From rain gardens to resilience: Green stormwater infrastructure for healthier cities

Abstract

The intersection of health, climate change, and green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) presents a transformative opportunity to address pressing environmental and public health challenges. Climate change exacerbates urban health risks through phenomena like urban heat island, extreme weather events, and flooding which disproportionately affect vulnerable populations by increasing mortality, heat-related illnesses, injuries, water quality and access issues, and energy demands. Green stormwater infrastructure offers nature-based solutions to mitigate these impacts while delivering co-benefits for environmental sustainability and human well-being. By integrating GSI—such as bioswales, rain gardens, and permeable pavements—cities can enhance climate resilience, promote equitable access to nature, and address interconnected health and environmental challenges.

In this presentation, we will explore what climate action entails within a health authority and local government, share key lessons learned, and discuss the challenges we are currently addressing.

Speakers

Tugce Conger, M.URP, Ph.D. Climate Change & Planetary Health Lead, Fraser Health Authority

Tugce Conger is a Climate Change and Planetary Health Lead at the Fraser Health Authority’s Population and Public Health Division. In her role, she leverages her dual expertise as a Senior Planner with local government experience and her Ph.D. research on climate change adaptation to provide strategic leadership and specialized knowledge on the critical intersections between climate resilience, adaptation strategies, and public health outcomes. Her role encompasses project management, knowledge transfer, policy development and advocacy, and the implementation of Population and Public Health's Climate Change Strategy. Through these efforts, she spearheads innovative health adaptation initiatives to build resilient communities.

Heidi Horlacher, P.Geo., PMP Senior Environmental Geoscientist, City of Vancouver

Heidi Horlacher is a Senior Environmental Geoscientist with the City of Vancouver, Canada where she leads the Rain City Strategy’s Streets and Public Spaces Action Plan, aimed at accelerating the City’s adoption of Green Rainwater Infrastructure. With over 20 years of professional experience, Heidi is passionate about fostering equitable, livable and joyful communities through enhanced environmental outcomes. She serves on the executive committee for the Green Infrastructure Leadership Exchange and has held the position of Local Government representative for the Society of Contaminated Sites Approved Professionals of British Columbia. Heidi’s commitment to environmental stewardship continues to drive her impactful work on nature-based solutions in Vancouver and beyond.