SCC and CSA Group deliver a new standard for addressing high winds and drifting snow in Canada’s North

Wind and snow have always been key considerations when building new infrastructure in Canada’s far north. But with the shifts in weather patterns brought about by climate change, the risks of high winds, snow and snow drifting are only increasing. The new standard, CSA S505, was developed by CSA Group with financial support from the Standards Council of Canada. It tackles the challenges of wind and snow to help reduce the risk of damage, improve function and accessibility, and improve design and construction techniques for northern infrastructure.

The standard addresses a wide range of related issues, all in an effort to minimize the effects of increasing snow and wind loads:

• weather data, climate variables, and relevant projections and forecasts;
• reducing risk of damage;
• climate adaptation strategies;
• improving function and accessibility; and
• design construction techniques.

With high speeds and changing patterns, winds have a significant impact on the built environment. Consideration of potentially damaging effects must be factored into the development of new and existing infrastructure and their long-term maintenance and durability. This new standard will provide owners and designers with tools to better estimate and mitigate the impacts of wind in a changing climate.  

- Michael Ukrainetz, Senior Project Manager, Community Services | Infrastructure Development Branch, Yukon

To purchase or find out more about the CSA Standard mentioned above please visit www.store.csagroup.org.