Council receives update on efforts to deal with climate risks
City Council 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. 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 be brought forward by the end of 2023 to address risks.
Council approved additional funding for LRT Stage 2 in 2022. $35 million would go toward the construction utility budget, to be funded from development charge debt, rate reserves, and transit debt. Another $25 million would be budgeted for contingencies, to be funded from development charge debt and transit debt.
Council approved establishing a Community Improvement Plan for the Ottawa International Airport (YOW CIP) to support the Airport’s rebound and future resiliency post-pandemic, as well as broader economic growth, job creation and prosperity. Incentives would be available to airport tenants who develop or redevelop sites with projects that result in a minimum increase of $250,000 in property assessment value. The program would be in effect for 10 years with a five-year option to extend.
Council approved updates to make the policy for altering a ditch more consistent and transparent. Residents citywide will have two options to legally alter a ditch for non-aesthetic reasons without negatively impacting the City’s stormwater management and ditch system.
Council ratified a new collective agreement with Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 5500 (CUPE 5500), representing transit supervisors in bus rail and the Transit Operations Control Centre, transit maintenance, and Special Constables. The bargaining unit represents approximately 180 employees who play an important role in the day-to-day operation of OC Transpo services.
Council also received the 2021 annual report for Ottawa Public Health.
