At a moment when communities across Canada are grappling with wildfire smoke, extreme heat, and rapidly shifting seasonal patterns. The Lubicon Lake Cree Band in northern Alberta is taking proactive, community‑led action to protect its people, infrastructure, and way of life — and their approach offers a model for other small and remote communities facing similar risks.

With 12 new community buildings planned, the Band recognized the need for expert guidance to ensure these structures are safe, durable, and climate resilient. Through the CRIS, they accessed specialized climate and infrastructure expertise at no cost, helping them strengthen building envelopes, structural systems, and HVAC performance to reduce fire and smoke hazards.

The collaboration resulted in the Lubicon Lake Climate Resiliency Guide, a practical, locally tailored roadmap that outlines immediate and long‑term actions to safeguard the community’s infrastructure and natural resources.