The BARC Framework: A Clear Roadmap from Risk to Results

Across Canada, communities are living with the realities of climate change. Floods, wildfires, and heatwaves are disrupting lives, straining local budgets, and threatening critical infrastructure. Adaptation is no longer a distant priority—it is today’s necessity. Many local governments have already taken important steps, while others are just getting started. Regardless of where a community is on its adaptation journey, planning for climate resilience must align with other urgent priorities like housing, infrastructure, affordability, and equity.

We have refreshed the Building Adaptive and Resilience Communities (BARC) framework and guide to equip local governments and their partners with a straightforward and powerful methodology to build local resilience more effectively and quickly.

What Is BARC?

BARC is a proven climate adaptation framework for local action. At its core, BARC is a flexible, five-milestone approach for planning and implementing local adaptation. It was developed by ICLEI Canada with and for Canadian communities and provides a clear, flexible five-milestone methodology to build adaptive and resilient communities in a changing climate. Recognized as Canada’s go-to adaptation program, BARC drives climate resilience from early planning through to implementation and monitoring.

First launched in 2008, BARC has since guided hundreds of municipalities, Indigenous governments, and regional collaborations across every province and territory. What makes BARC unique is its flexibility—it meets communities where they are, whether just beginning, struggling to implement, or ready to update an existing plan.

A Timely Update

The 2025 update comes at a critical moment. Canada’s climate impacts are intensifying, compounding pressures such as rising costs, infrastructure risks, and the housing crisis. The new BARC framework equips communities to move quickly, align adaptation with broader local priorities, and protect what matters most.

Built on Expertise and Experience

Our BARC work is continuously being shaped and adapted by the lessons of local governments across Canada. This update consolidates 17 years of work and continuous refinement. Spearheaded by adaptation experts, it builds on practical on-the-ground experience, making the framework both technically rigorous and grounded in local realities. The result is a unique and powerful approach that is at once top-down and bottom-up. New case studies, prompts, and guidance included in the new BARC guide reflect this.

What’s New in the 2025 BARC Guide

• Greater flexibility with multiple pathways to fit communities of all sizes, resources, and capacities
• New case studies showcasing adaptation in action across Canada
• Stronger support for building the business case and financing adaptation
• Expanded direction on governance and implementation readiness
• Prompts to help advance equity and work in the spirit of reconciliation at every milestone
• Fresh approaches to outreach and collaboration

A Free Resource for Canadian Communities

Using the BARC framework is free and available to every Canadian community. Whether you’re a large city or a small town, there are multiple ways to work with BARC depending on your community’s needs and capacity.

• “DIY” approach using the BARC Guide 
• With support from ICLEI Canada experts as a BARC member 
• By hiring ICLEI Canada (or another qualified consultant) to lead the BARC process

Whether you are leading your first climate risk assessment, updating an existing strategy, or working to implement a plan, the updated BARC framework offers a clear and adaptable roadmap to build long-term resilience. Visit icleicanada.org/barc-program to learn more and start using BARC.