Community Adaption Climate plan in the works for Pickering

The City of Pickering is developing its first Community Climate Adaptation Plan and is inviting residents to share their thoughts during the process.

Climate change refers to the long-term shifts in global temperatures and weather patterns. Pickering, and cities across the globe, are already experiencing the effects of climate change through an increase in high-heat days, the spread of invasive species, and extreme weather events resulting in a loss of tree canopy, property damage, utility disruptions, and flooding.

The plan will outline key climate change risks, actions, and strategies to help residents prepare and adapt to weather-related emergencies.

Pickering has already been proactively integrating climate contingencies through existing programs, plans, and policies, such as the Integrated Sustainable Design Standards, Stormwater Management design guidelines, and the endorsement of the Durham Region Community Climate Adaptation Plan.

Other efforts the City has taken to help residents adapt to the effects of climate change include:

• warming and cooling centres at City facilities
• naturalization projects
• shade structures
• waterfront restoration
• sharing weather alerts and service disruptions of the community

Visit LetsTalkPickering.ca/climate to learn more and to complete the survey by March 6, with a chance for respondents to win an emergency preparedness kit.