In the wake of intensifying storms, cities across North America are marshaling their resources to develop resilience strategies. As these extreme weather events escalate in their ferocity and frequency due to climate change, resilience-building becomes the new priority. A strategic shift is unfolding worldwide as municipalities retool their framework of disaster management with the core emphasis on being prepared, adaptive, and robust in response to any calamity.
The provinces of Quebec and Ontario have led the charge in creating sustainable city structures to withstand climate adversities. Persistent flooding and snowstorms have given these provinces no other option, but to innovate. Major infrastructure projects focus on improving urban flood management systems, while clean energy initiatives strive to reduce the carbon footprint.
In Calgary and Edmonton, municipal administrators are initiating projects for building ‘green’ roofs—rooftops transformed into meadows that serve a dual purpose. These living roofs help reduce the carbon footprint while also easing the city’s stormwater management system. Yet, while the fight against climate change manifests innovative advancements, the economic impact cannot be underestimated.
Adjusting municipal budgets to cater to these systematic shifts is proving to be a tremendous task. The pressure on resources is constant. Coincidentally, there is an emerging trend that might offer fiscal relief to the distressed administrators – the legalization of online casinos.
As we at the West Island Blog noted, online casinos are proving to be an increasingly popular source of revenue for provinces, like British Columbia and Quebec. This burgeoning industry is mirrored by the general social acceptance of controlled gambling habits. Drawn by the potential for growing revenues coupled with job opportunities, and the promise of an economic surge, cities are exploring the designated laws and licensing agreements to incorporate online casinos into their economic landscape.
The funds raised from the taxes imposed on online casinos could be a potential source of additional finances. As our research suggests, it can be funneled into climate resilience-building projects, allowing cities to successfully and sustainably mitigate and adapt to the ravages of climate change.
As more and more provinces join the online casino bandwagon, it’s clear that the policy approach to gambling has changed. The hope is that this will bring a measured, moderated influx of fiscal resources – resources that could be directed towards fighting our most significant existential threat, climate change.
