2020 Pressures
- • Collection of the environmental data, analysis and calculation of the phosphorus concentrations to Lake Erie and the Leamington Tributaries are supported through provincial funding under the CanadaOntario Agreement (COA). The continuation of this funding is uncertain after October 2020
- • Traditional Environment Canada and Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs funding to further applied research and innovative projects related to water quality has ceased
CLIMATE CHANGE
The Essex Region has experienced the impacts of changes to our landscapes over the last decade. We are experiencing hotter summers, warming Great Lakes, rising lake levels, warmer winters, increased rain events and more frequent, severe storms. These changes affect every part of our lives. While efforts to slow this change must continue, we also need to help our region adapt to its impacts. To most efficiently and effectively undertake and advance this, we need to work together to improve knowledge and advance the understanding of climate change, identify risks and vulnerabilities, enhance regional preparedness; and gaps in knowledge; policy and programming related to terrestrial, aquatic and nearshore systems, infrastructure, water quality and quantity, agriculture and communities in the Essex Region.
2019 Achievements
- • Initiated the Windsor Essex Climate Change Collaborative (WEC3), which includes sector-based Implementation Teams, including Human Health, the Built Environment, Natural Hazards, Agriculture, Nature & Ecosystems, and Energy. Developed a framework for assessing impacts for these sectors.
- • Secured funding and commitments from Ministry of Energy, Northern Development and Mines, County of Essex and municipalities for a county-wide Community Energy Plan to help advance regional priorities around energy conservation to achieve lower emissions.
- • Created a Climate Change Communications Strategy to help stakeholders at all levels understand local impacts of climate change and actions that can be taken toward mitigation and adaptation • Hosted municipal Climate Action Symposium with University of Windsor
2020 Actions
- • Host a 2020 WEC3 workshop series, which will include sessions such as Corporate Energy Planning, Asset Management, and Stormwater Financing, to help municipalities prepare and plan for climate change.
- • Initiate County-wide Community Energy Plan with County of Essex, county municipalities, residents and industry.
- • Sector engagement by framework, with focus on Nature & Ecosystems and Agriculture.
- • Continue to develop outreach and education actions on climate mitigation and adaptation
2020 Pressures
- • As awareness increases, there may be an increased interest and requests for support from agencies and municipalities
- • Increased demand for education and outreach (general) and public consultation (for the CEP)
- • Capacity issues with need to support development of Climate Change Plan and County Municipal Energy Plan with municipalities and partners
