
Oh, Canada: Protecting our water, from deluge to drought
Canada might seem like an endless source for freshwater - but like everything else on Earth, this plentiful resource is ultimately finite. While much of Canada has yet to experience water-related issues, poorly managed and failing infrastructure combined with disruptions to sources like groundwater and glaciers mean more and more Canadians are confronting these impacts every year. David speaks with returning guest on the show, VP of Restoration and Regeneration at WWF Canada Elizabeth Hendricks, about how rapid warming in Canada since the 1970s has created changes in our ecology that need to be solved by nature-based solutions, stronger environmental protections, and better monitoring. He also sits down with the out-going mayor of Waterloo, ON, Dorothy McCabe, about how diminishing aquifer levels in the region has forced the city to reconsider the rate at which its developing, and who bears the true burden of worsening water stress. Last but certainly not least, David discusses how Indigenous knowledge can be better utilized in resource management with researcher Jana Wale, who’s work sits at the intersection of Indigenous leadership, climate science, and public policy to help create a better world for all Canadians. Oh, Canada: Solutions for the Climate Crisis is supported by Elbows Up for Climate, The C40 Centre, and the University of Toronto Press. Featured guests: Merlin Blackwell, former Mayor of Clearwater, BC Elizabeth Hendriks, Vice-President of Restoration and Regeneration at WWF Canada Dorothy McCabe, former Mayor of Waterloo, ON Janna Wale, Gitxsan (Gitanmaax First Nation) & Cree-Métis climate research leader, policy advisor, and speaker, Clean50 2026 award winner, and Indigenous Research and Partnerships Lead at PICS Links: Canada has 20 percent of the planet’s freshwater. But some worry there’s not enough to go around - Washington Post Climate impacts map - Elbows Up for Climate State of Clean Water and Sanitation Systems in Canada - Canadian Infrastructure Council Ending long-term drinking water advisories - Government of Canada A ripple effect: Clearwater eyes $3.5M bridge abutment repairs - Clearwater Times A sleeping giant: A massive layer of water under the ground is key to Waterloo’s Region future - Waterloo Region Record Canada’s Flagship Report on the State of Wildlife Reveals Persistent Declines in Monitored Wildlife Populations in Canada Over the last 50 years - WWF Canada Canada’s Changing Climate Report 2026 - Government of Canada This American city is building a network of waterfront parks to absorb floods - Global Center on Adaptation Ripple Effects: The Four Biggest Threats to Coastal Ecosystems in Canada - WWF Canada Water Act - Alberta Energy Regulator America’s Data Center Boom Puts New Pressure on Local Water Resources - NC State University The Startup Ecosystem of Kitchener Waterloo - StartupBlink City of Waterloo Energy Retrofit Roadmap - J.L. Richards Engineers, Architects, Planners ‘The City of Waterloo believes in the country side line’ - Waterloo Region Record Genetic study of sockeye salmon in B.C. river suggests 75% decline since 1913 - CBC Blockade - It’s about the land and who controls it - Canada Wild Productions Relationship Protocol advances First Nations climate solutions - PICS If you want to learn more about the Journal of City Climate Policy and Economy, please visit our website at https://jccpe.utpjournals.press/ Listen to the Cities 1.5 five-part miniseries “Going Steady with Herman Daly: How to Unbreak the Economy (and the Planet)" here: https://lnk.to/HDMiniSeries Cities 1.5 is produced by the University of Toronto Press and the C40 Centre, and is supported by C40 Cities. Sign up to the Centre newsletter: https://thecentre.substack.com/ Writing and executive production by Peggy Whitfield. Narrative and communications support by Chiara Morfeo. Our Associate Producer is Rachel Schneider. Produced by Jess Schmidt: https://jessdoespodcasting.com/ Edited by Morgane Chambrin: https://www.morganechambrin.com/ Music by Lorna Gilfedder: https://origamipodcastservices.com/
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