The 2008 City of Vancouver (COV) Hazard Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (HRVA) and the 2013 Metro Vancouver HRVA both identify extreme weather as a primary hazard of concern for our region. Furthermore, COV’s Climate Adaptation Strategy highlights the risks from severe weather episodes which are becoming more frequent and damaging. Although the safety of first responders and the public are of primary concern, the potential effects of severe weather on transportation, energy, utilities, communications/IT, and water infrastructure can heavily impact the City’s capacity to provide critical municipal services. Individuals suffering from social isolation, those living alone with mobility and health issues, and homeless populations are particularly vulnerable to severe weather episodes (particularly long term events).
