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Canada’s rural municipalities are on the frontlines of climate change.

Whether it’s intense rainfall washing out gravel roads, early spring melts damaging culverts, or prolonged droughts stressing water infrastructure, rural communities are feeling the effects of a changing climate in real-time. The challenges are complex, but one thing is clear — adaptation is not optional, it’s essential.

The Rural Climate Reality

Unlike large cities with vast infrastructure budgets and full-time planning departments, rural municipalities often face:

• Limited staff and technical capacity

• Aging or vulnerable infrastructure

• Lack of up-to-date data for decision-making

• Fewer financial resources for climate-focused upgrades

At the same time, rural communities are home to vital natural assets — forests, wetlands, lakes, farmland — that play a critical role in carbon storage, flood protection, and ecosystem health. These assets must be protected and integrated into planning for a resilient future.

 So, What’s the Way Forward?

Climate adaptation in rural areas isn't just about expensive infrastructure projects. It’s about smart planning, sustainable practices, and building capacity to make informed decisions.

That’s where we come in.

 Partnering with Smart Urban Solutions

At Smart Urban Solutions, we specialize in helping rural and small municipalities understand their infrastructure vulnerabilities, gather meaningful field data, and develop practical, grant-aligned climate strategies.

1. Infrastructure Asset Management with a Climate Lens

We go beyond just listing pipes and roads. We help municipalities:

• Identify critical assets at risk from extreme weather

• Prioritize upgrades based on climate vulnerability and lifecycle

• Align asset planning with federal and provincial climate grant programs

 2. Field Data Collection & Climate Risk Mapping

Using GNSS surveys, drone imagery, and boots-on-the-ground data collection, we help communities:

• Map and analyze flood-prone areas

• Identify culverts, drainage, and roads at risk

• Collect real-time data to support funding applications

 3. Education & Council Training

We empower councils and administrators through:

• Climate risk workshops

• Plain-language infrastructure reports

• Long-term adaptation strategy development

 4. Nature-Based Solutions

We help integrate green infrastructure — like tree planting, wetland preservation, and erosion control — into municipal asset plans to:

• Reduce heat islands

• Control flooding

• Support biodiversity

5. Grant Writing & Project Management

With experience in FCM’s Municipalities for Climate Innovation Program (MCIP) and other climate grants, we:

• Assist with application writing

• Build project proposals with measurable impact

• Manage reporting and compliance

Real Impact for Real Communities

Whether your municipality is just getting started or ready to take the next step, we offer customized, affordable solutions that meet you where you are.

Together, we can turn challenges into opportunities — building a rural Manitoba (and beyond) that’s stronger, smarter, and climate-resilient.

Let’s Get Started

Are you a rural CAO, public works lead, or councillor wondering how to tackle climate challenges with limited resources? We’re here to help.

Contact us at jokello46@gmail.com or visit www.smarturbansolutions.ca
Book a free consultation — and let’s build your climate resilience plan together.