Be prepared
Why this matters
Past weather events in Peel have significantly affected people, infrastructure, natural systems, and the economy, resulting in health impacts, damage to property, disruption in critical infrastructure systems, business and service interruptions, and limited mobility and access to services.
Outcome: A safe, secure, and connected community is provided by ensuring Regional services and assets are more resilient to extreme weather events and future climate conditions.
Action 12: Better prepare to respond to, and raise awareness of, increased climate change-related emergencies and health impacts
Output: The Region will enhance alliances with emergency management (EM) partners and integrate climate into EM planning and operations.
Activities:
12.1) Convene a coalition of emergency social service and health agencies to identify gaps and needs to deliver services in the context of climate change, specifically during extreme events
12.2) Investigate and increase monitoring, through tools like local radar systems to support enhanced notification on climate-related hazards
12.3) Install or improve cooling solutions (passive and active) for buildings which are currently or are projected to be vulnerable to overheating
12.4) Ensure policies and procedures to protect outdoor workers consider climate change impacts
Action 13: Identify and manage risks to infrastructure assets
Output: The Region will undertake a climate risk and vulnerability analysis of Regionally-owned assets, integrate climate in the asset management planning process, apply climate design and performance criteria to new and state of good repair (SOGR) infrastructure work, and make climate risk and vulnerability-related information and plans for resilience available to the public.
Activities:
13.1) Assess infrastructure for risks associated with extreme weather events and future climate conditions, and integrate knowledge into asset management
13.2) Develop and enhance inspection procedures and protocols for high-risk infrastructure to minimize disruption to service
13.3) Develop a Climate Change Adaptation Management Tool for Transportation and Infrastructure Planning
13.4) Develop and implement climate resilience technical design and performance criteria for infrastructure
13.5) Ensure Region's insurance policy provides coverage for increasing climate related risks
Action 14: Protect and increase green infrastructure throughout Peel
Output: The Region will collaborate with local municipalities to expand GI across Peel. The Region will inventory, protect, and maintain existing natural assets, while expanding GI in areas with the greatest need.
Activities:
14.1) Develop a region-wide green infrastructure services in collaboration with the local municipalities and conservation authorities with focus at facility level implementation
14.2) Develop and implement a Green Infrastructure Asset Management Plan to support the preservation and expansion of green infrastructure
14.3) Implement tree planting and management program for new and existing trees
14.4) Implement green infrastructure elements of future Storm Servicing Master Plan for Regional Road Infrastructure
14.5) Create Green Infrastructure Guidance document to achieve improved water storage and retention for all regional sites
14.6) Require buildings undergoing applicable state of good repair work to consider green infrastructure opportunities
Action 15: Enhance standards, guidelines, and planning activities that pursue resilient urban design and development
Output: The Region will develop and apply a resilience lens to new infrastructure. Working with Conservation Authorities and Local Municipalities maintain data on hazards, vulnerabilities, and risks, and further integrate climate hazards considerations into land use planning policy and processes.
Activities:
15.1) Have climate change related Official Plan Policy adopted and monitor implementation for continuous improvement
15.2) Develop and/or enhance tools and guidelines that support the integration of climate risks into infra-structure planning such as Climate Change Adaptation Management Tool for Infrastructure Planning
15.3) Map and maintain up-to-date data on hazards, vulnerabilities, and risks
15.4) Monitor and track relevant new or amended policies, plans, standards and guidelines for opportunities to incorporate climate change resiliency considerations
15.5) In partnership with local conservation authorities and municipalities, align guidelines, standards and tools to further support community flood and heat resiliency planning
15.6) Require buildings undergoing applicable state of good repair work to consider green infrastructure opportunities