Library of climate resources

This is the twelfth edition of CSA S6, Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code. This Code is based on limit states design principles and defines design loadings, load combinations and load factors, criteria for earthquake resistant design, and detailed design criteria for the various materials. This Code has been written to be applicable in all provinces and territories. This Code applies to the design, evaluation, and structural rehabilitation design of fixed and movable highway bridges in Canada. There is no limit on span length, but this Code does not necessarily cover all aspects of design for every type of long-span bridge. This Code also covers the design of pedestrian bridges, bicycle bridges, retaining walls, barriers, and highway accessory supports of a structural nature, e.g., lighting poles and sign support structures. This Code does not apply to public utility structures or to bridges used solely for railway or rail transit purposes. This Code does not specify requirements related to coastal effects (e.g., exposure to sea action and icebergs) or to mountainous terrain effects (e.g., avalanches). For structures that can be subject to such effects, specialists need to be retained to review and advise on the design and to ensure that the applicable requirements of other codes are met. For bridges not entirely within the scope of this Code, the requirements of this Code apply only when appropriate. Necessary additional or alternative design criteria are subject to the approval by the owner.

This Standard is intended to provide owners of wastewater treatment plants with a comprehensive resource for design, operation, and retrofit criteria that can be implemented to increase the resilience of such plants. This Standard addresses considerations for adapting wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) to a changing climate by reviewing climate, regulatory, risk, design, construction, and operations and maintenance aspects. It applies to existing, new, or retrofit/upgrade projects. This Standard provides a user-friendly framework and tool for designers, engineers, and managers to use when designing, constructing, or operating/maintaining WWTPs. This Standard provides guidance on climate change data sources and how to use them in determining impacts on WWTP components. This Standard highlights climate change adaptation measures for building resilience and addressing high-risk scenarios related to WWTPs. This Standard applies to the WWTP itself and its processes and property. It does not apply to collection systems feeding into the plant or to disposal receivers.

This standard specifically addresses the planning, design, operation, and maintenance of intermittent/seasonal discharge lagoon and wetland systems that are most appropriate for use in Northern regions, where effluent discharge is either difficult or not possible in colder months.

The purpose of this Standard is to provide compliance criteria and guidance on the design of flood-resilient new residential communities as it relates to greenfield development. This Standard covers the following considerations: a) design for resilience to address extreme weather events and operational uncertainties; b) storm sewer system design (minor drainage system considerations); c) street design (major overland drainage system considerations); d) sanitary sewer design (wastewater drainage system considerations); e) wastewater pumping station design; and f) considerations for preservation of natural infrastructure and low impact development measures.

This National Standard of Canada draws on industry expertise and best practices in Canada and internationally to address requirements for managing erosion and sedimentation risks in coastal and lakeshore environments, open-channel environments, and terrestrial environments.

This is the fifth edition of CSA Z240.10.1, Site preparation, foundation, and installation of buildings. Significant changes to this edition address climate change adaptation with revisions and new provisions. This standard is intended to be referenced by regulatory authorities, land-lease community owners, and building designers and installers so that proper on-site installation of buildings can be achieved.

This standard applies to essential electrical systems and electrical installations in health care facilities. It helps to protect patients and staff by addressing electrical shock hazards associated with critical electrical systems as well as other aspects of electrical safety, such as fires and interference with proper operation. It ensures that health care facilities safely continue to function in times of catastrophic events such as those brought on by climate change. Clause 6 provides emergency power guidelines to ensure electrical power is continuously provided to the health care facility systems where the interruption of electrical power can jeopardize the safety of patients, staff and visitors.

This standard provides requirements and guidance for the planning, design, and construction of Canadian health care facilities. It addresses crucial aspects of health care facility design and management with the goal of ensuring that facilities safely support medical care and treatment, and essential infrastructure continues to function in times of catastrophic events such as those brought on by climate change. Clause 6 lists requirements for site design criteria, which includes examination of the climate, snow and wind studies, sun and shade studies, environmental site assessments, flood risk analysis, and other hazards. Clause 7 provides requirements for catastrophic event management involving the role of the health care facility and the services provided, including assessing the utility needs of the health care facility and contingency plans or backups in case of temporary or extended periods of loss.

This Standard sets out a framework for the operation and maintenance of a health care facility and provides requirements for the essential elements of an Operation and Maintenance program. It applies to buildings and architectural systems, site elements related to the building and its functions, systems, equipment, and services, as well as organizational policies and procedures. Continuity management is addressed in Clause 7 in the event of catastrophic events such as those brought on by climate change. The standard requires that each facility shall develop, implement, evaluate, maintain, and continually improve an emergency and continuity management program that includes plans for prevention and mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery in case of emergencies (natural, human-caused, or technological incidents that can occur anytime and anywhere).

This standard provides direction for reducing the effects of permafrost degradation on existing foundations under climate change.