Windsor Adopts Climate Change Adaptation Plan

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Windsor City Council approved the City of Windsor Climate Change Adaptation Plan Monday night,  making it the  second only of its kind in Canada. The plan charts a proactive course to help Windsor prepare for the anticipated impacts of a changing climate.

The city says that recent statistics show that Windsor’s average temperature has increased by almost 1°C since 1940, and while this may not seem like a huge jump, environmentalists agree this number is substantial.  It has been predicted that the number of “hot” days (over 30 °C/86 °F) in this area could almost quadruple by 2071-2100. Increased heat affects all residents, especially those with illnesses like asthma. This, in turn, puts a strain on our health care services. There is also a financial toll, as residents are forced to deal with rising energy costs trying to stay cool. Yet another area of concern is higher than average rainfall amounts, including events in 2007 and 2010 which caused severe flooding. 2011 was Windsor’s wettest year on record with 1,568 mm of rain compared to the average annual rainfall of 844 mm.

The Climate Change Adaptation Plan outlines those areas where municipal operations would be most affected.

Action items have been developed for various City departments to help lessen the negative impacts of climate change on our municipality. These include a mandatory downspout disconnection program; a green roof, rain garden, permeable pavement policies; tree planting; and sewer use education campaigns for residents.  You can download a copy of the plan here.