Ontario Construction News staff writer
Collingwood council has endorsed a Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan with 19 goals designed to help the town prepare for heavier rainfall, flooding, extreme heat, shoreline erosion and warmer winters.
The plan focuses on: People and Community, Services and Operations, and Natural Environment. It is intended to guide municipal planning and spending as the community responds to changing weather conditions.
“Adaptation is about practical planning for weather conditions we are already seeing in Collingwood,” Mayor Hamlin said in a statement. “Preparing early helps protect residents, properties, and the services people count on. It also helps the town plan ahead, make informed budget decisions and reduce the costs that can come with emergency repairs after severe weather.”
Local climate data, technical analysis, input from town staff and regional partners, and community feedback were used to identify key climate risks and measures to address them.
Goals include reducing risks associated with heavy rainfall, flooding and extreme heat; maintaining roads, stormwater systems, municipal buildings and other services; and protecting parks, trails, wetlands, the shoreline and other natural areas.
The plan also calls for strengthening emergency planning and response, improving preparedness before larger projects proceed, and providing residents and community partners with information to help them prepare for extreme weather.
Council’s endorsement moves the plan into implementation. Actions will be implemented over time through municipal work plans, budgets, asset management and other approved projects. Individual investments will remain subject to the town’s regular budget and decision-making processes.
Residents are encouraged to prepare household emergency plans, check drainage around their properties, keep eavestroughs and downspouts clear, and check on neighbours during extreme weather.
The Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan is available at collingwood.ca/climate-adaptation-action-plan.
