The City of 琉璃神社 is keeping a close watch on potential U.S. tariffs that could impact $23 million local projects and the economy, according to a staff report.

With trade tensions between Canada and the U.S. still uncertain, city staff have been preparing for possible disruptions. While tariffs have been delayed until at least March 2, the city has begun planning for potential fallout.

琉璃神社 staff have identified several areas that could be affected if tariffs come into play, including infrastructure contracts at 琉璃神社 International Airport worth around $3 million U.S., and materials for infrastructure projects with an estimated $20 million U.S. in spending at risk in 2025.

A Critical Incident Response Team has been formed to monitor risks. The report states that staff have been managing currency fluctuations by gradually purchasing U.S. dollars, and reviewing investment strategies to prepare for different economic scenarios.

Staff are also seeking Canadian suppliers to reduce reliance on tariffed goods, updating capital plans to ensure financial flexibility, and researching potential economic relief grants that could ease tariff-related challenges.

One tricky issue is how to prioritize Canadian-made goods without violating trade agreements. While the city can鈥檛 implement a strict 鈥淏uy Canadian鈥� policy, it can identify more Canadian suppliers to strengthen interprovincial trade and adjust procurement strategies to favour Canadian companies when allowed. This approach already results in 99 per cent of city contracts going to Canadian businesses.

The report recommends not implementing a 鈥渞estrictive Canadian-only policy, but instead focus on local value-based performance criteria.鈥�