About Us
The Cold Regions Research Centre (CRRC) was established in 1987, evolving from a large, multidisciplinary research and training project on snow and ice hydrology in the Karakoram Himalaya of Pakistan that was based in Wilfrid Laurier University’s Geography department.
While the centre’s initial focus was on arctic and mountain glaciology and hydrology, since 1990 the scope and role of the centre within the Geography department and the university has broadened. Today the CRRC is a focus of cold regions (mountain and northern) research, consulting on topics such as hydrology, climatology, glaciology, resource management, parks planning and biogeochemistry.
Strategic Plan
The Cold Regions Research Centre (CRRC) is pleased to present its five-year Strategic Plan (2026-2031) and ten-year vision (2026-2036). CRRC’s strategy is grounded in institutional and landscape analysis, review of relevant documentation, learning from comparable centres, and qualitative interviews with stakeholders, including faculty, students, research support staff, university leadership, and external partners.
Our Goals and Mandate
Research
To facilitate interdisciplinary research and teaching about cold regions.
Events
To organize public and educational events, workshops, and conferences on cold regions topics.
Training
To facilitate academic and field training of students in a range of cold regions disciplines and locations.
Student Support
To provide opportunities for students and early-career researchers.
Collaboration
To foster collaboration among cold regions researchers and strengthen links with external organizations.
Hockey Meets Science on Great Bear Lake
The Délı̨nę, Northwest Territories community hosted its Alumni All-Star Winter Classic on March 21 to celebrate 200 years since the local advent of hockey. As former NHL greats including Wendel Clark, Doug Gilmour and Ryan Getzlaf faced off on a specially made outdoor rink on Great Bear Lake, young spectators warmed their toes in the heated “VIP booth” on the sidelines.
CRRC Annual Student Conference
The Cold Regions Research Centre (CRRC) Annual Student Conference brings together researchers, students, Indigenous partners, government agencies, industry professionals, and community organizations to share knowledge, foster collaboration, and explore the rapidly changing environments of cold regions. The conference provides a multidisciplinary forum for presenting the latest research, innovative technologies, and community-driven initiatives related to Arctic, sub-Arctic, alpine, and northern environments. Through keynote presentations, technical sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities, participants exchange ideas and build partnerships that advance research and inform policy and practice.
Conference themes span a broad range of disciplines, including remote sensing and geomatics, permafrost and cryosphere science, hydrology and water quality, wildlife and ecosystem conservation, aquatic and biological systems, climate change, wildfire and environmental disturbances, and Indigenous knowledge and northern community partnerships. Whether you are an established researcher, an early-career professional, a student, or a community partner, the CRRC Annual Conference offers an opportunity to connect with a diverse network of experts committed to understanding and sustaining cold regions in Canada and around the world.
Photo Gallery
