On Tuesday, the City of Owen Sound Operation’s Committee endorsed the Corporate Climate Change Adaptation Plan (CCCAP) as part of the City’s Climate Action Strategy. The Plan, which is the first of its kind for the City of Owen Sound, aligns directly with the City’s Refreshed Strategic Plan in which Council identified being a ‘Green City’ as a priority.

A Climate Change Adaptation Plan enables communities to deal with the impacts, risks, and opportunities posed by a changing climate. The CCCAP contains key actions to manage the impacts of climate change on the City’s operations and services. Actions and recommendations contained within the Plan are a commitment by Council and staff to increase resiliency to climate change. The CCCAP compliments mitigation efforts already in place, and plans to develop a Climate Mitigation Plan are underway as part of the Climate Action Strategy.

The CCCAP had been a collaborative project led by a cross-functional steering committee with representatives from Grey Sauble Conservation Authority, Grey County and City staff from Engineering, Planning, Emergency Management, Environmental Services, and Asset Management. Stakeholders were also engaged to gather feedback on the proposed actions and recommendations.

"Climate change has been a rising topic of concern for residents, staff, and City Council. The Corporate Climate Change Adaptation Plan is evidence of Council’s promise to protect, preserve, and maintain Owen Sound’s scenic and natural heritage,” says Mayor Ian Boddy.

The Corporate Climate Change Adaptation Plan will go to Council for final approval on June 7, 2021.

source: media release, City of Owen Sound