dream-project

Climate change is causing increased and more extreme weather events, such as heat waves that result in wildfires (causing poor air quality) and very cold temperatures. These and other types of extreme weather have devastating effects on people experiencing homelessness (PEH). Without shelter or support, PEH face greater health risks due to extreme weather. This is a key concern of municipalities who offer front-line supports to PEH. In the current project, the Centre for Healthy Communities and the PLACE Research Lab teams are working in collaboration with the City of Edmonton to contribute much needed evidence on actions that municipalities can use to better support PEH during extreme weather, across Canada and internationally.

  • Candace Nykiforuk, Centre for Healthy Communities and School of Public Health, University of Alberta (Principal Investigator)
  • Jared Abbott, City of Edmonton (Principal Knowledge User)
  • Chad Beegan, Alberta Health Services (Knowledge User)
  • Karah Harvey, Alberta Health Services (Knowledge User)
  • Sherilee Harper, School of Public Health, University of Alberta (Co-Investigator)
  • Elaine Hyshka, School of Public Health, University of Alberta (Co-Investigator)
  • Cindy Jardine, University of Fraser Valley (Co-Investigator)
  • Roman Pabayo, School of Public Health, University of Alberta (Co-Investigator)
  • Shelby Yamamoto, University of Buffalo (Co-Investigator)
  • 2025-2026 Canadian Institutes of Health Research

Project Categories

Our Approach
Community Based and Population Health Interventions Natural Experiments and Government-led Population-health Interventions Innovative Interdisciplinary Methods Healthy Public Policy Collaborate and Engage with Partners
Research Program Areas
Community Environments Public Policy and Well-being Play Chronic Disease Prevention