Corporate Climate Adaptation Initiative

Projected changes in Niagara’s climate are expected to result in more freezing rain events, wind storms, heavy rainfalls and volatile temperatures. Climate change impacts the city’s infrastructure and ability to deliver municipal services.

The City of Welland is excited to launch the new City of Welland Corporate Climate Adaptation Plan Initiative. City staff have partnered with Niagara Adapts to gain a to better understanding of Niagara's vulnerabilities, manage climate impacts, and identify risks and opportunities posed by climate change. The ultimate goal is to create a Corporate Climate Adaptation Plan that will pave the way for the integration of climate change initiatives into various city departments.

Development of the Climate Adaptation Plan for the City of Welland is driven and supported by the 2012 City of Welland Stormwater & Wastewater Infrastructure Assessment, and the 2017 City of Welland Official Plan. The Official Pan encourages developing and implementing plans to adapt to potential climate change impacts in collaboration with Niagara Region and other stakeholders. The Corporate Climate Adaptation Plan Initiative encourages residents and stakeholders to participate in the planning process and learn more about the city’s climate adaptation initiatives.

The objectives of the plan are as follows:

Minimize health and safety risks to outdoor workers and community members

Generate awareness of changing climate conditions with staff and the public

Ensure a coordinated response to extreme weather events

Consider climate change impacts in infrastructure design, construction and maintenance

Foster resiliency within the natural landscape

Reduce risk associated with heavy rainfall and flooding

Minimize the disruption of city services

Integrate climate adaptation into the city planning and operations