Land use planning in B.C. plays a critical role in shaping how communities experience climate risk, housing affordability, and long-term resilience. This video explores how decisions about where we build homes and infrastructure influence exposure to hazards like flooding, wildfire, and extreme heat — and what opportunities exist to better reflect climate risk in planning.
Drawing on research from across British Columbia, this video highlights the roles of provincial, regional, and local governments, and the complex factors that shape decision-making. It also explores how competing pressures — including housing demand, cost of living, and fiscal constraints — intersect with climate risk.
Topics include:
- Land use planning in B.C.
- Climate risk and community exposure (flooding, wildfire, extreme heat)
- Housing supply and affordability pressures
- Cost of living and development patterns
- Local government planning and decision-making
- Provincial, regional, and municipal roles
- Fragmented policies and planning approaches
- Access to climate hazard data
- Coordination across planning systems
- Aligning financial incentives with long-term risk reduction
Where We Build Matters: Land use planning for safety, affordability, and resilience
Where we build matters more now than ever. Land use planning offers pathways to build more resilient communities as climate risks worsen across B.C.
PICS gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (EMCR).
Recommended video citation: Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions. 2026. Where We Build Matters. https://climatesolutions.ca/videos/where-we-build-matters/