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ABC. university will train North America’s first wildfire-ighting civilians, while AI hits the forest-fire front lines. Quebec's flood zones will get a long-awaited overhaul. And Ontario will supersize its Gower grid.

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1 A Kamloops University Will Launch North America's First Wildfire Training Program

Wildfire seasons in B.C. now routinely displace residents, torch buildings and burn more than 4.9 million acres of land per year. In Kamloops, where almost 700,000 acres burn annually, Thompson Rivers University is stepping up with a solution: North America's first wildfire management program, set to launch in September of 2025. The program will train 20 students on subjects like wildfire science, Indigenous fire practices, climate adaptation and emergency management, equipping them with the skills to fight wildfires as civilians.

2 Toronto Will Get New Parks and a Human-Made River

This spring, Toronto's hottest development isn't a luxury condo tower-it's a massive green makeover along the eastern waterfront. After eight years and a $169-million overrun, the billion-dollar superproject will be finished this year, delivering more than 100 acres of park space and coastal wetlands, complete with cycling paths, walking trails and kayak launches, all linked by four arched pedestrian bridges. It will also create a new river mouth connecting the Don River to Lake Ontario.

3 AI Wildfire Detection Will Arrive in Alberta and B.C.

High-tech firefighting is coming to Western Canada. In 2025, wildfire detection company SenseNet will partner with Rogers to launch Al-powered fire detection in B.C. and Alberta. Gas sensors, smoke detection cameras and real-time data analysis-all connected through Rogers' 5G network-will give fire departments early alerts, improving their chances to control fires before they get out of hand. Part of the tech is already in use at Predator Ridge near Vernon, B.C., with a full rollout planned by this spring in 10 towns, including Sparwood and Willowvale in B.C., as well as Christina Lake, Grande Prairie and Jasper in Alberta.

4 Canada's EV Boom Will Slow Down