Building for Tomorrow: OSPE’s New Position on Climate Resilient Infrastructure

As the impacts of climate change accelerate, the stakes for Ontario’s infrastructure have never been higher. Per the Government of Canada’s Adaptation Action Plan, climate-induced damages are projected to reduce Canada’s economic growth by $25 billion annually as early as next year. Engineers are on the frontlines of this challenge, and ensuring they have clear, actionable guidance for building resilient infrastructure is critical to safeguarding our communities and economy. 

In response, OSPE’s Climate Crisis Task Force (CCTF) has developed a new internal position paper. This document, soon to be released, is designed to align OSPE’s advocacy and education efforts with the urgent need for climate resilience in infrastructure planning and development across Ontario. 

Unlike many conversations around the climate crisis, which often feel abstract or overly aspirational, this position paper is concrete, practical, and results-driven. It doesn’t just talk about the need for climate resilience; it identifies the specific gaps that exist in current practices and lays out clear strategies and actions to address them. 

Key Highlights of the Position Paper: 

• Gap Identification: The document outlines where existing infrastructure guidelines fall short in supporting climate adaptation efforts. 
• Actionable Road Map: It proposes targeted advocacy strategies and educational initiatives that OSPE can lead to equip engineers with the tools they need to deliver resilient infrastructure solutions. 
• Focus on Ontario: While climate risks are global, the position paper focuses specifically on infrastructure types and challenges relevant to Ontario’s engineering community. 
• Driving Awareness and Policy Change: The paper envisions this effort leading to broader outreach, advocacy, and collaboration across industry stakeholders, promoting clearer regulations, improved communication, and a stronger culture of resilience across the sector. 

At its heart, this document reflects the CCTF’s commitment to bridge the gap between climate science and practical engineering action. It gives engineers a grounded, realistic framework for integrating resilience and adaptation into their everyday work, not in the future, but starting now. 

As OSPE moves forward, this position paper will serve as a vital internal guide for shaping our public policy advocacy, member education efforts, and industry partnerships. Together, we can help ensure that Ontario builds infrastructure capable of withstanding the challenges of a changing climate and lead by example in creating a safer, more resilient future.