Understanding Risk Communication in Alberta’s Municipalities
Overview
Alberta’s municipalities are at risk from multiple hazards like wildfires and flooding, which have increased in frequency and intensity as a result of climate change. Across the province, municipalities are beginning to develop adaptation plans using existing regulatory strategies and legislation to reduce the exposure of new development to these hazards.
This study aims to understand the nature and state of risk knowledge that multiple stakeholders have concerning new land developments in risk prone areas in Alberta, and the ways in which this risk knowledge is communicated. The study will use select case studies that will be identified and investigated from a list of new developments in risk-prone areas in municipalities across the province of Alberta.
Research Team
Dr. Sandeep Agrawal, Director of the University of Alberta Planning Program
Dr. Agrawal is an urban and regional planner whose research interests include land use and regional planning, international development, multiculturalism and human rights. His most recent works are on human rights and municipal bylaws, and regional and rural planning in Alberta.
His international works include high density rural regions of India, effects of tall buildings in Colombo, Sri Lanka and evaluation of housing affordability programs in the United Arab Emirates. His newly co-authored book “Understanding India’s new Approach to Spatial planning and Development: A Salient Shift?” is published by the Oxford University Press.
He recently completed a SSHRC/IRCC funded project on documenting the settlement experience of Syrian refugees in Alberta. His SSHRC-funded pan-Canadian work on human rights and the city and Alberta Land Institute – funded municipal annexations in Alberta are currently ongoing.
Dr. Agrawal served on City of Edmonton’s Subdivision and Development Appeal Board. He currently serves on the Alberta Municipal Government Board.