Executive Summary

Purpose of this Climate Change Adaptation Plan

There is a quantifiable history of Climate Change in Windsor. The 30-year mean temperature in Windsor has increased from 9.1°C in 1960-1989 to 10.1°C in 1990-2019, representing a 1°C increase in our average annual temperature. The 30-year mean annual rainfall has increased from 840mm in 1941-1969 to 955mm in 1990-2019, an increase of approximately 7%. In the last decade alone (2010-2019), the mean annual rainfall has been measured at 995mm.

Projections show that the average number of days above 30°C will more than double by 2050s and more than triple by 2080s. An increase in average precipitation is expected, particularly in winter and spring, while summer may eventually see a slight decrease in precipitation coupled with increasingly warm seasonal temperatures. More events of extreme precipitation are expected. Water temperature of the Erie basin continues to increase, negatively impacting wetlands, habitats and biodiversity. In addition, water levels have been above average since 2013.

In keeping with the Strategic Direction laid out in the original Environmental Master Plan (2007), The City of Windsor is committed to being a leader through its daily actions and services to enhance the environment for present and future generations, the Climate Change Adaptation Plan (2012) was developed. To build upon the success of the 2012 Climate Change Adaptation Plan, this update was developed.

Recognizing the importance of immediate action, the City of Windsor declared a Climate Change Emergency on November 18, 2019. To help combat the impacts of Climate Change that we are currently experiencing, and that which we are projected to experience, this plan aims to address the physical, social, economic and ecological health impacts of Climate Change and the adaptation actions that could help diminish them.

In 2017, the City of Windsor approved the City’s 1st Community Energy Plan and Corporate Climate Action Plan developing a pathway to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption. The implementation of the CEP is important to reduce the extent of climate change.

How was this Plan Developed?

Innovation Program, it is a $75-million program designed to support and encourage municipalities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change. ICLEI provided the City of Windsor the opportunity to participate in this project with seven other municipalities, allowing Windsor to network, learn and share experiences about the adaptation planning process. This encouraged the development of a community-wide adaptation strategy that includes actionable elements for all participating organizations (municipality, university, public health, etc.)

To support the community-wide adaptation strategy, a Community Task Force (CTF) was developed and consulted in parallel to the consultation of all City of Windsor departments. The CTF and City staff used their knowledge and experience to identify locally relevant climate change 2