Canadians Alarmed by Climate Change and Wildfire Smoke Threats

Mar 12, 2026, 2:21 AM

Hover over text to view sources

Recent findings from First Onsite Property Restoration's annual Weather and Property survey indicate that climate change and wildfire smoke are among the primary concerns for Canadians, reflecting a significant shift in regional weather worries across the country.

Despite a winter marked by severe weather extremes, overall disaster concerns among Canadians have decreased slightly. According to the survey, concerns about severe weather events such as winter storms, flooding, and hurricanes have softened year-over-year, even as the risks from climate-related disasters remain high.

The survey highlights that 72% of Canadians fear the impacts of climate change, with 70% concerned about its effect on home and business insurance costs. Additionally, wildfire smoke has emerged as a major worry, with 70% of respondents expressing concern.

Regional Concerns and Variations

The survey reveals distinct regional variations in concerns about weather-related disasters. British Columbia (BC) reported the highest levels of anxiety regarding extreme heat and heat domes, with 77% expressing concern. This is significant given the province's experiences with devastating heat waves and wildfires in recent years.

Alberta residents are particularly alarmed about wildfire smoke, with 83% of respondents citing it as a major concern. The province also leads the nation in worries about hail, reflecting its classification as "Hailstorm Alley." The memory of the costly 2024 Calgary hailstorms is still fresh for many.

In contrast, Manitoba and Saskatchewan reported lower levels of concern regarding climate change, at 56%. However, they noted high levels of anxiety about wildfire smoke (74%), winter storms (71%), and extreme cold (67%). Notably, these provinces led the nation in concerns about tornadoes or severe winds, with 54% expressing worry.

Ontario's top worries included climate change (74%) and winter storms (74%), but a significant increase in concern about wildfire smoke was observed, spiking by 10 percentage points to 63% year-over-year. This rise can likely be attributed to air quality alerts that placed Toronto among the most polluted cities globally last summer.

Québec residents share similar concerns, with 76% worried about climate change and notable anxiety about extreme weather events such as heat domes (67%) and flooding (62%). The past year saw the province grappling with a severe wildfire season as well as major flooding events.

Atlantic Canada, while leading the country in hurricane concerns, saw a notable decrease in worry about hurricanes due to a relatively inactive season. However, concerns about wildfire smoke surged by 15 points, aligning with last year’s intense wildfire season across the region.

The Path Ahead

The findings underscore the growing awareness of the impacts of climate change, prompting Canadians to be more attuned to the specific risks affecting their regions. Jim Mandeville, senior vice president at First Onsite Property Restoration, remarked on the importance of resilience in the face of increasing weather-related events, emphasizing that thoughtful planning can help homeowners and businesses manage property emergencies more effectively.

First Onsite provides free preparedness guides aimed at helping property owners navigate the risks associated with natural disasters and severe weather.

Overall, while Canadians may feel a slight decline in general disaster concerns, the survey results point to an urgent need for continued dialogue and action regarding climate change and its multifaceted impacts.

As the world continues to grapple with the consequences of climate change, understanding regional variations in concerns and risks is essential for effective disaster preparedness and community resilience across Canada.

Wildfire Weather Days Nearly Triple as Climate Change Intensifies Threats

A recent study indicates that weather conditions conducive to wildfires have increased nearly threefold globally over the past 45 years, with human-caused climate change responsible for over half of this rise. This trend poses significant risks to firefighting efforts and resources as multiple regions face simultaneous fire threats.

Climate Change Drives Severe Flooding in Kenya's Rift Valley

Kenya is experiencing unprecedented flooding, particularly around Lake Naivasha, attributed to climate change and increased rainfall. Thousands have been displaced, and agricultural activities are severely impacted, threatening the livelihoods of many families.

Climate Change Causes Severe Flooding in Kenya's Lakes

In Kenya, climate change is leading to increased rainfall and rising lake levels, particularly at Lake Naivasha, displacing thousands. The situation has worsened due to inadequate government response and ongoing environmental changes, affecting local agriculture and communities.

High Winds and Low Humidity Raise Wildfire Risks This Weekend

As high winds and low humidity dominate the weather forecast for the weekend, officials across several states are taking proactive measures to mitigate wildfire risks. With conditions ripe for fire outbreaks, communities are urged to remain vigilant and adhere to safety guidelines.

Understanding Climate Change: Pros, Cons, and Activism

Climate change, driven by human activity, poses significant risks to global health, the environment, and economies. While there is a growing demand for action, public opinion remains divided along partisan lines. Young activists are increasingly vocal in the climate debate, emphasizing the need for urgent policy changes and environmental justice.