Following a 406% surge in insurance claims from catastrophic weather events in 2024, Intact Insurance is rolling out a national program to help Canadians protect their homes from future climate-related risks.
The program, called "Keep It Intact," is designed to provide homeowners with tools and guidance to mitigate property damage caused by severe weather such as floods and wildfires. Intact developed the initiative based on over a decade of climate adaptation research conducted by the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation at the University of Waterloo.
Carla Smith, executive vice president & chief people, strategy & climate officer at Intact Financial Corporation, said that while Canadians are increasingly concerned about climate change, the steps to reduce risks to their homes are not always clear.
“We created the 'Keep It Intact' program to give Canadians the knowledge, confidence and support they need to take control, starting at their front door. It's not waiting for the next flood or wildfire to force a response. It's empowering Canadians to prepare now to protect what matters most," said Smith.
In a national survey, 80% of Canadians said they believe action can be taken to address the growing frequency and severity of extreme weather. However, only 9% have implemented multiple concrete measures to protect their homes. The same survey reported that 57% have either thought about or taken some action, though cost, uncertainty about what to do, and a perceived lack of necessity remain barriers.
Canada’s summer of 2024 set records for catastrophic weather, leading to more than $7.7 billion in insured losses. These losses have made the gap between awareness and action more evident, according to Intact.
The Keep It Intact platform, available at KeepItIntact.ca, offers homeowners expert-based recommendations, how-to guides, education and planning tools, maintenance tips like checking sump pumps, and access to professionals for services such as gutter cleaning and roof repairs.
Guillaume Lamy, senior vice president, personal lines, said the program translates climate research into practical steps tailored to different regional weather risks.
Intact has invested over $30 million since 2010 in more than 100 climate adaptation projects. In 2025, it increased its funding for the Municipal Climate Resiliency Grants program from $2 million to $3.1 million to support 19 Canadian communities addressing flood and wildfire risks.
To further support home maintenance, Intact recently acquired Jiffy Inc., a home maintenance app that connects users with service providers. Jiffy operates in the Greater Toronto Area, Ottawa, Calgary, Vancouver, and Edmonton, with plans to expand.
What steps have you taken to reduce your home’s exposure to climate-related risks?
