Building Adaptive and Resilient Communities
A framework for local actionBuilding Adaptive and Resilient Communities (BARC)
Climate change is here. Floods, fires, heatwaves, and storms are disrupting lives and stretching local governments to their limits. As climate impacts intensify across Canada, the need for coordinated, local adaptation has never been greater. BARC offers a clear path to prepare for what the future holds while acting on current priorities. Developed by ICLEI Canada with and for communities, BARC is recognized as Canada’s go-to national local adaptive capacity-building program—from early planning through to implementation and monitoring. Above all, BARC meets communities where they are.
BARC Webinar: Evolving strategies to meet community needs
Watch a webinar replay from November 19, 2025, to learn what’s new, how the updated tools and approaches strengthen adaptation planning, and how the refreshed BARC framework can support communities at any stage of their resilience journey. This recording is available for anyone who could not attend the live session.
120+
Framework users
1,200+
Climate impacts addressed
3,150+
Adaptation actions identified
700+
Local partners engaged
Get Started
Download the BARC Guide
The BARC Guide provides a detailed overview of the BARC framework, including activities and outcomes for each milestone, from risk assessment and implementation to monitoring results.
Become a BARC Member
BARC members receive structured, expert support and guidance as they work through the BARC methodology. Members stay in the driver’s seat—building capacity, trust, and local buy-in—while ICLEI Canada provides expertise, templates, case studies, and peer connections to support Milestone activities.
Receive Tailored Support
BARC Consulting Services are available for communities that want to move quickly and/or that lack the staff time or internal resources to manage the BARC process themselves.
What is BARC?
BARC is a proven climate adaptation framework for local action. Developed by ICLEI Canada with and for Canadian communities, it 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. Above all, BARC meets communities where they are—whether they are just starting, struggling with implementation, or ready to update an existing plan. Read the latest BARC Impact Report to learn more.
About the 2025 Refresh
Building on over 15 years of real-world application, the refreshed framework offers updated methods that make BARC even more flexible and adaptable, with multiple pathways to fit communities of all sizes, resources, and capacities. It also provides:
- Stronger support for building the business case and financing adaptation;
- Expanded direction on governance and implementation readiness; and,
- Prompts to help embed equity and reconciliation throughout each milestone.
New case studies, along with fresh approaches to outreach and engagement, round out the update, making BARC more practical, inclusive, and action-oriented than ever before.
Why Choose BARC?
- Straightforward: The BARC framework provides a simple methodology for adaptation planning.
- Grounded in local realities: Spearheaded by adaptation experts, BARC is informed by on-the-ground work.
- Drives local action: With a focus on action and implementation, BARC methodology is not just another desk exercise.
- Proven results: Used and trusted by communities in every province and territory since 2008, the BARC methodology has a proven track record.
- Flexible and adaptable: Easily adapted and customized, BARC meets communities where they are.
- Available for free: The open-access framework is designed to help all Canadian communities build resilience.
How It Works
Following a simple Plan-Do-Check-Act model, the BARC milestones help communities achieve results through an iterative process that sets the stage for continuous improvements.
Milestone 1
Set direction, align internally and externally, build your team, establish partnerships, and collect data.
Milestone 2
Identify and prioritize climate impacts through local vulnerability and risk assessments.
Milestone 3
Develop an implementation-ready adaptation plan that reflects local risks, values, and priorities.
Milestone 4
Put your plan into action while strengthening partnerships, policies, and processes.
Milestone 5
Track progress, measure results, adjust as needed, and share lessons learned.
BARC is designed for a variety of users—from municipalities and Indigenous governments to public sector organizations—that want to take a big-picture approach to climate adaptation.
“DIY” approach with the guide
How it works
Use the free BARC Guide to work through the five milestones at your own pace. This option has no direct program cost but requires dedicated internal capacity.
Best for...
Communities with limited budgets but strong internal coordination, existing adaptation knowledge, and the ability to manage the process in-house.
Challenging for...
Communities without sufficient staff time, leadership support, or internal expertise to lead the process and sustain momentum.
Get started
Download the guide, follow the step-by-step activities, and adapt the process to your local context.
Get support as a BARC member
How it works
Gain access to ICLEI Canada’s experts, templates, and peer network. BARC membership provides guidance, training, and tailored support to keep your team moving forward. Timelines and staff needs vary, but most communities move through Milestones 1 to 3 within two years with partial staff support.
Best for...
Communities looking for structure, accountability, and external expertise to complement in-house capacity.
Challenging for...
Communities not yet ready to make a commitment to adaptation planning and keep the process moving forward.
Get started
Membership are tailored to fit your financial and staff resources with optional services available to meet unique needs. Learn more about core membership services, optional add-ons, and contact our team to discuss options to fit your needs.
Hire external consultants
How it works
Work with ICLEI Canada (or another qualified consultant) to lead the BARC process for you. Timelines vary by project scope, with staff involvement focused on coordination and decision-making.
Best for...
Communities wanting to move through the milestones quickly and/or without significant internal capacity.
Challenging for...
Communities with limited budgets, or those aiming to strengthen internal knowledge, skills, and long-term ownership of the plan.
Get started
When seeking consultants, specifically ask them to use the BARC framework. Contact us to learn more about our BARC consulting services.
Contact Us About BARC
Ready to take the next step but not sure where to start? Email karina.richters@iclei.org to discuss options and find the best path forward for you.
Reach us
iclei-canada@iclei.org
Suite 204
401 Richmond St. W
Toronto, ON
M5V 3A8
We respectfully acknowledge that ICLEI Canada’s work happens across Turtle Island which has traditionally been and is home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples since time immemorial.