The Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction (ICLR) has officially launched its new Climate Resilience Centre in Winnipeg, supported by funding and resources from Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company.
Located in Wawanesa’s former executive office at 191 Broadway, the centre aims to enhance climate resilience education and awareness across Canada.
The Climate Resilience Centre serves as a collaborative hub for insurers, brokers, builders, and code officials, offering insights into practical strategies for disaster preparedness. It features interactive displays that demonstrate property protection strategies against threats like basement flooding, wildfires, and extreme wind.
The displays, which were developed by ICLR and sponsored by Wawanesa, can also be loaned to communities for local outreach. Additionally, the centre has a designated networking area that encourages knowledge exchange and joint learning efforts.
Paul Kovacs (pictured during the opening), ICLR’s executive director, highlighted the urgent need for such a facility in the face of record-breaking losses from severe storms and wildfires this year.
“ICLR is thrilled to partner with Wawanesa on this trailblazing facility,” he said, noting that the $8 billion in insured losses require collaborative efforts. The centre, he explained, showcases resilience features that can be integrated into Canadian homes to withstand extreme weather, creating a tangible learning space for various stakeholders.
“It has never been more clear that all facets of Canadian society must work together to foster resilience to extremes. In the context of making Canadian homes, both existing and new, stronger against nature’s extremes, we know what features need to be added,” said Kovacs.
Jeff Goy, president and chief executive of Wawanesa, commented: “Driven by our commitment to building stronger, more resilient communities, Wawanesa is proud to support the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction’s new Climate Resilience Centre in our former executive office in Winnipeg.
“This facility will serve as a critical resource in equipping Canadians with the knowledge to better protect themselves against the growing threats of climate change, helping them to reduce their risk of loss.”
Interested parties can book free-attendance tours of the facility or inquire about borrowing displays for community events through ICLR’s website.
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