Durham Region secures funding for Climate Adaptation Plan update

Whitby, Ontario – Durham Region has secured $140,000 in funding from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Green Municipal Fund, under the Local Leadership for Climate Adaptation program. This funding will support a 10-year strategic update to the Durham Community Climate Adaptation Plan (DCCAP), originally approved by Regional Council in 2016.

Updating the plan is an important step in strengthening Durham Region’s ability to prepare for and respond to climate change. We are already seeing the impacts of climate change across Durham, including more frequent and heavier rains and flooding, ice storms, heat waves and wildfire smoke. Residents and municipalities are feeling the impacts including costly repairs and impacts on heath. The update will help ensure the Region continues to take practical, community-focused actions to stay safe and resilient as these impacts become more frequent.

The updated plan will build on implementation work underway and reflect new priorities from emerging climate challenges, updated climate data and Durham residents lived experiences. By analyzing the updated climate data, reviewing our existing actions, and consulting with partners and community, the Region will determine the next steps needed to improve resilience and support a more climate-ready future for everyone in Durham Region.

To learn more about the Community Climate Adaptation Plan update, visit durham.ca/AdaptationPlan.

Quote

“This funding represents an important step forward in strengthening Durham Region’s climate resilience. We’re looking to understand how severe weather affects our community and Durham Region services and assets. By gathering this information, we can take steps to reduce risks to our community and the infrastructure and services we all depend on. Together, we’re building a stronger, more resilient future for everyone in Durham Region.”

-  John Henry, Regional Chair and CEO, Region of Durham

Quick Facts

• Climate change is already contributing to the more extreme heat days, more severe storms, freezing rains and power outages.
• Climate Adaptation Plans help municipalities to prepare for these impacts by identifying risks, priorities, coordinating responses across departments and partners.
• Equity-focused adaptation planning ensures that services such as cooling centers, transit services and emergency information are designed to meet the needs of residents who face the highest risk.
• The plan update will focus on the integration of resilience-building considerations into planning, operations and municipal decision making.

– 30 –

For media inquiries, please contact Corporate Communications.