Northern local government conference highlights climate action, housing, and reconciliation

Hamilton Spectator

16-05-2025

The second day of the North Central Local Government Association (NCLGA) conference spotlighted the Nisga'a Nation's pioneering efforts in climate adaptation, sustainable housing, and reconciliation through projects in partnership with the Community Energy Association (CEA).
The May 14 plenary session featured a presentation by Gaëtane Carignan, who works in climate leadership and energy retrofits at CEA (a non-profit society), and Kaitlyn Robinson, climate coordinator with the Nisga'a Lisims Government.
Participants are undertaking an ambitious housing energy retrofitting initiative in the Nisga'a Nation, aiming to renovate approximately 900 homes across four villages located in northwestern British Columbia.
Robinson explains that housing needs in her Nation are extremely urgent, with a large number of homes facing serious structural issues such as mould, electrical failures, foundation damage, roofing and gutter problems, and plumbing deficiencies. In addition, many homes suffer from significant energy efficiency challenges, including air leakage, poor insulation, heat loss, high energy bills, inadequate ventilation, condensation buildup, and aging infrastructure.
The high cost of both energy and home renovation further compounds these issues. Together, these conditions put community members at increased climate-related risk, as many homes are just not equipped to adapt to changing environmental conditions.
'This is not just a housing issue, it is a climate issue, a health issue,' said Robinson.
The energy retrofitting process follows a coordinated, community-driven approach that brings together homeowners, contractors, and local leaders. It starts with assessing the home's current condition and then uses the Integrated Design Process (IDP) to plan upgrades based on building science and homeowner priorities.
The focus is on improving the building envelope first, such as sealing drafts, upgrading insulation, and installing efficient windows, followed by upgrading heating, ventilation, and appliances. Local contractors are trained and held accountable for quality work, while the process also supports Nisga'a employment and mentorship.
The presentation also highlighted housing retrofitting as a form of decolonization and a practical way to put the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) into action. Carignan explained that this work is about more than fixing homes. It's about reconnecting with the land and rebuilding relationships with First Nations that were damaged by colonization.
It is part of the broader reconciliation process, rooted in Indigenous leadership and vision, and focused on co-creating solutions that address long-standing inequities in housing and energy systems, she said.
'Building relationships is productive,' said Carignan.
'Retrofitting a home is not just about energy use; it's about improving the indoor air quality, extending the life of the home, producing long-term maintenance,' said Robinson.
'After retrofitting, homes are more comfortable and better equipped to handle extreme weather like storms, wildfires, and heat waves. Energy use drops significantly; homes switch to cleaner fuels and greenhouse gas emissions are greatly reduced.
Canada and British Columbia have set a net-zero emissions target for 2050. To meet this goal, local governments will need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50 per cent by 2030, according to the CEA.
The association pitches itself to support local governments and Indigenous communities in transitioning to a low-carbon future by identifying sources of greenhouse gas emissions and implementing practical solutions.
In the Skeena North region, they emphasize that local governments have a key role to play, as 48 per cent of the emissions they control come from buildings. The remaining chunk of emissions can be addressed through better transportation options and waste management.
'That's why Community Energy Association is interested in working with local governments and the new communities to better both new construction and retrofits,' said Carignan.
CEA has hosted various retrofitting workshops and activities across northern B.C., including in communities such as Terrace, Prince George, Kitimat, Fort St. John, Smithers, and more.
The work of the Community Energy Association and the Nisga'a Nation received loud applause at the NCLGA conference.
NCLGA is a non-profit organization representing more than 240 elected officials in 42 local, regional and First Nations governments spanning from 100 Mile House in the south to the Yukon border in the north and from the Alberta border in the east to Haida Gwaii in the west.
The North Coast Regional District, the City of Prince Rupert, and the District of Port Edward co-hosted the 2025 conference from May 12 to 15.