Climate Forward Implementation Strategy

An aerial view of the forests surrounding Prince George.

Northern B.C. is experiencing an accelerated rate of climate change compared to the global average. Although this may seem like a problem for the future, Prince George is already experiencing the impacts of Climate Change.

Infographic displaying data on how climate and weather has changed in Prince George, B.C. Between 1942 & 2018: Annual days below -25°C decreased from 18 to 7 days/year, Average winter temperatures increased 2.8°C, Minimum winter temperatures increased 9.0°C, Winter precipitation decreased 40.5%, Summer precipitation decreased 28.5%. By 2050, Prince George can expect: An annual temperature increase by an additional 2°C, 6 more days above 30°C, 2.5 fewer days below -30°C, More extreme precipitation events

What Do These Changes Mean?

Climate change impacts our infrastructure, the natural environment and public health. The results will likely have greater impacts on the elderly and those with lower income.

The following physical impacts have already been experienced and can be expected to

intensify into the future:

- Rainfall exceeding the capacity of drainage system and damaging aging infrastructure.
- Property damage, loss of riverfront trails, roads flooding.
- Infiltration and backups of sanitary sewer.
- Increased wildfire risk.
- Increased irrigation demand.
- Reduced pest die-off of forest pests.
- Increased road maintenance.
- Rain on snow events leading to localized flooding.
- Impacts to outdoor recreation.

What Is The Climate Forward Implementation Strategy?

The Climate Forward Implementation Strategy lays out tasks that can be completed within the next 5 years to move Prince George forward on climate action.

There are three guiding principles for the Climate Forward Implementation Strategy:

- Strengthen infrastructure resilience and reduce risks to buildings and property.
- Protect public health and improve economic resilience.
- Enhance resilience of ecosystems and protect natural areas.
- The City's approach to asset management builds resiliency to climate change and supports its climate change adaptation and mitigation goals.
- Reduce corporate and community GHG emissions by 5% below 2017 levels by 2023.

The goals and objectives in the Climate Forward Implementation Strategy were collected from the City’s 2020 Climate Change Mitigation Plan, Climate Change Adaptation Report, and several other City planning documents and operational priorities.

A diagram showing public input with three arrows pointing towards the Climate Change Mitigation Plan, Climate Change Adaptation Report and Other City Planning Documents and Operational Priorities. Arrows from these three boxes then come together pointing towards the Climate Change Implementation strategy.

Work began in 2021 under Phase 1 of the Climate Forward Implementation Strategy that outlines City of prince George corporate actions from 2021 until 2025. Future phases will also be 5 years in duration, until long term targets are achieved in 2050. Currently Phase 2 of the Climate Forward Action Plan is underway 2026-2030

An image showing all six phases of Climate Forward timeline with a star indicating on Phase 2 2026 to 2030 currently

An update to Council on Climate Action 5 years plans was provided for information at the August 31st 2026 Council meeting Item D.7 Climate Action Update Report, Presentation, and Video

To learn more about how the City of Prince George is moving forward on climate action read the current full Climate Forward Action Plan Phase 2 2026-2030

Previous Climate Forward Implementation Strategy - Phase 1 [PDF] 2021-2025, with Progress Summary on Phase 1 2021-2025 coming soon