ICMIF member Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company (Canada) has partnered with the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction (ICLR) to officially open the new climate resilience centre in Winnipeg. The facility, located in Wawanesa’s former executive office, will play a key role in advancing education and practical solutions to address the impacts of climate change.
“As Canada’s leading property and casualty mutual insurer, we see firsthand the devastating impact of severe weather across the country,” said Jeff Goy, President and CEO, Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company (Canada). “Driven by our commitment to building stronger, more resilient communities, Wawanesa is proud to support the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction’s new climate resilience centre in our former executive office in Winnipeg. This facility will serve as a critical resource in equipping Canadians with the knowledge to better protect themselves against the growing threats of climate change, helping them to reduce their risk of loss,” he concluded.
The climate resilience centre is designed to bring together insurers, reinsurers, brokers, home builders and other stakeholders to share knowledge and learn about best practices in disaster mitigation. It will offer interactive displays, educational programming and collaborative spaces to support community resilience.
“ICLR is thrilled to partner with Wawanesa on this trailblazing facility,” said Paul Kovacs, Executive Director, Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction (Canada). “After this year’s horrendous series of storm and wildfire-related losses, which led to a record CAD 8 billion in insurance claims, it has never been more clear that all facets of Canadian society must work together to foster resilience to extremes. The new ICLR climate resilience centre in Winnipeg allows attendees to see these features in action.”
Key features of the climate resilience centre include:
- nationally relevant programming to distribute knowledge about climate risks across Canada;
- free access for stakeholders, allowing groups to host events, attend educational sessions and collaborate in person;
- interactive and mobile displays showcasing solutions for hazards such as basement flooding, wildfire, extreme wind and hail;
- dedicated collaboration spaces sponsored by Wawanesa to encourage the sharing of knowledge and resources.
The centre’s touring exhibits will also visit communities across Canada, enabling residents to learn practical strategies for mitigating property loss. Tours and inquiries about borrowing displays can be arranged via the ICLR website at www.iclr.org/climatecentre.
About Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company
Founded in 1896, Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company is one of Canada’s largest mutual insurers, serving more than 1.7 million members. The company donates over CAD 3.5 million annually to charitable organisations, including CAD 2 million to initiatives addressing climate change. Visit wawanesa.com for more information.
About the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction
Established in 1997, the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction is an independent not-for-profit research institute affiliated with Western University. ICLR develops evidence-based solutions to help homeowners, businesses and governments enhance disaster resilience. Visit www.iclr.org for more information.
