plan was finalized in February 2026. The plan provides a framework to help the Town prepare for the impacts of climate change, protect essential infrastructure and municipal services, and strengthen community resilience.

Unlike the Town’s 2019 Climate Change Local Action Plan, which focused primarily on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the Climate Change Adaptation Plan focuses on preparing for changing weather conditions and reducing risks to residents, infrastructure, and community services.

The plan was developed by Green Sky Sustainability Consulting Inc. using climate data, flood and drainage analysis, community feedback, and workshops with Town staff, Council members, and community stakeholders.

Climate Change Adaptation Plan

Key Climate Risks

The plan identifies four primary climate-related hazards affecting Altona:

1. Flooding and Extreme Rainfall – Increased pressure on drainage systems, roads, wastewater infrastructure, and properties.

2. Drought and Extreme Heat – Risks to water supply, public health, and essential community services.

3. Strong Winds and Tornadoes – Potential damage to infrastructure, power disruptions, and public safety concerns.

4. Poor Air Quality from Wildfire Smoke – Health risks, particularly for vulnerable residents, and impacts on outdoor activities.

Five Strategic Directions

The Climate Change Adaptation Plan outlines five strategic directions to guide the Town’s future planning and investments:

1. Protect Community Well-Being and Support Vulnerable Populations

2. Build Governance, Capacity, and Collaboration

3. Strengthen Flood and Stormwater Resilience

4. Ensure Long-Term Water Security

5. Enhance Natural Assets and Green Infrastructure

Each strategic direction includes recommended actions to reduce climate-related risks and improve the Town’s ability to respond to extreme weather events.

Priority Actions

The plan identifies a number of actions for implementation over the short, medium, and long term. Key priorities include:

• Improving stormwater drainage and flood protection in areas at higher risk of flooding.

• Upgrading wastewater infrastructure to reduce the risk of sewer backups during heavy rainfall.

• Incorporating climate risks into infrastructure maintenance, asset management, and future capital investments.

• Improving emergency preparedness and communication during severe weather events.

• Developing measures to protect residents during extreme heat and poor air quality conditions.

• Strengthening water conservation and long-term water supply planning.

• Expanding tree planting, green spaces, rain gardens, and other natural solutions to improve drainage and provide shade.

• Supporting reliable municipal services through backup power and emergency response planning.

• Working with community organizations and regional partners to improve climate preparedness.

Implementation and Monitoring

The Climate Change Adaptation Plan is intended to guide municipal decision-making and future investments. Actions will be considered through annual budgets, infrastructure planning, municipal operations, and partnerships with other organizations.

The plan also includes a framework for monitoring progress and reviewing priorities as new information becomes available and community needs change.

By taking a proactive approach, the Town of Altona aims to protect residents, maintain reliable municipal services, and build a safer, more resilient community for future generations. 

In 2023, a small and dedicated group of local volunteers, led by the Manitoba Green Action Centre, joined together to perform a Green Audit of Altona's largest public facility - the Millennium Exhibition Centre. 2023 Green Audit Report

In 2025, the Town of Altona received a Prairie Climate Forecast Card from the Climate Preparedness and Communications Branch of Manitoba Environment and Climate Change. You can review that document here. Altona Climate Forecast Card.