The City of Calgary is looking for a consultant to produce updated climate projections that could influence infrastructure design, long-term planning and investment decisions across municipal departments.

According to a public procurement notice, the city wants new climate data to support risk assessments and ensure its business units use consistent projections when making decisions.

The successful consultant will produce technical and summary reports, supporting datasets and written guidance explaining how city employees should interpret and apply the information. The contract also calls for communications materials promoting the long-term use of climate projections throughout city operations.

Calgary has previously paid the Pembina Institute to advise it on climate policy.

Go Ad Free

Pembina was first contracted in 2007 to help develop Calgary’s Community Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan. Its work included a 122-page research report, stakeholder consultations and assistance drafting the city’s final plan.

By 2013, media reports placed the fees for Pembina’s environmental consulting work at more than $340,000.

Naheed Nenshi, who became Calgary’s mayor in 2010 and now leads the Alberta NDP, defended the city’s use of the environmental organization at the time. Nenshi argued that hiring Pembina saved taxpayers the expense of employing additional permanent city workers.

Pembina stressed that the original contract was signed before Nenshi became mayor.