The City’s Standing Committee on Environmental Protection, Water and Waste Management today received the Climate Vulnerability and Risk Assessment report which assesses Ottawa’s vulnerability to changing climate conditions and prioritizes action where it is most needed.
The City assessed 150 potential climate impacts, including effects on health and community well-being, infrastructure, the environment and economy. To protect livability and prosperity in Ottawa, action is needed within three years on 40 priority risks, including those related to higher temperatures, more extreme weather, flooding and heat waves. The findings will inform a climate resiliency strategy that will set out actions to address these risks and ensure Ottawa is prepared for changing conditions. That strategy will be brought forward by the end of 2023.
While the City will continue to address known risks as the strategy is developed, residents can also take steps to prepare. Learn how to protect yourself and your community at ottawa.ca/climatechange, and sign up for the City’s climate change newsletter to stay informed about climate initiatives.
The Committee received an update on the upcoming transition of the provincial Blue Box program, when the responsibility for collecting and processing recyclables will shift from municipalities to the producers of products and packaging. To help minimize service disruptions for residents, the Committee endorsed exploring having the City collect recycling on behalf of producers during the transition period, from July 1, 2023 to December 31, 2025. Staff would negotiate agreements with producer organizations for the City to continue to collect recycling during that period, and report back with finalized agreements in 2023.
The Committee approved the results of an environmental assessment for the rehabilitation of the Ruisseau Park Ravine. The preferred solution would address erosion in the ravine and protect private and public property from slope instability. The City would construct weir-pool structures along the channel, realign a portion of the creek, stabilize slopes along the ravine and replace any trees removed during construction. Staff expect to begin detailed design by the end of 2022, with construction to start in late 2023.
The Committee approved a prioritized spending plan for Hydro Ottawa’s 2021 dividend surplus. Any surplus announced in the Hydro Ottawa annual report that Council will receive on Wednesday June 22 would be used to fund priority projects that support greenhouse gas reduction and build climate resiliency, advancing the goals of the Climate Change Master Plan and Energy Evolution.
The Committee received the results of a review of the City’s drinking water quality management system in 2021, showing that it remains successful and effective, providing an uninterrupted supply of safe drinking water to residents.
Recommendations from today’s meeting will rise to Council on Wednesday, July 6.
