Development of a winter road climate risk and vulnerability review framework 2020-2021 update
During FY2020-2021, a literature review of 54 documents was completed to examine Canada's winter road network, identify parameters that affect winter road safety, models that assess the impact of climate change on winter roads, and identify standards for climate risk assessment related to northern infrastructure. A framework to review and assess the climate risk and vulnerability of winter roads in Canada was developed. This framework is intended to evolve over time. The foundation of the framework is based on published scientific methods, field data from winter road operations, as well as stakeholder observation, experience and concerns. A case study of the current iteration of the framework was performed on the James Bay Winter Road in Northern Ontario. Consultations with winter road stakeholders within the federal and provincial governments were completed to better understand the unique challenges and perspectives of each stakeholder. An initial review of relevant and available data for the project was completed, and the gaps in data identified. ; Peer reviewed: No ; NRC publication: Yes