HomeMy WebLinkAboutSUS 02-25Report to
Executive Committee
Report Number: SUS 02-25 Date: May 5, 2025
From: Kyle Bentley
Director, City Development & CBO
Subject: City of Pickering Community Climate Adaptation Plan 2025 - 2035
File: D-7001-028
Recommendation:
1. That Report SUS 02-25, regarding the City of Pickering Community Climate Adaptation
Plan 2025 – 2035, as set out in Appendix I, be endorsed;
2. That recommendations from the Community Climate Adaptation Plan be considered, along with other municipal priorities, through future annual municipal plans and budget processes;
3. That staff report back to Council on the progress of the Community Climate Adaptation
Plan’s implementation at the end of year three, of the ten-year plan; and
4. That the appropriate officials of the City of Pickering be authorized to take the necessary actions as indicated in this report.
Executive Summary: The purpose of this report is to seek Council’s endorsement of the City of Pickering Community Climate Adaptation Plan 2025-2035 (CCAP), a comprehensive, community-informed strategy that outlines how the City can proactively manage and adapt to
the growing impacts of a changing climate. A copy of the CCAP can be found in Appendix I.
The CCAP was developed through a five-phase approach that included a climate risk assessment, policy and gap analysis, extensive community and stakeholder engagement, and action planning. It identifies 64 adaptation actions across eight focus areas: Agriculture & Local Food, Nature & Biodiversity, Health, Social Well-Being & Emergency Preparedness, Local Economy,
Planning & Policy, Transportation, Building & Energy, and Stormwater Infrastructure.
The Plan supports and builds upon the City’s existing policies and initiatives, such as the 2024-2028 Corporate Strategic Plan, Integrated Sustainable Design Standards, the Recreation and Parks Ten Year Plan, and the Community Safety and Well-Being Plan. It also aligns with regional, provincial, and federal policies and frameworks including the Durham Community
Climate Adaptation Plan, Ontario Climate Change Impact Assessment, Provincial Planning
Statement, and the National Adaptation Strategy. In developing the Plan, the City reviewed adaptation plans from several other Durham and GTA municipalities, many of which have already adopted similar strategies. These references provided valuable insights and helped to inform the development of a locally tailored, yet broadly aligned approach, to climate
adaptation.
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The implementation of the CCAP will follow a phased approach, with actions categorized as short-, medium-, or long-term. A governance structure has been established to oversee
implementation, supported by a funding mechanism that integrates municipal resources with
potential external grants and partnerships. Progress will be monitored through a set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). A five-year review will assess the implementation status of actions, incorporate updated statistics, and allow for adjustments to ensure continued relevance. A more comprehensive ten-year review will reassess the overall vision, objectives,
focus areas, and governance framework, ensuring alignment with evolving climate science,
policy, and community priorities. Equity considerations are embedded across all focus areas of the plan and within the KPIs framework to ensure that adaptation actions prioritize vulnerable populations, and deliver inclusive, community-wide benefits.
The CCAP is a critical step in ensuring this municipality remains a climate-ready and resilient
city, capable of protecting Pickering residents, infrastructure, and ecosystems from current and
future climate-related risks.
Relationship to the Pickering Strategic Plan: The recommendations in this report respond
to the Pickering Strategic Plan Priority of Lead & Advocate for Environmental Stewardship, Innovation & Resiliency.
Financial Implications: There are no direct financial implications from endorsing the City of
Pickering Community Climate Adaptation Plan. Any costs from recommended actions would be considered through subsequent budget submissions.
Discussion: The purpose of this report is to seek Council’s endorsement of the City of Pickering CCAP.
1. Introduction
Phase 1 was led by the City of Pickering in partnership with the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) Canada. Pickering was one of 26 municipalities
selected to participate in ICLEI Canada’s Advancing Adaptation Project, which aimed to strengthen climate resilience across Ontario municipalities. This phase included the creation of a Climate Adaptation Working Group and the completion of a Climate Risk Assessment for Pickering. Aside from staff resources, this phase did not require financial support from the City.
In 2023, as per Resolution #345/23, the City retained a consultant to complete Phases 2 to 5 of the Community Climate Adaptation Plan, as outlined in Section 7.
1.1 Importance of Climate Adaptation in Pickering
The City of Pickering CCAP is a vital strategy developed with the community, for the community, to support proactive and coordinated action in the face of a changing
climate. As extreme weather events such as flooding, heatwaves, and storms become
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more frequent and severe, it is essential to take a forward-thinking approach that protects public health, enhances the resilience of natural and built environments, and
supports the people and businesses who live, work, and invest in Pickering.
To address the impacts of our changing climate, municipalities across Ontario and beyond have been undertaking adaptation planning. Although climate adaptation is already embedded in many of the City’s existing plans and policies, the CCAP serves as a unifying framework to coordinate and strengthen these efforts. Developed through
collaboration with City staff, community partners, and residents, the plan outlines a
structured, inclusive approach to embedding climate resilience into decision-making across all sectors. This approach helps to ensure Pickering positions itself as a resilient city.
2. Climate Science Background
2.1 Adaptation vs. Mitigation
Climate adaptation involves adjusting to the current and expected impacts of climate change by reducing vulnerability and increasing resilience to risks like extreme heat, flooding, and windstorms. Climate mitigation, in contrast, focuses on reducing or preventing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through measures such as energy
efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainable transportation.
While both are essential, adaptation ensures that Pickering is prepared for the impacts that are already occurring and expected to intensify. CCAP focuses on a localized approach to enhance climate adaptation and protect the City’s assets, services, and residents.
2.2 Global Climate Trends
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Sixth Assessment Report, released in 2023, climate change is already causing widespread and intensifying impacts around the world. More frequent and severe extreme events such as heatwaves, intense rainfall, and storms, are placing increasing pressure on
ecosystems and communities. Even with significant reductions in GHG emissions,
global warming is likely to reach or exceed a 1.5°C average global temperature increase in the near to mid-term, leading to unavoidable risks. The severity of these risks will depend on local vulnerability, exposure, socioeconomic conditions, and the effectiveness of adaptation measures.
3. Risks and Local Impacts
3.1 Projected Risks Under a High-Emissions Scenario
In 2020, the Ontario Climate Consortium, in partnership with Durham Region, its eight local municipalities, and five local conservation authorities, released a guidance document titled Guide to Conducting a Climate Change Analysis at the Local Scale:
Lessons Learned from Durham Region (2020). The document provides localized,
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downscaled climate projections to support municipal planning, including for the City of Pickering. These projections compare a historical baseline (1971–2000) with future mid-
century conditions (2041–2070) and were used to inform Pickering’s climate risk
assessment.
The projections are based on a high-emissions scenario, known as Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5, which reflects continued high levels of greenhouse gas emissions, resulting in greater warming than lower-emission scenarios. This scenario
represents a plausible upper-bound trajectory and is widely used in climate risk planning
to assess worst-case outcomes relative to today’s conditions.
Under this scenario, Pickering is projected to experience significantly more days above 30°C, leading to hotter, longer summers and increased risks to public health, infrastructure, and energy systems. Winters are expected to become shorter and milder,
with more frequent freeze-thaw cycles, which can damage roads, degrade
infrastructure, and stress natural systems.
The projections also indicate more variable and intense precipitation, which can result in increased stormwater runoff and strain on the maintenance of existing stormwater systems. Additionally, extreme weather events, including storms and high winds, are
expected to stress the urban forest, disrupt ecosystems, accelerate the spread of
invasive species, while impacting agricultural systems and community health.
While the climate projections themselves are drawn from the 2020 guidance document, the anticipated local impacts described here are based on findings from Pickering’s climate risk assessment.
3.2 Recent Pickering Case Examples and Associated Impacts
Year Event Impact
2012 - ongoing Emerald Ash Borer Infestation • Over 3,000 street trees have been lost due to the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer.
• Engineering Services estimated the associated costs at approximately $1,000,000 for tree removals and replacements.
2013 Ice Storm • Significant tree damage, widespread power outages, and hazardous road conditions.
• 530 Pickering residents sought shelter at
evacuation/warming centers.
• According to City of Pickering Report CAO 02-14, the estimated costs were as follows:
• Emergency Response (2013): $115,580
• Clean-up (2013/14): $414,264
• Tree Canopy Restoration: $1,831,680
• Total Cost: $2,361,524
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Year Event Impact
2017 &
2019
Increased intensity
of storms along
Pickering’s Waterfront
• With the high lake water levels and wave action of 2017
and 2019, much of Pickering’s waterfront sustained significant damage causing the Pickering boardwalk to be removed in 2020 and reconstructed. Source: Let’s Talk Pickering – Beachfront Park & Millenium
Square
2019 Rising Health Impacts from Extreme Heat
• According to the Durham Region Health Department, Durham Region recorded 3,814 emergency department visits and hospital admissions related to heat exposure
in 2019.
2020 Severe Wind Storms • A major windstorm with gusts up to 140 km/h caused
extensive damage in Pickering, affecting local businesses. Source: Global News Report 2020
2022 Derecho Storm (long-lived
windstorm that is
widespread and associated with a line of thunderstorms)
• One of Ontario’s most destructive windstorms, the derecho caused over $720 million in damages across
Ontario.
• According to City of Pickering Report FIR 04-22, 47,014 residents experienced power outages
throughout Pickering.
• Engineering Services estimated the associated costs at approximately $100,000 for tree removal services.
2022 & 2023 Spongy Moth Infestation • Significant Spongy Moth (formerly known as Gypsy Moth) infestation lead to widespread tree defoliation.
• Engineering Services estimated the associated cost for
pest management at approximately $25,000 in both 2022 and 2023.
2023 Wildfire Smoke & Air Quality Concerns • Persistent wildfire smoke significantly impacted air quality in Pickering, prompting high-risk air quality warnings with the Air Quality Health Index reaching
9 out of 10.
• The Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex was open to the community while the special air quality alert was in effect.
2024 Severe Thunderstorms • Intense thunderstorms led to power outages and road closures in Pickering.
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4. The Broader Value of Adaptation
4.1 Cost Savings and Risk Mitigation
Adaptation planning enables municipalities to manage climate-related risks in a more
strategic and cost-effective manner. According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), 2024 was the costliest year on record for severe weather-related losses in Canada, with damages totaling $8.5 billion. IBC also notes that construction costs, which have risen by 66% since 2019, are further elevating the financial burden of post-disaster recovery.
Investing in adaptation can significantly reduce long-term costs and risks associated
with climate change. Measures, such as mandating stormwater infiltration and storage in new subdivisions, expanding the urban tree canopy to reduce heat stress, retrofitting public facilities to serve as community resilience hubs, and applying resilient design standards to new developments, can lessen the severity of climate impacts, lower
infrastructure repair costs, and help avoid costly emergency responses. According to
the Canadian Climate Institute (CCI), using climate-resilient materials for road construction and resurfacing could reduce future costs by more than 90%, saving up to $4.1 billion annually by the 2050s. CCI also estimates that every $1 invested in adaptation generates between $13 and $15 in long-term savings and benefits.
4.2 Co-benefits of Climate Adaptation
In addition to mitigating risk, adaptation measures may also support a range of co-benefits:
• Improved health, social well-being, and equity by reducing exposure to extreme
heat, protecting vulnerable populations, and increasing access to green spaces and
cooling infrastructure.
• Infrastructure and operational efficiency by improving durability, reducing long-term maintenance, and supporting efficient resource use.
• Enhanced biodiversity and nature services via urban tree planting, habitat restoration, and stormwater infiltration measures that improve environmental quality.
• Economic resilience and growth through job creation in adaptation-related sectors
and cost avoidance from reduced disaster impacts.
While the primary objective of the CCAP is risk reduction and resilience building, these broader co-benefits align with some of the City’s other strategic goals related to fiscal responsibility, public service delivery, environmental stewardship, and an inclusive, connected community.
5. Ongoing Climate Adaptation Efforts in Pickering
The City of Pickering has already taken progressive steps toward climate resilience through key policies and planning initiatives, investments in infrastructure and community-focused programs.
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5.1 Policy and Planning Initiative
• 2016: Amendment 23 to the Pickering Official Plan introduced climate adaptation
policies into the City’s long-term land use strategy.
• 2017: Council endorsed the Durham Community Climate Adaptation Plan, aligning local action with regional climate resilience strategies.
• 2019: Working with students from St. Mary’s Catholic Secondary School, Council declared a Climate Emergency, formally recognizing the urgency of climate action.
• 2019: Developed Stormwater Management Design Guidelines to improve flood
resilience and stormwater management practices.
• 2022: Adopted Integrated Sustainable Design Standards to help guide climate-resilient and sustainable development.
• 2024: Adopted the Recreation and Parks Ten Year Plan, incorporating climate
adaptation considerations for public spaces.
• 2025 (Draft): Integrated climate change considerations into the Asset Management Plan, supporting infrastructure decision-making under future climate conditions.
• 2025 (Underway): Initiated update to Pickering’s 2012 Urban Forest Study and Canopy Cover Assessment, to expand the study area, assess the current states of the urban forest, to monitor changes to its condition and as a guide for long-term urban forest planning.
• 2025 (Underway): Initiated Shoreline Coastal Assessment Study (West Shore Boulevard to Marksbury Drive), to determine required shoreline stabilization measures to protect road infrastructure, residential property and waterfront trail from high water levels and storm surges.
5.2 Infrastructure and Environmental Enhancements
• Beachfront Park Revitalization: Strengthened shoreline protection and improved park infrastructure resilience to high water levels and storm surges.
• Waterfront Trail Construction: Included erosion control and habitat restoration to
enhance ecological and structural stability.
• Naturalization Projects: Expanded urban forest canopy and improved biodiversity to support ecosystem resilience.
• Shade Structures and Splash Pads: Installed in part to reduce heat exposure and increase comfort in public spaces during extreme heat events.
5.3 Community-Focused Programs
• Warming and Cooling Centres at City facilities: Provided temperature-regulated
spaces for vulnerable residents during extreme heat and cold events.
• Community Safety and Well-Being Plan (2023): Addressed climate impacts on vulnerable populations.
• Sharing Weather Alerts and Service Disruptions: Improved public safety through real-time updates and emergency preparedness measures.
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Each of these actions positively contribute to climate resilience. As the scale, risks and severity of the changing climate evolves, the Community Climate Adaptation Plan helps
to structure a coordinated and proactive approach to long-term climate preparedness.
6. Supporting Policy Frameworks
Pickering’s policy landscape for climate adaptation continues to evolve, driven by provincial legislation, regional planning frameworks, and the City’s commitment to sustainable development. Climate adaptation is no longer an isolated initiative but an
integral part of municipal planning, asset management, and environmental stewardship.
Recent policy developments emphasize the importance of proactive climate resilience measures to mitigate risks, protect natural assets, and ensure long-term sustainability.
6.1 Federal, Provincial and Regional Alignment
6.1.1 National Adaptation Strategy
CCAP aligns with the Government of Canada’s National Adaptation Strategy (2023),
which emphasizes climate resilience across infrastructure, ecosystems, health, the economy, and emergency preparedness.
6.1.2 Ontario Professional Planners Institute Climate Change Adaptation Practice Guide
Most recently, the Ontario Professional Planners Institute Climate Change Adaptation
Practice Guide (2025) was developed and serves as a critical resource for municipalities, offering guidance on integrating climate adaptation strategies into local decision-making. This guide emphasizes risk assessments, infrastructure resilience, and nature-based solutions, aligning with best practices in municipal climate adaptation.
6.1.3 Ontario Provincial Climate Change Impact Assessment
At the provincial level, the Ontario Provincial Climate Change Impact Assessment (2023) provides municipalities with projections on climate-related risks, highlighting the urgency of integrating adaptation into urban planning and infrastructure management.
6.1.4 Ontario Provincial Planning Statement (2024)
The Ontario Provincial Planning Statement requires municipalities to incorporate climate
resilience considerations in planning for and the development of infrastructure, including stormwater management systems, and public service facilities, and to take into consideration any additional approaches that build community resilience to the impacts of a changing climate.
6.1.5 Ontario Flooding Strategy (2020)
Ontario’s Flooding Strategy underscores the necessity of enhanced stormwater management and emergency preparedness to address increasing flood risks.
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6.1.6 Ontario Regulation 588/17
Ontario Regulation 588/17 mandates that municipalities incorporate climate change
considerations into asset management planning, ensuring that infrastructure planning
accounts for climate-related risks. This includes assessing infrastructure vulnerabilities, identifying adaptation opportunities, and integrating lifecycle cost management to enhance long-term sustainability. As part of this, climate change considerations have been integrated into the Asset Management Plan (pending Council endorsement),
supporting infrastructure decision-making under future climate conditions.
6.1.7 Envision Durham and the Durham Community Climate Adaptation Plan
At the regional level, Envision Durham (2023) embeds climate resilience into growth planning, offering a long-term framework for sustainable land use, transportation, and environmental conservation. The Durham Community Climate Adaptation Plan (2016)
was endorsed by Pickering Council in 2017. This plan identified priority climate risks
and regional vulnerabilities, and served as a foundational resource for Pickering.
6.2 Municipal Climate Policy and Planning Initiatives
6.2.1 Pickering Official Plan Review
On January 1, 2025, planning functions were removed from the Region of Durham, and
Envision Durham became the responsibility of all lower-tier municipalities in Durham
Region, including the City of Pickering. As a result, Envision Durham now exists alongside Pickering’s Official Plan, requiring coordinated implementation to ensure alignment with local and regional climate adaptation goals. Through its Official Plan Review Process (Pickering Forward), Pickering will be further integrating climate
adaptation into key planning areas, such as stormwater management, infrastructure
resilience, and natural heritage protection.
6.2.2 Alignment with Strategic Priorities
Pickering’s policy direction continues to align with provincial and regional mandates while advancing local climate adaptation initiatives. The City of Pickering’s Corporate
Strategic Plan 2024-2028 prioritizes environmental stewardship, climate resilience, and
sustainable urban development with a specific action related to taking action and working with partners on climate change mitigation and adaptation measures.
6.2.3 Land Use Planning, Stormwater Management, and Sustainable Design Standards
Climate considerations are being embedded into policies and sustainable infrastructure
development to support a variety of priorities. Strengthened requirements for
stormwater management align with plans/guidelines such as the Frenchman’s Bay Stormwater Management Master Plan and the Stormwater Management Design Guidelines.
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In addition, the City’s Integrated Sustainable Design Standards serve as a key tool in supporting climate adaptation by noting mandatory and optional performance measures
for new developments to incorporate sustainability features such as low-impact
development, urban heat island reduction measures, building resilience, and enhanced stormwater management practices. These standards are integrated into the development application process and help ensure long-term climate resilience is considered in the design of new development.
6.3 Adaptation plans in the Greater Toronto & Hamilton Area
The City of Pickering’s adaptation efforts align with municipalities across Durham Region and the broader Greater Toronto & Hamilton Area (GTHA). The Town of Ajax launched a comprehensive Climate Risk & Resiliency Plan, and the Town of Whitby developed a Climate Emergency Response Plan to proactively prepare for future
climate-related events. These initiatives, along with Pickering’s, reflect a coordinated
local commitment to building climate resilience. More broadly, several municipalities across the GTHA have developed or are in the process of developing climate adaptation plans:
• City of Toronto
• Durham Region
• Town of Ajax
• Town of Whitby
• City of Brampton (in progress)
• City of Mississauga
• City of Hamilton
• City of Vaughan
• City of Richmond Hill
• Town of Caledon
• Town of Halton Hills
• City of Burlington
• Town of Milton
7. Process to Develop the Community Climate Adaptation Plan
CCAP has been developed through a structured, multi-phase process to ensure a
comprehensive, evidence-based, and community-driven approach to climate adaptation. This process integrates climate risk assessments, policy and gap analysis, community engagement, and action prioritization to create a robust adaptation framework for the City of Pickering.
7.1 Phase 1 – Climate Risk Assessment (2022-2023) - Identified current and projected
climate risks. The Climate Adaptation Working Group (CAWG) was created to include key City staff and community stakeholders. The CAWG conducted a collaborative risk assessment to determine high-priority climate vulnerabilities, particularly concerning environmental, built, and socio-economic systems.
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7.2 Phase 2 – Policy Review & Gap Analysis (Fall 2023) - Examined existing policies to ensure alignment with federal, provincial, regional, and municipal strategies. This
included an extensive review of regulatory requirements, and best practices across
Ontario. An internal review of City policies and programs was also conducted to identify adaptation efforts already in place and pinpoint areas needing strengthened alignment with climate resilience objectives.
7.3 Phase 3 – Community Engagement (2023 – 2025) - Actively engaged residents,
businesses, and community organizations in the development of the plan. The City
implemented a comprehensive communications strategy to raise awareness and encourage meaningful input.
Engagement efforts included three targeted community surveys (general public, schools, places of worship, and the development community), which received a total of
1,120 responses. In addition, letters were sent to invite local Rightsholders, Indigenous
communities, and equity-serving groups to engage in the process.
To gather technical insights, the City hosted three CAWG workshops. Broader community perspectives were further integrated through a public town hall, seven pop-up booths, meetings with Council members, and presentations to advisory committees.
These diverse forms of engagement helped collect local knowledge, priorities, and lived
experiences.
7.4 Phase 4 – Action Plan Development (Spring – Fall 2024) - Prioritized adaptation actions. A long list of potential actions was compiled based on community and technical input, followed by City staff reviews to assess feasibility, integration with existing
policies, timelines, and funding sources. The CAWG further refined the list, and during
the prioritization and costing workshop, ranked actions based on effectiveness, cost efficiency, and ease of implementation.
7.5 Phase 5 – Climate Adaptation Plan Finalization (Fall 2024 – Spring 2025) - Refined and finalized the CCAP. The draft plan was subject to consultation with CAWG and the
broader community. Over 200 comments were received during the refinement period,
which also included one-on-one meetings with key stakeholders and staff. This was followed by public engagement through Let’s Talk Pickering, which included a recording, providing an overview of the draft plan, and a comment section for public feedback. If the CCAP is approved and adopted by Council, staff will proceed to the
implementation phase.
8. Elements of the Plan
CCAP establishes a structured and forward-thinking approach to climate resilience in Pickering. It includes 64 specific adaptation actions across eight focus areas, designed to address the city’s climate risks and vulnerabilities.
8.1 Vision and Guiding Principles - To guide the development and implementation of
these actions, the CCAP is grounded in five guiding principles: science-based decision-making, sustainability, equity and inclusion, collaboration, and transparency and
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accountability. These principles ensure the plan is evidence-based, responsive to community needs, and focused on protecting those most vulnerable, while fostering
long-term environmental, social, and economic resilience.
8.2 Focus Areas
The adaptation actions within the CCAP are categorized into eight key focus areas, that identify strategic priorities to strengthen community resilience:
1. Agriculture & Local Food addresses food security, sustainable farming, and local
food access.
2. Nature & Biodiversity emphasizes enhancing the urban tree canopy, implementing an invasive species management strategy, and restoring ecosystems to improve biodiversity and environmental quality. 3. Health, Social Well-Being & Emergency Preparedness focuses on public health
impacts, community safety, and emergency preparedness.
4. Local Economy addresses climate risk assessments into procurement decisions and supports businesses in adopting resilient practices. 5. Planning & Policy prioritizes integration of climate resilience into policies and development planning.
6. Transportation addresses risks to transportation infrastructure from extreme
weather. 7. Building & Energy encourages energy resilience and climate-responsive building design. 8. Stormwater Infrastructure focuses on reducing runoff, enhancing maintenance,
and requiring water infiltration and storage in new developments.
8.3 Equity and Inclusive Adaptation
Recognizing that climate change disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, the CCAP integrates equity considerations for each focus area. Strategies are designed to ensure that seniors, low-income households, racialized communities, and individuals
with disabilities, have equitable access to climate-resilient infrastructure and services.
Inclusive engagement efforts, and resource allocation, ensure that adaptation investments benefit all community members, particularly those most at risk.
8.4 Phased Implementation Timeline
CCAP follows a 3-phased implementation approach that balances short-term priorities
with long-term goals.
• Short-term actions (1–3 years)
• Medium-term actions (4–7 years)
• Long-term actions (7+ years)
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9. Implementation Strategy
9.1 Funding Mechanisms
As outlined in CCAP, Pickering’s approach to fund implementation is multi-faceted to
ensure long-term viability and scalability and to balance departmental funding requests with CCAP initiatives. CCAP notes how climate adaptation priorities can be integrated into the municipal budgeting process, while also proactively seeking external funding sources. The City will aim to leverage a combination of traditional municipal funding,
external grants, and explore innovative financing mechanisms. Where feasible, potential
funding sources have been identified to support implementation of individual actions.
9.2 Roles, Responsibilities, and Good Governance
As part of the broader implementation strategy, the CAWG aimed to identify lead and partner roles for each action. In some cases, the City of Pickering will take the lead on
implementation, while in others, it will play a supporting role in collaboration with
external stakeholders, community organizations, and regional partners. This shared-responsibility model ensures coordinated action and leverages collective capacity to deliver on the plan’s goals.
A structured governance process supports the CCAP, clearly outlining the roles and
responsibilities of Council, City staff, and the community in identifying annual priorities,
tracking performance, and seeking efficiencies through collaboration. Monitoring and accountability mechanisms, including performance indicators, will ensure consistent progress and transparency throughout the implementation of the plan.
9.3 Monitoring Progress Through KPIs
To measure progress, CCAP establishes a comprehensive monitoring and reporting
framework supported by KPIs. While the plan organizes actions into eight thematic focus areas, KPIs are grouped into four performance categories:
• Health and Natural Environment: Monitors urban agriculture initiatives, ecosystem
restoration projects, and tree canopy expansion.
• Strong-Built Environment: Evaluates resilient infrastructure, building retrofits, and risk mitigation measures.
• Healthy Society: Assesses community participation in adaptation initiatives, heat-
related health incidents, support programs for vulnerable populations and household emergency preparedness.
• Governance and Government: Tracks cross-departmental and external
partnerships throughout implementation.
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9.4 Reporting on Progress and Updating the Plan
Maintaining, monitoring, and updating CCAP is essential to ensuring long-term
effectiveness, adaptability, and accountability. A structured review process will guide
implementation by tracking progress, identifying areas for improvement, and allowing for integration of new data, emerging risks, or evolving best practices.
Since short-term actions have a one-to-three-year implementation timeframe, a progress report will be developed after three years, prior to the five-year review to
assess short-term achievements and inform next steps. A comprehensive review of
actions will then be conducted after five years to evaluate implementation status and integrate updated information. At the ten-year mark, a full plan update will reassess the vision, objectives, focus areas, and governance framework to ensure alignment with evolving climate science and City priorities.
10. Community, Staff and Stakeholder Engagement
10.1 Outreach and Engagement Approach
The City of Pickering implemented a comprehensive engagement strategy to ensure that the CCAP reflects the needs, concerns, and priorities of residents, the City, and stakeholders.
A key component was the formation of CAWG, consisting of representatives from City
departments, community organizations, and institutional partners. This group provided critical insights and technical expertise, ensuring that the CCAP is both practical and impactful.
10.2 Members of the CAWG
City Departments:
• Office of the CAO
• City Development
• Community Services
• Economic Development & Strategic Projects
• Engineering Services
• Finance
• Fire Services
• Operations
Community and Institutional Partners:
• Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority
• Climate Justice Durham
• Durham Catholic District School Board
• Elexicon Energy
• Enbridge
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• Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation, University of Waterloo
• Invasive Species Centre
• Region of Durham
• Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
10.3 Engagement Strategies and Outreach Activities
The City employed multiple engagement channels to maximize community participation. Engaging a variety of stakeholders, including residents, community organizations, and institutional partners, was essential to ensuring the plan reflects diverse perspectives
and addresses the needs of all who live, work, invest, and play in Pickering.
10.3.1 Public Communications and Digital Engagement
A Let’s Talk Pickering project page was created where residents could access information, participate in surveys, and provide feedback. Project information was shared via the City’s, social media, newsletters, digital billboards, and website, with over
2,300 webpage views.
10.3.2 Targeted Stakeholder Engagement
Targeted engagement included four initial community surveys, including general public, schools, places of worship, and development community, which received a combined 1,120 responses. Targeted emails were sent to community groups, places of worship,
sports clubs, academic institutions, utilities, and the local development community.
Letters were also sent to equity-serving groups, Indigenous communities, and Rightsholders. This process captured a wide range of perspectives.
10.3.3 Workshops, Meetings, and Public Events
The City hosted seven pop-up booths at key locations to facilitate direct engagement
with residents. These locations included: a grocery store, George Ashe Library &
Community Centre, Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex, and Pickering Public Library. Three Climate Risk Assessment workshops were conducted with the CAWG during Phase 1, followed by three additional workshops during phases 2 - 4 focused on policy review, gap analysis, and adaptation action prioritization. A town hall
meeting, Councillor meetings, and advisory committee presentations further enriched
the engagement process.
10.3.4 Public Review and Feedback
The draft CCAP was made available online for public review, and a Public Open House recording was posted to Let’s Talk Pickering to provide an overview of the draft plan
and using a survey tool gathered the community feedback’s on the strategy and actions
before the plan’s finalization. A summary of input received and how it was integrated into the CCAP can be found in Attachment 1.
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10.4 Correspondence Received
10.4.1 Letter of Concern and Comments to Address
A letter was received from Terry Peters from Durham KICLEI requesting that Council
pause and critically reevaluate Pickering’s participation in the FCM-ICLEI Partners for Climate Protection (PCP) Program and the implementation of associated Climate Action Plans. Letter was submitted through Council Information Index 2025-03-14 (#105-25) & 2025-03-21 (#112-25). The letter expressed concerns regarding the financial,
administrative, and legal implications of these programs. The letter also expressed
specific concerns as outlined in the KICLEI document "Ontario Municipalities: Re-evaluation of Climate Action Plans and FCM ICLEI Partners for Climate Protection Program Participation."
The concerns appear to focus on climate mitigation, specifically, the reduction of
community greenhouse gas emissions and municipal participation in external climate
programs. In contrast, the City of Pickering CCAP is focused on climate adaptation, which involves preparing for, and managing, the impacts of climate change already being experienced at the local level and projected to occur. As such, the concerns raised do not align with the objectives or intent of the CCAP.
Over the years, the City of Pickering has undertaken many actions that support
mitigation, energy conservation, and GHG reduction. The City joined the Federation of Canadian Municipalities PCP Program in 2005 and received funding through the Green Municipal Fund to complete PCP Milestones one through three of the five milestone framework. In 2014, Pickering was recognized for completing milestones four and five.
Since then, the City has maintained free membership in the PCP program, which
provides access to tools and resources, but does not impose any financial or administrative obligations on the municipality. There has been no recent funding or City activity through this program. The City’s corporate objectives are outlined in the recent Council approved Corporate Energy Management Plan.
The report (referenced in this letter) questions the long-term effectiveness of externally
driven climate mitigation programs and the administrative burden, but it does not seem to specifically raise concerns related to community climate adaptation efforts.
Notably, on page 1, the report recommends:
“Redirecting municipal resources from externally driven climate programs to locally
prioritized issues such as ensuring community growth through housing and energy
availability, adaptive infrastructure, economic development, and public safety will better serve residents.”
SUS 02-25 May 5, 2025
Subject: City of Pickering Community Climate Adaptation Plan 2025 – 2035 Page 17
This recommendation can be viewed to support the approach taken in the CCAP, which is a locally developed, community-driven strategy. It was created in collaboration with
residents, staff, and key stakeholders, and it focuses on adaptive infrastructure, resilient
service delivery, and public safety, key local priorities that respond to the City’s unique climate risks.
10.4.2 Letters of Support
The City received letters of support from the following organizations (see Letters of
Support, Attachments 2 to 7):
• Climate Air Partnership
• Climate Justice Durham
• Region of Durham Health Department
• Community Development Council Durham
• Invasive Species Centre
• Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
The City of Pickering Community Climate Adaptation Plan represents a significant step forward in preparing the City for the realities of a changing climate. Grounded in science, shaped by community input, and aligned with municipal, regional, provincial, and federal priorities, the
CCAP offers a clear, actionable framework to help protect people, infrastructure, and ecosystems from growing climate risks. By endorsing this plan, the City reinforces its commitment to resilience, equity, and sustainability, helping ensure that Pickering remains a safe, thriving, and climate-ready community for all who live, work, and play in the City.
Appendix:
Appendix I City of Pickering Community Climate Adaptation Plan 2025-2035
Attachments:
1. Summary of Input Received and Integration into the CCAP 2. Letter of Support, dated March 14, 2025 – Clean Air Partnership
3. Letter of Support, dated March 17, 2025 – Climate Justice Durham
4. Letter of Support, dated March 26, 2025 – Region of Durham Health Department 5. Letter of Support, dated April 3, 2025 – Community Development Council Durham 6. Letter of Support, dated April 9, 2025 – Invasive Species Centre 7. Letter of Support, dated April 15, 2025 – Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
SUS 02-25 May 5, 2025
Subject: City of Pickering Community Climate Adaptation Plan 2025 – 2035 Page 18
Prepared By:
Original Signed By
Melanie Edmond, HBSc.
Coordinator, Sustainability
Original Signed By
Chantal Whitaker, BESc (Hons), CSR-P Manager, Sustainability & Strategic Environmental Initiatives
Approved/Endorsed By:
Original Signed By
Kyle Bentley, P. Eng.
Director, City Development & CBO
ME:ld
Recommended for the consideration of Pickering City Council
Original Signed By
Marisa Carpino, M.A.
Chief Administrative Officer
Appendix I to Report No. SUS 02-25
City of Pickering
Community Climate Adaptation Plan 2025-2035
Community Climate
Adaptation Plan
2025-2035
City of Pickering
Table of Contents
Land Acknowledgement 3
Executive Summary 4
Acknowledgments 5
Message from the Mayor 6
Message from the CAO 7
Introduction 8
Local Context 9
Recent Extreme Weather-Related
Events 10
Alignment with Corporate
Strategic Plan 11
Actions to Date 12
Policy Drivers 12
Climate Projections 13
Key Insights 14
Climate Risk Assessment 15
Community Engagement 17
Key Findings from the
Engagement Process 19
The Business Case for Adaptation 20
Projected Future Costs of Climate Risks in Canada 20
The Savings of Proactive Action 22
The Co-Benefits of Investingin Climate Adaptation 23
Incorporating a Climate Equity Lens 25
Integrating Climate Equity inPickering’s CCAP Development and Implementation 26
Guiding Principles 28
Vision, Objectives, & Focus Areas 29
Vision Statement 29
Objectives 29
Focus Areas 30
Agriculture & Local Food 31
Nature & Biodiversity 33
Health, Social Well-Being, & Emergency Preparedness 35
Local Economy 37
Planning & Policy 39
Transportation 41
Building & Energy 43
Stormwater Infrastructure 45
Implementation Strategy 47
How to Read the Implementation
Strategy 48
Key Performance Indicators 49
Actions 50
Agriculture & Local Food 50
Nature & Biodiversity 53
Health, Social Well-Being, & Emergency Preparedness 58
Local Economy 64
Planning & Policy 66
Transportation 69
Building & Energy 72
Stormwater Infrastructure 76
Governance 78
Governance Process 79
Roles and Responsibilities 80
Annual Planning & Budgetary Process 82
Supporting Funding Mechanisms 82
Grants & Loans that SupportClimate Adaptation 83
Strategic Funding Recommendations 84
Maintaining, Monitoring & Updating 84
Third-Party Reporting 85
Conclusion and Looking Forward 86
Land Acknowledgement
We acknowledge with respect and gratitude that this
report was produced on land within the Treaty and
traditional territory of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island
First Nation and Williams Treaties signatories of the
Mississauga and Chippewa Nations who continue to live
on, steward, and host the land known as the City of
Pickering.
The City of Pickering is also home to many
Indigenous persons and communities who represent
other diverse, distinct, and autonomous Indigenous
nations. This acknowledgement reminds us of our
responsibilities to our relationships with the First
Peoples of Canada, and to the ancestral lands on
which we learn, share, work, and live.
We are grateful to live and work on these lands and
acknowledge the responsibility to ensure they are
cared for respectfully, especially in the face of our
changing climate. It is important to highlight that
acknowledging Indigenous peoples' history of
adapting to climate challenges is an important step
toward reconciliation, honouring their resilience and
knowledge in addressing environmental issues.
2025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan | 3
efforts to protect and improve long-term sustainability
and does not replace or undermine mitigation efforts.
Pickering has already been impacted by extreme weather
events. Future projections indicate a warmer and wetter
climate, along with heat extremes and precipitation variability
which will pose new challenges. The latest Sixth
Assessment Report (AR6) by the Intergovernmental Panel
on Climate Change highlights the widespread impact of a
changing climate, including more frequent and intense
extreme events leading to adverse impacts on nature and
people.
The AR6 report also emphasizes that even with
significant reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions, there is a high likelihood that global warming
will reach or exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius (1.5°C) in the
near term, causing unavoidable increases in climate
hazards and risks to ecosystems and humans. The level
of risk will depend on trends in vulnerability, exposure,
socioeconomic development, and adaptation.
Now more than ever, it is crucial for cities to implement
comprehensive, effective, and innovative responses to
climate change that integrate climate adaptation and
mitigation efforts. These strategies are essential for
advancing sustainable development and capitalizing on the
co-benefits they provide.
Executive Summary
Our changing climate is one of the greatest
challenges faced by cities worldwide. In response,
the City of Pickering has made it a priority to plan
and implement strategies to address these
impacts. The Community Climate Adaptation Plan
(CCAP) is a key initiative reflecting Pickering’s
commitment to enhancing climate resilience. This
plan addresses the increasing impacts of climate
change, including extreme weather events and rising
temperatures, which can threaten local ecosystems,
infrastructure, and community well-being.
By integrating scientific insights, comprehensive policy
analysis, and extensive community and stakeholder
feedback, Pickering aims to develop a forward-thinking
strategy that ensures both immediate and long-term
climate resilience. This plan serves as a strategic guide
to inform ongoing initiatives, ensuring that the CCAP
evolves in a manner that is adaptable and aligned with
Pickering’s commitment to sustainable community
development.
The effects of climate change are wide-ranging and
require diverse responses. While mitigation efforts aim
to contain long-term impacts, adaptation measures are
necessary to address current and future climate
impacts. Adaptation complements local government
2025 - 2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan | 4
2025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
Prepared by
Climate Compass Advisors Limited
Jade Schofield, MSc, EP | Principal
City Departments Community Partners
•Office of the CAO•City Development•Community Services•Economic Development &
Strategic Projects•Engineering Services•Finance•Fire Services•Operations
•Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority•Climate Justice Durham•Community Safety & Well-
Being Advisory Committee•Durham Catholic District School Board•Elexicon Energy•Enbridge•Intact Centre on Climate
Adaptation, University of
Waterloo•Invasive Species Centre•Region of Durham•Toronto and Region
Conservation Authority•Waterfront Visionary Advisory
Committee
The CCAP has been created in partnership with various City staff,
individuals, agencies, committees, and organizations. This plan
strives to represent those voices. Pickering’s Community Climate
Adaptation Plan acknowledges the following partners for their
collaboration and insight:
Acknowledgements
| 5
Message from the Mayor
Climate change is no longer a distant concern - it is here, in our communities
and impacting our daily lives. The recent floods across Ontario, air quality crises
from wildfires, and devastating droughts throughout Canada all underscore this
urgent truth. These are not isolated events, but part of an escalating reality that
requires immediate action.
I am proud to introduce the City’s first-ever Community Climate Adaptation Plan
(CCAP). The CCAP is a crucial step forward in protecting the environment and
preparing for the future. It identifies key climate risks and outlines a
comprehensive framework to safeguard our city and residents, enabling them to
effectively prepare for, and adapt to, extreme weather events.
The City has proactively integrated climate resiliency strategies through various
Council-endorsed programs, plans, and policies, including the Integrated
Sustainable Design Standards and the Stormwater Management Design
Guidelines. Additional measures to enhance the community’s climate resiliency
include designating City facilities as cooling and warming centres, waterfront
restoration, and naturalization projects. This plan will build on and advance
these existing efforts.
Addressing climate change is a shared responsibility, and the City is committed
to leading by example. Together, we can adapt to these changes, safeguard our
environment, and preserve the city’s vibrancy for future generations.
Let’s build a resilient Pickering that thrives in the face of a changing climate.
Yours truly,
Kevin Ashe
Mayor, City of Pickering
2025 - 2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan | 6
2025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
As the Chief Administrative Officer of the City of Pickering, I am proud to share
with you our Community Climate Adaptation Plan (CCAP). Climate change is a
reality impacting communities globally, and Pickering is no exception. From
extreme weather events to rising temperatures, we are witnessing the effects
firsthand, underscoring the urgent need for us to adapt and strengthen our
resilience.
The City of Pickering is committed to playing its part in this global effort. Our
CCAP is not just a document; it is a testament to our dedication to enhancing
climate resilience. This plan outlines strategies and actions to address the
increasing impacts of climate change, ensuring the well-being of our community,
local ecosystems, and infrastructure.
From infrastructure upgrades and green space expansions to adopting climate-
resilient plans, the City is proactively integrating climate resilience practices. It is
essential that we continue to incorporate these adaptive strategies into our core
planning and decision-making processes. By fostering continuous dialogue with
our community and local businesses, and prioritizing equity in all our efforts, we
can ensure that every resident benefits from these initiatives.
The CCAP serves as a vital tool as we navigate our path toward a sustainable,
resilient future for Pickering. Our collective efforts today will leave a lasting
impact on the environment and quality of life for generations to come.
Thank you for your ongoing support as we embark on this crucial journey
together.
Sincerely,
Marisa Carpino
Chief Administrative Officer, City of Pickering
Message from the CAO
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2025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
Climate change is defined as the long-term shift in
temperatures and weather patterns primarily due to human
activities that release greenhouse gas emissions. Climate
change is already impacting Ontario. Recent events, such
as the 2017 floods, the 2022 derecho storm, the 2023 air
quality issues from wildfires in Northern Ontario, Quebec
and Western Canada,and the 2024 flooding events in the
Greater Toronto Area, highlight the urgent need for
comprehensive action.
Effective climate action encompasses two key
strategies: adaptation and mitigation.
•Climate adaptation focuses on preparing for and
managing the impacts of climate change.
•Climate mitigation aims to limit future climate change
by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
For Pickering, prioritizing climate adaptation will ensure the
city can effectively manage the inevitable impacts of a
changing climate, fostering a resilient and thriving
community.
Introduction
| 8
Local Context
Pickering is already experiencing the impacts of climate change,
including an increase in high heat days, the spread of invasive
species, and extreme weather events, resulting in a loss of tree
canopy, property damage, and utility disruptions. Climate
modeling projections show these impacts will become more
frequent, intense, and severe over time.
In 2022, a derecho storm caused over $720 million in damage in
Ontario1, leaving thousands in Pickering and Uxbridge without
power for more than a week as a result of the extensive damage.
More recently, in July 2024, severe thunderstorms caused heavy
rainfall and road closures in Pickering.
The 2024 storm also significantly impacted the broader Greater
Toronto Area, leaving 167,000 people without power and causing
widespread basement flooding2.
These events highlight the urgent need to build resiliency to
floods, windstorms, heat events, and poor air quality caused by
wildfires. As climate change progresses, these extreme weather
events will become even more intense and frequent, making it
crucial to take proactive action now to protect Pickering’s
residents, infrastructure, and environment.
1 Insurance Bureau of Canada (2024). “Derecho storm ranks 6th largest insured loss event in Canadian history”.
https://www.ibc.ca/news-insights/news/derecho-storm-ranks-6th-largest
2 City of Toronto (2024). “Toronto’s Current and Future Climate” www.toronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/949f-
TorontosCurrentandFutureClimate-REPORT-Final.pdf
2025 - 2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan | 9
2025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
Recent Extreme Weather-Related Events
| 10
2025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
The City of Pickering launched its first Corporate Strategic Plan, which identifies a vision, goals, and key actions to be
achieved over this term of Council and beyond.
This climate adaptation plan aligns with the six priorities
outlined in Pickering's 2024-2028 strategic plan by:
Advancing Innovation & Responsible Planning to
Support a Connected, Well-Serviced Community: By
incorporating climate resilience into planning, the plan helps
ensure that new developments are sustainable and
adaptable, fostering a well-connected and well-serviced
community.
Championing Economic Leadership & Innovation:
Integrating climate resilience into urban planning drives sustainable practices, boosts economic growth, and attracts
investment.
Advocating for an Inclusive, Welcoming, Safe & Healthy Community: Actions in the plan aim to enhance community
safety and well-being, protect vulnerable populations, and
support resilient infrastructure and green spaces.
Leading & Advocating for Environmental Stewardship,
Innovation & Resiliency: The plan reinforces Pickering’s
environmental leadership through innovative and proactive
climate resilience measures.
Strengthening Existing & Build New Partnerships: It
facilitates collaboration with municipalities, businesses, and
organizations, strengthening existing partnerships and
forming new alliances.
Fostering an Engaged & Informed Community: The plan
promotes equitable involvement and awareness among residents, empowering and supporting their resiliency
efforts.
Alignment with the Corporate Strategic Plan
| 11
•warming and cooling centres to support residents
during extreme weather events
•naturalization projects
•shade structures•waterfront restoration
The plan is designed to align with initiatives such as the
Corporate Energy Management Plan, the Community
Emergency Management Plan, the Integrated
Sustainable Design Standards, the Community Safety
and Well-Being Action Plan, and Amendment 23 to the
Pickering Official Plan. To enhance its climate resiliency,
the City of Pickering in collaboration with ICLEI Canada
conducted a technical assessment to identify and
prioritize climate risks. This work, done as part of the
Community Climate Adaptation Plan, helped to tailor the
approach to community needs.
Policy Drivers
A comprehensive policy review at the federal, provincial,
and regional levels informed the CCAP's development,
ensuring it complemented existing policies while
providing strategic adaptation benefits.
2025 - 2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
Examples of plans in which alignment has been sought
includes the National Adaptation Strategy; the Durham
Community Climate Adaptation Plan, which was
endorsed by Pickering Council on May 8, 2017; and the
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority’s 2023-
2034 Strategic Plan.
These plans offer robust frameworks and strategic
directions that are highly relevant to enhancing the City
of Pickering’s climate adaptation planning. These
documents provide actionable insights and collaborative
opportunities that Pickering can leverage to bolster its
climate adaptation and sustainability efforts.
As such, this plan aims to balance economic,
environmental, and social priorities, integrating climate
action into all these efforts.
Phased Approach
The development of the climate adaptation plan followed a
structured five-step approach:•Phase 1: Climate Risk Assessment
•Phase 2: Policy Review & Gap Analysis
•Phase 3: Community Engagement•Phase 4: Action Plan Development
•Phase 5: Climate Adaptation Plan Finalization
Actions to Date
In addition to the Corporate Strategic Plan, Pickering
has integrated climate resiliency into its corporate and
community culture through various programs, policies,
and declarations. The City has since implemented
measures, such as:
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2025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
What is RCP 8.5?
A Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) is a climate
model used by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
(IPCC). The IPCC is an international organization that evaluates
and synthesizes the latest scientific research on climate change.
In its Fifth Assessment Report (2014), IPCC used RCPs to
illustrate how different greenhouse gas emission levels impact
future climate conditions. In the Sixth Assessment Report (2021),
these scenarios are now based on Shared Socioeconomic
Pathways (SSPs), with the timing of this plan and availability of
climate parameters, RCPs were used. The plan presents RCP
8.5 for 2041-2070, aligning with trends in the Region of Durham
and neighboring municipalities. For a detailed breakdown of
Pickering's climate projections, please visit the Guide to
Conducting a Climate Change Analysis at the Local Scale:
Lessons Learned from Durham Region (2020)3.
Why RCP 8.5?
Using the RCP 8.5 scenario for Pickering’s Community Climate
Adaptation Plan is crucial because global GHG emissions are
still trending upwards, aligning with this high-emissions pathway.
Assuming new policies and investments will reverse this trend is
not yet prudent, making RCP 8.5 the most reliable basis for
planning.
Climate Projections
Climate Change Analysis
for Durham Region
In 2020, the Ontario Climate Consortium, in partnership with
Durham Region, the eight local municipalities and five local
conservation authorities, published a guidance document titled
Guide to Conducting a Climate Change Analysis at the Local
Scale: Lessons Learned from Durham Region (2020). The
document presented downscaled climate projections across
Durham Region using an ensemble modelling approach.
The insights from this work offer a crucial foundation for
understanding and preparing for the city’s future climate
scenarios. These findings have provided updated climate
projections that paint a detailed picture of the expected
meteorological changes, such as increased temperatures and
more intense precipitation patterns. These projections were
used to help Pickering inform the priorities for developing its
adaptation strategies, ensuring that infrastructure, natural
resources, and community planning are resilient in the face of
evolving climate realities.
3 Ontario Climate Consortium (2020). “Final guide to conducting a
climate change analysis”.
https://climateconnections.ca/app/uploads/2021/03/Final-Guide-to-
Conducting-a-Climate-Change-Analysis-OCC_Nov.pdf
| 13
These projections paint a picture of a warmer and wetter future for Pickering, with heat extremes and precipitation variability posing
new challenges. While reduced cold extremes may alleviate some winter-related issues, the potential benefits such as extended
growing seasons and reduced snowfall are accompanied by their own set of management challenges. These include increased
risks from pests, droughts, fires, and other climate-related extremes.
3 Ontario Climate Consortium (2020). “Final guide to conducting a climate change analysis”.
https://climateconnections.ca/app/uploads/2021/03/Final-Guide-to-Conducting-a-Climate-Change-Analysis-OCC_Nov.pdf
2025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
Ice and Snow: The number of potential ice days per year in Pickering is projected to decrease by 16.1 days,
leading to potential challenges for winter activities and ecosystems adapted to historical snow conditions, but also
reducing some of the winter heating energy demands.
Mean Annual Temperature: A significant rise
in mean annual temperature is anticipated,
reaching 10.1°C by 2070, compared with the
historical average of 7.0°C.
Extreme Heat Days: There will be a dramatic increase in the number of extremely hot days,
with those over 30°C expected to jump from 7.6
days to 23.1 days per year, and days over 35°C
increasing from 0.2 days to 2.8 days annually.
Extreme Cold Days: The occurrence of
extremely cold days will become less frequent,
with days below -20°C decreasing from 8.6 to
just 3.0 days per year, and days below 0°C reducing significantly from 146.8 to 111.6 days,
indicating much milder winters.
Precipitation: Predictions show a 19% increase
in overall annual precipitation. Extreme single-
day rainfall events are projected to increase in intensity by up to 21 mm above the current
maximum.
Dry Days: The number of consecutive dry days
is expected to increase from 18.2 days to 21.9
days, indicating a shift toward longer dry periods
in the future climate conditions of the area.
Growing Season: The growing season in Pickering is projected to extend significantly, from
163 days to 193 days by 2070. This increase of
close to 30 days allows for a longer duration of
plant growth and agricultural productivity.
Key Insights
Under the RCP 8.5 scenario, the climate trends for the City of Pickering are projected using values from 1971 to 2000 as a
baseline compared with future projections for 2041 to 2070. The following climate projections were extracted from the Ontario
Climate Consortium Guide to Conducting a Climate Change Analysis at the Local Scale: Lessons Learned from Durham
Region (2020)3. This comparison points toward a significant increase in temperatures and changes in precipitation patterns.
| 14
2025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
The City of Pickering in collaboration with ICLEI
Canada conducted a community-wide climate risk
assessment.
This work involved the Climate Adaptation Working Group,
made up of community stakeholders and various regional
and City departments, who participated in a co-created
climate risk and vulnerability assessment.
Through a series of exercises the working group identified
the following eight priority climate impacts to move forward
into planning, focusing on those with medium or higher
risk scores in at least one category. These priority impacts
form the basis for Pickering’s strategic efforts to build
resilience against a changing climate.
Priority Climate Impact Statements
•Increase in temperatures or sudden fluctuations in
temperature and rain events, causing damage to crops,
trees, native plants, and fruit-bearing plants. This could
result in reduced vegetation, crop yield for agriculture, and
food sources for wildlife.
•Increase in average temperatures and hot days over 30°C
causing heatwaves leading to health risks (such as
cardiovascular disorders, heat stress) especially to
vulnerable populations.
Climate Risk Assessment
| 15
2025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
•Increase in the average temperatures and hot days over
30°C causing increased stress on corporate infrastructure
and assets such as buildings and roads, resulting in
increased maintenance and replacement requirements.
•Increase in the average winter temperatures causing shifts
in eco-regions for flora and fauna and hardiness zones,
resulting in increased survival and spread of invasive
species such as the Emerald Ash Borer and Phragmites,
damage to urban forests, and reduced ecosystem
services, such as water cycle impacts, pollinator impacts,
and decreased health of natural heritage features.
•Hotter and drier summers causing higher tree mortality
and decreased health of non-irrigated grass, resulting in
loss of natural cooling areas.
•Hotter and drier summers causing decreased health
of the urban forest and other natural features such as
wetlands, resulting in reduced ecosystem services.
•Increase in the frequency and intensity of
precipitation events causing increased runoff and erosion,
resulting in increased stress on stormwater management.
•Increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme
weather, resulting in temporary closure of businesses,
schools, markets, and City events and programs.
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2025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
•Conducted stakeholder mapping, categorizing
stakeholders by criteria, and prioritizing inclusivity.
Following this an engagement plan targeting technical
stakeholders, First Nations and Indigenous Peoples, the
public, and Council members was developed for
effective and equitable engagement.
•Sent out letters to invite local Rightsholders,
Indigenous, communities, and equity-serving groups
to engage in the process.
•Engaged Council members to discuss project scope,
deliverables, and future steps. Hosted a follow-up
session to discuss community feedback, and the
development of the plan.
•Created a dedicated Let’s Talk Pickering page to
promote the project, solicit feedback, and inform
stakeholders on key updates.
•The City hosted seven pop-up booths at key locations
to facilitate direct engagement with residents.
Community Engagement
Engaging a diverse range of stakeholders was essential
in developing a strong and well-informed Community
Climate Adaptation Plan (CCAP) for the City of
Pickering. This section outlines the methods employed
to try to ensure inclusive, equitable, and effective
participation from all community segments and decision-
makers. Below are the engagement activities undertaken
to support the development of this plan:
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2025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
•Targeted surveys with 1,120 survey responses to
gather insights from the public, school community,
places of worship, and development community on
climate risks and preparedness, including
demographic data to identify vulnerable groups.
•Hosted a 2-hour virtual workshop to refine climate
resilience and adaptation actions, using collaborative
planning techniques to prioritize actions and define
roles.
•Conducted a 3-hour in-person workshop to facilitate
collaborative planning to support the plan’s
development by prioritizing actions and identifying
barriers to implementation and risks to inaction, thus
providing inputs to establish an integrated governance
framework.
•Presented the CCAP to various advisory committees to
get their insight on climate adaptation actions.
•Engaged residents at a town hall meeting to discuss
climate risks, adaptation, and resilience; and gather
their experiences and visions for a resilient Pickering.
•Prepared a recording for Let's Talk Pickering to
provide an overview of the CCAP and collected
feedback on the draft plan through a survey.
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2025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
Support Networks: Strong willingness among
residents to assist neighbours during
emergencies, highlighting the importance of
community engagement and support networks.
Development Challenges: Development
community incorporates low-impact
development and stormwater management but
faces high initial costs. Needs financial
incentives and clearer guidelines.
Fiscal Responsibility: Emphasis on the need
for fiscal responsibility in implementing climate
adaptation measures.
Continuous Feedback and Adaptation Loop:
Need for a continuous feedback mechanism to
ensure the CCAP remains dynamic and
responsive to evolving community needs and
insights.
Equity Considerations: Crucial to address
diverse and vulnerable populations in
emergency preparedness and response
planning.
Community Concerns: Widespread concern
amongst the public and school community about
weather-related emergencies, particularly power
outages and extreme weather events. Mixed
views on the City’s preparedness. Strong calls
for better communication and climate adaptation
in planning.
Natural Environment: Key concern about
protecting natural habitats, with significant
worries about the impact of development and
growth on natural areas.
Engagement and Education: Importance of
public consultation, education, and improved
climate literacy to address climate denial and
enhance community understanding of climate-
related issues.
This section presents findings from surveys conducted across various community segments in Pickering, along with insights
from interviews with Council members and engagement workshops. These findings have shaped the resulting strategies to
enhance climate adaptation, ensuring that the Community Climate Adaptation Plan is responsive and inclusive of the City’s
diverse needs.
Key Findings from the Engagement Process
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2025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
4 Canadian Institute for Climate Choices (2020). “Tip of the iceberg: navigating the known and unknown costs of climate change for Canada.”
https://climatechoices.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/FINAL-ExecSumm-Infrastructure-Report.pdf
Infrastructure Costs
•Flood Damage: Flood damage to homes and
buildings to increase fivefold in the coming decades
and tenfold by the end of the century, potentially
reaching up to $13.6 billion annually4.
•Transportation Damage: Damage to roads and
railways from temperature and rainfall variations could
reach $5.4 billion annually by mid-century, with costs
potentially rising to $12.8 billion by the century’s end.
Damage to electrical infrastructure could exceed $4.1
billion annually4.
Infrastructure Savings from Adaptation
•Building Relocation: Relocating buildings from
high-risk flood zones could reduce flood costs by up
to 90% by the end of the century, potentially saving
up to $1 billion annually4.
•Road Maintenance: Using climate-resilient materials
for road construction and repaving could reduce future
costs by over 90%, saving as much as $4.1 billion
annually by the 2050s4.
Developing a business case for climate adaptation
involves evaluating current and future costs, identifying
potential savings from avoided damages, and highlighting
additional benefits. This approach provides a clear
picture of the financial implications and advantages of
adaptation measures, demonstrating their value in
protecting long-term economic and environmental
sustainability.
Projected Future Costs of
Climate Risks in Canada
The financial impact of weather-related disasters in
Canada has surged dramatically, with average losses
increasing from $8.3 million per event in the 1970s to
$112 million per event between 2010 and 2019—an
extraordinary 1,250% rise. This trend underscores the
escalating costs associated with climate risks4.
The Business Case
for Adaptation
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2025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
Economic Impacts
•Heat-Related Health Costs: The cost of heat-related
health issues is projected to range from $3.0 billion to
$3.9 billion annually by mid-century5.
•Transportation Disruptions: Climate-induced
damage to transportation infrastructure could lead to
significant delays and disruptions, resulting in
substantial costs across supply chains and
industries, affecting economic productivity.
•Productivity Losses: Climate change could lead to a
loss of approximately 128 million work hours annually
by the end of the century, translating to $15 billion in
lost productivity5.
Addressing these risks proactively through adaptation
measures can significantly mitigate future costs and
provide additional benefits, such as reduced carbon
emissions and improved public health. By investing in
climate resilience now, municipalities can aim to
prevent substantial future expenses, strengthen its
economic competitiveness, and ensure long-term
environmental and financial stability.
5 Canadian Climate Institute (2021).“The Health Costs of Climate Change” https://climatechoices.ca/wp-
content/uploads/2021/06/ClimateChoices_Health-report_Final_June2021.pdf
| 21
$1
$10
$5
6 Canadian Institute for Climate Choices (n.d.). “Damage Control: How Canada can prepare for climate change impacts”.
https://climateinstitute.ca/adaptation/#:~:text=In%20our%20report%20Damage%20Control,and%20indirect%20savings%20and%20benefits.
2025 - 2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
Direct benefits
Reduction of costs directly
associated with the adaptation
measure, such as lower repair
and replacement costs.
Economy-wide benefits
Knock-on benefits associated
with avoided direct costs,
such as reduced disruption of
supply chains.
For every $1 spent on adaptation,
Canadians can expect to gain $13 to
$15 in savings and benefits in the
future.6
The Savings of
Proactive Action
The Canadian Climate Institute’s 2023 report shows that investing
in climate adaptation today has significant financial benefits.
In both low- and high-emissions scenarios, adaptation measures
can reduce climate impacts by up to 50% by the end of the
century. If these measures are combined with global efforts to
reduce emissions, the total economic losses from climate change
can be reduced by 75% by the end of the century6.
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2025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
The following co-benefits highlight how climate adaptation
not only addresses immediate climate risks but contributes
to overall enhancements of the well-being of the community.
Economic Resilience and Growth
Proactively adapting to the changing climate helps
safeguard Pickering’s infrastructure from extreme weather
and minimizes the financial burden of service disruptions.
Co-Benefits
•Reduce Future Costs: Investing in climate adaptation can
save significant money over time. For example, the 2013
Toronto floods had $1 billion in damages, and the 2022
Ontario derecho with $720 million in damages in Ontario7.
By upgrading infrastructure now, municipalities can avoid
similar expensive repairs and service interruptions.
•Minimize Service Disruption Costs: Effective climate
adaptation reduces the frequency and severity of service
disruptions, such as power outages. The economic impact
of service disruptions includes repair costs and lost
productivity. Investing in resilient infrastructure helps
mitigate these costs and maintain consistent, reliable
services.
•Generate Local Jobs: Climate adaptation projects, like
building resilient infrastructure, create job opportunities
and stimulate local economic growth8.
•Drive Innovation: Investing in climate solutions fosters
innovation and positions the City of Pickering as a
leader in sustainability.
Enhanced Biodiversity and Nature Services
Climate adaptation efforts are crucial for protecting
Pickering’s ecosystems, water supplies, and biodiversity.
Co-Benefits
•Preserve Natural Resources: Adaptation measures
protect local ecosystems and improve resource
management. For example, some flood prevention
projects help maintain clean water sources, prevent
erosion, and reduce harm to natural habitats, contributing
to a more healthy environment.
•Enhance Community Beautification: Sustainable
practices and green infrastructure, such as expanding
urban green spaces and improving parklands, enhance
the visual appeal of the city. This beautification makes
Pickering more inviting and enjoyable for residents and
visitors alike.
7 Insurance Bureau of Canada (2024). “Derecho storm ranks 6th largest insured loss event in Canadian history”.
https://www.ibc.ca/news-insights/news/derecho-storm-ranks-6th-largest
The Co-Benefits of Investing in Climate Adaptation
8 Government of Canada (2020). “A Healthy Environment and a Healthy
Economy”.
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/climat
e-plan/climate-plan-overview/healthy-environment-healthy-economy.html
| 23
8 Ottawa Citizen (2024, December 2). “Stormy weather for city budgets. Ottawa Citizen”. https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-
news/stormy-weather-for-city-budgets
2025 - 2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
•Boost Tourism: A greener, more beautiful city attracts
tourists and enhances their experience. Projects like
urban tree planting and waterfront improvements not only
support environmental health but also increase
Pickering’s appeal as a destination, encouraging tourism
and local economic growth.
•Lower Carbon Emissions: Green infrastructure and
sustainable practices reduce greenhouse gas emissions,
contributing to a healthier environment.
Infrastructure and Operational Efficiency
Investing in resilient infrastructure ensures that City facilities
and services are better prepared to withstand extreme
weather events, reducing maintenance and repair costs.
Effective climate adaptation improves resource efficiency,
such as water and energy management, leading to cost
savings and enhanced operational performance.
Co-benefits
•Enhance Infrastructure Durability: Investing in resilient
infrastructure reduces repair costs. The 2017 Ottawa
flood cost about $80 million in cleanup and repairs;
resilient design can help prevent such high costs8.
•Save on Resources: Better resource management,
such as efficient water systems and energy use, leads to
cost savings and improved operational efficiency.
Improved Health, Social Well-Being, and Equity
Climate adaptation measures are vital for protecting
Pickering’s most vulnerable residents, including low-income
families and the elderly, from climate-related risks. These
efforts not only improve quality of life but also reduce
pressures on emergency services and healthcare systems.
As well, they play a crucial role in closing equity gaps and
supporting reconciliation efforts.
Co-Benefits
•Protect Vulnerable Populations: Adaptation strategies,
such as establishing cooling centres, help shield at-risk
groups from extreme heat and other climate-related
hazards, ensuring their health and safety.
•Reduce Pressure on Emergency Services and
Healthcare: By mitigating extreme weather impacts and
improving public health through adaptation measures,
the city can help can alleviate some of the burden on
emergency services and healthcare systems.
•Close Equity Gaps and Support Reconciliation:
Climate adaptation efforts aim to reduce disparities by
prioritizing the needs of marginalized and historically
underrepresented communities, fostering social equity
and advancing reconciliation.
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2025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
The concept of climate equity acknowledges that
climate change doesn’t affect everyone equitably.
For instance, low-income individuals and communities are more
likely to face the severe impacts of climate events, while also
being the most vulnerable to job insecurity. These facts support
the inclusion of an equity lens within the CCAP. Considering
climate equity in Pickering's CCAP is especially crucial as it
aligns with the City's Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy.
This commitment aims to ensure that climate action is
sustainable, inclusive, and just for all residents.
Specific climate inequity effects include:
•Disproportionate Impact
Climate change disproportionately affects people experiencing
low income, older adults, racialized populations, and persons
with disabilities. These groups may face heightened
vulnerabilities due to inadequate housing, limited access to
food and healthcare, and difficulties during emergencies.
Addressing these inequities is essential for developing
inclusive climate solutions.
•Reconciliation Impact
Climate change can undermine reconciliation efforts with
Indigenous communities by worsening challenges such as land
loss, disruption of cultural practices, and food insecurity.
Incorporating Indigenous knowledge into climate action is
important for achieving true reconciliation.
What is Climate Equity?
Climate equity is a principle that emphasizes fairness in
addressing climate change. It recognizes that everyone—
regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, income, and other
characteristics—should benefit from a healthy environment
and have access to the resources and opportunities they
need to protect themselves from the impacts of a changing
climate.
Incorporating a Climate
Equity Lens
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2025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
Addressing social equity in climate adaptation planning
is essential to ensure that vulnerable communities are
not disproportionately affected by climate change and
that adaptation efforts do not further disadvantage these groups. Pickering’s population is expected to grow to
over 150,000 by 2036, and its diverse makeup
underscores the need for an equitable approach in its
Community Climate Adaptation Plan.
Given Pickering’s diverse community, it is crucial to
understand how different segments of society are affected
by and can respond to climate change. This understanding is key to developing inclusive and effective adaptation
strategies that benefit all residents.
Essential steps to address this involve:
Participatory Planning Process
•Community Engagement: Actively involve a diverse
array of stakeholders, including community members
from marginalized groups and stakeholder groups that
support them, in the planning process to ensure their
needs and concerns are addressed.
•Feedback Mechanisms: Establish regular feedback
channels throughout the planning and implementation
phases to adapt strategies based on community input.
Comprehensive Vulnerability Assessments
•Identifying Vulnerabilities: Map out neighbourhoods
and sectors based on their vulnerability to climateimpacts, considering factors such as income, ethnicity,
age, disability, and geographic location.
•Prioritization of Actions: Focus resources andadaptation efforts first on the communities and sectors
identified as most vulnerable.
Data-Driven Strategies
•Data Collection and Analysis: Collect and analyze
data on demographics, health, economic status, and
resource accessibility to inform targeted adaptation
measures.
•Equitable Resource Distribution: Ensure resources
and funding for climate resiliency are distributed
equitably, with prioritization given to the most at-riskcommunities.
Localized and Inclusive Adaptation Measures
•Place-Based Approaches: Customize adaptation
strategies to the specific conditions and challenges of
each community, acknowledging varied vulnerabilities
and capacities.
•Cross-Identity Collaboration: Encourage
collaboration across different identity groups to foster
a collective approach to community resilience.
Integrating Climate Equity in Pickering’s CCAP
Development & Implementation
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2025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
Indigenous Engagement and Reconciliation
•Culturally Sensitive Partnerships: Actively seek to
support and collaborate with Indigenous communities,
First Nations, and Indigenous service providers to
develop and implement climate adaptation initiatives
that are culturally relevant and beneficial. Respect and
incorporate traditional knowledge and leadership in the
planning process to enrich the CCAP and foster
stronger community ties and resilience.
•Learning from Indigenous Knowledge: Integrate
Indigenous perspectives and their deep knowledge of
natural systems and millennia of experience as
stewards of the environment. This collaboration will
enhance the effectiveness and cultural relevance of
adaptation strategies.
By embedding these mechanisms into the implementation
of the CCAP, the City of Pickering can strive to ensure
that its climate adaptation efforts are inclusive and
equitable, directly addressing the needs of its most
vulnerable populations and effectively using community
insights and resources for a resilient future.
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2025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
This plan is guided by key principles to ensure effective and
equitable action. These principles are designed to align with
the City’s goals and address the pressing challenges of our
changing climate.
Science-Based Decisions: The City commits to
using the latest climate science and local data to
drive effective adaptation strategies.
Sustainability: Solutions are chosen for their benefits
to Pickering’s environment, economy, and overall
community well-being, promoting long-term
sustainability.
Equity and Inclusion: The City embeds an equity
lens and ensures broad community involvement in
climate adaptation planning and decision-making
processes.
Collaboration: The City collaborates with local
Rightsholders, services providers, businesses, and
residents to implement adaptation measures and
enhance community involvement.
Transparency and Accountability: The City
maintains clear communication regarding its climate
goals, progress, and outcomes, with regular updates
and accessible reporting.
Guiding Principles
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2025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
Objectives
The following four objectives have been developed to
guide the CCAP. They serve as foundational guidelines
for the plan and inform the actions within the various
focus areas.
•Strong Built Environment: Promote the sustainability
and livability of the community. It integrates resilient
infrastructure, transportation networks, strategic urban
design, flood-resilient measures, sustainable building
practices,and land use.
•Healthy Natural Environment: Promote the well-being
and integrity of the air, water, food, and natural areas. It
includes invasive species control, increased biodiversity,
and the resilience of natural environments, as well as
the promotion of local food systems.
•Healthy Society: Promote the physical health and well-
being of residents. It includes community relations,
education and awareness, diversity and equity, public
safety, and the preparedness and well-being of
community members.
•Good Governance: Encompass the strategic
framework and institutional arrangements that guide
how the city plans for, responds to, and manages
climate change challenges. It is the backbone of our
climate resilience and adaptation efforts.
Vision Statement
Our vision for Pickering is to lead in climate adaptation
by integrating innovative science with a deep
commitment to equity. We aim to protect and enhance
our natural environment, stimulate economic growth, and
enhance social well-being, building a resilient city that
excels in quality of life, innovation, and inclusivity for all.
Vision, Objectives,
& Focus Areas
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2025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
The following eight focus areas have been identified as
essential to helping Pickering become a more resilient and
adaptive community. They result from Phase 1 of the
Community Climate Adaptation Plan, analysis of
background research, and extensive public and stakeholder
engagement. In the following sections each focus area is
discussed, including a general description and key issues.
1.0 Agriculture & Local Food
2.0 Nature & Biodiversity
3.0 Health, Social Well-Being, & Emergency Preparedness
4.0 Local Economy
5.0 Planning & Policy
6.0 Transportation
7.0 Building & Energy
8.0 Stormwater Infrastructure
Focus Areas
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Agriculture & Local Food
The Agriculture & Local Food focus area addresses the
challenges and opportunities posed by climate change on local
food systems. Key actions include promoting sustainable
farming practices, partnering with the agricultural sector, and
improving access to locally grown food through initiatives such
as urban agriculture.
Rising temperatures, shifting precipitation, and more frequent
extreme weather events pose risks to crop yields, livestock health,
and farm operations, while also increasing pest and invasive species
pressure.
At the same time, climate change may offer opportunities such as
longer growing seasons and increased crop variety. Adapting to
these changes requires ongoing collaboration with farmers to
support sustainable practices and strengthen local food systems.
Improving local food access, including urban agriculture, enhances
community resilience and supports food security.
2025 - 2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan | 31
2025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
•Enhancing Accessibility:Addressing challenges like limited time, financial
resources, or physical access by designing workshops, urban agriculture
initiatives, and programs to meet diverse needs and schedules.
•Fostering Collaboration:Bridging gaps in participation by encouraging
involvement in cooperatives, networks, and projects from farms of all scales
and from residents with varying knowledge and experience.
•Supporting Sustainability:Mitigating resource disparities by promoting
sustainable practices and guidelines tailored to the needs of farms of all sizes,
including small-scale and community-run operations.
•Engaging Communities:Overcoming representation gaps by involving
diverse groups in the design and implementation of urban agriculture
programs.
•Strengthening Food Security:Addressing unequal access to nutritious food
by ensuring equitable distribution, particularly during climate disruptions, to
build community resilience.
Equity Lens Considerations (Agriculture & Local Food)
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Nature & Biodiversity
The Nature & Biodiversity focus area addresses both the
impacts of climate change on natural systems and the critical
role ecosystems play in enhancing community resilience.
Actions include enhancing the urban forest canopy, managing
invasive species, restoring wetlands and ravines, supporting
species at risk, and integrating nature into stormwater
management and asset planning.
Pickering’s natural areas, including forests, wetlands, ravines, and
urban gardens, provide essential services such as air and water
purification, flood protection, and habitat for native species. Healthy,
biodiverse ecosystems improve climate resilience by reducing heat,
absorbing carbon, and buffering storm impacts.
Adaptation efforts will focus on restoring ecological integrity,
expanding native plantings, and promoting public education and
stewardship. These nature-based solutions not only protect
biodiversity but can also improve public health, climate regulation,
and quality of life for residents.
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| 342025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
•Targeting High-Need Areas: Focus tree planting and canopy enhancements
in neighbourhoods with greater heat exposure, limited green space or
degraded ecosystems.
•Engaging Communities: Address barriers like language differences, lack of
tools or transportation, limited program awareness, and time constraints to
ensure equitable participation in stewardship initiatives.
•Improving Accessibility: Design tree planting subsidies, educational
programs, and initiatives to accommodate residents of all ages, abilities, and
income levels.
•Inclusive Planning: Ensure parks, biodiversity areas, and green spaces are
equitably located, particularly in neighbourhoods with fewer natural features or
higher population density.
Equity Lens Considerations (Nature & Biodiversity)
| 35
Health, Social Well-Being, &
Emergency Preparedness
The Health, Social Well-Being, and Emergency Preparedness
focus area addresses the physical and mental health risks
posed by climate change while promoting equity, public safety,
and social resilience. Actions include developing accessible
public safety communication strategies, climate preparedness
toolkits, and neighbour-helping-neighbour programs to support
mutual aid during emergencies.
Extreme weather events such as heatwaves, storms, and poor air
quality increase the risk of injury, illness, mental health impacts, and
service disruptions. Strengthening emergency preparedness and
expanding awareness of climate risks are essential to reduce these
impacts.
Building community support systems, including buddy networks,
local partnerships, and climate resilience hubs, helps enhance public
well-being and ensures vulnerable populations are protected during
climate-related events.
2025 - 2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
2025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan | 36
•Community Inclusivity: Foster inclusive emergency preparedness initiatives
by addressing barriers such as language, accessibility, and cultural norms,
ensuring all residents can engage with and benefit from support systems.
•Accessible Communication: Use diverse, culturally relevant communication
strategies to ensure emergency information reaches all residents, including
those with limited digital access, sensory impairments, or language differences.
•Equitable Resource Distribution: Prioritize the location and design of
resources like cooling centers, shelters, and public health initiatives to ensure
they are accessible to all neighbourhoods, especially those with socioeconomic
or transportation challenges.
•Culturally Responsive Practices: Develop outreach, health campaigns, and
mental health supports that respect and align with cultural practices, values,
and needs to increase effectiveness and accessibility.
•Infrastructure Equity: Ensure infrastructure improvements, such as school
retrofits and emergency facilities, are equitably distributed and responsive to
the needs of communities with fewer existing resources.
Equity Lens Considerations (Health, Social Well-being, & Emergency Preparedness)
2025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
Local Economy
The local economy focus area addresses climate risks posed to
local businesses. Actions include integrating climate risk
assessments into procurement decisions, supporting
businesses in adopting resilient practices, and increasing
education and awareness to enhance climate resilience.
A resilient local economy is essential for Pickering to thrive in the
face of a changing climate, with initiatives designed to help
withstand the increasing severity of extreme weather events.
Encouraging businesses to implement adaptation practices and
resilient site features plays an important role in fostering a proactive
culture.
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| 382025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
•Inclusive Collaboration: Foster public-private partnerships and involve
diverse community stakeholders to ensure that climate resilience efforts reflect
the needs of all sectors and equitably distribute benefits.
•Support for Small Businesses: Provide targeted assistance to small and
locally owned businesses, helping them develop continuity plans and adopt
resilient practices to withstand climate-related disruptions.
•Equitable Procurement Practices: Encourage municipal procurement
processes that prioritize local and diverse businesses, ensuring economic
opportunities are distributed fairly within the community.
•Accessible Education and Incentives: Engage community leaders to spread
awareness about climate adaptation and promote incentives for adopting
resilient site features, particularly in areas with limited green infrastructure or
resources.
Equity Lens Considerations (Local Economy)
| 39
Planning & Policy
The Planning & Policy focus area addresses climate risks by
integrating resilience considerations into municipal strategies
and governance, including planning policies for new
development and future growth. Actions include incorporating
climate resilience into infrastructure decisions and budgets, and
reviewing local by-laws to support climate adaptation.
Effective planning ensures that infrastructure decisions, budgets, and
development projects incorporate climate resilience. This focus area
prioritizes the use of local climate data to guide decisions, identify
vulnerable neighbourhoods, and direct support where it is most
needed. Regular updates to municipal response plans and policies
help mitigate urban heat, manage stormwater runoff, and help
protect residents from climate-related risks.
2025 - 2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
| 402025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
•Equitable Resource Allocation: Focus infrastructure and budget investments
in areas with limited financial resources or infrastructure resilience, such as
low-income neighbourhoods and rental housing communities, which often face
higher risks from inadequate cooling resources and green spaces.
•Inclusive Engagement: Include seniors, renters, newcomers, and individuals
with disabilities in planning processes to ensure emergency plans and
resilience strategies are accessible, culturally relevant, and reflective of diverse
community needs.
•Accessible Urban Design: Strengthen policies that increase access to green
spaces, shade structures, and cooling solutions in dense urban areas and
communities with limited access to private air conditioning, such as low-income
households and areas with higher populations of elderly residents.
•Resilient Community Support: Develop strategies that help address the
needs of economically vulnerable, socially isolated, or health-compromised
individuals, ensuring emergency preparedness and long-term adaptation
policies prioritize their well-being.
Equity Lens Considerations (Planning & Policy)
Transportation
The Transportation focus area addresses climate risks that
disrupt mobility, safety, and access to essential services.
Actions include updating design standards for culverts and
flood infrastructure, enhancing snow and ice removal practices,
and improving the clearing of transportation routes after
extreme weather.
As climate-related events like heavy rainfall and extreme
temperatures increase, maintaining safe, connected, and resilient
transportation networks is critical. This involves upgrading
infrastructure, improving road durability, and regularly reviewing
design and maintenance standards to reduce weather-related
disruptions.
2025 - 2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan | 41
| 422025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
•Prioritizing Infrastructure Needs: Direct upgrades, such as road and culvert
enhancements, to areas where infrastructure is most vulnerable to climate
impacts, ensuring improvements address safety, connectivity, and resilience.
•Accessibility and Affordability: Ensure that climate adaptation measures
and infrastructure improvements are both accessible to all community
members and addressing the needs of low-income, elderly, and other
vulnerable populations.
•Accessible Communication: Provide winter maintenance guidelines and
transportation updates in multiple languages and accessible formats to
accommodate varying literacy levels, language abilities, and accessibility
needs.
Equity Lens Considerations (Transportation)
| 43
Building & Energy
The Building & Energy focus area enhances climate resilience
in both municipal and private buildings by addressing risks
such as structural damage, energy disruptions, and stress on
the energy grid. Actions include supporting resilient building
practices, implementing the Corporate Energy Management
Plan, developing a corporate building standard with climate
adaptation features, and reviewing best practices in climate-
resilient asset management.
This focus area emphasizes integrating energy efficiency,
sustainable materials, and climate-responsive design into both new
and existing buildings. Regular updates to Pickering’s Integrated
Sustainable Design Standards can further support the long-term
resilience of future developments.
2025 - 2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
| 442025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
•Prioritizing Vulnerable Areas: Focus on improving resilience in infrastructure
and energy systems in areas with higher climate vulnerabilities, including
neighbourhoods with socioeconomically disadvantaged populations or older,
less resilient structures.
•Affordable Resilience: Ensure climate-resilient upgrades and retrofitting
programs, such as floodproofing and energy-efficient technologies, are
affordable and accessible for residents across all income levels.
•Community-Centred Resilience: Design infrastructure improvements that
prioritize the needs of vulnerable groups, such as seniors and renters, to
strengthen overall community well-being and safety during climate events.
Equity Lens Considerations (Building & Energy)
Stormwater Infrastructure
The Stormwater Infrastructure focus area addresses climate
risks from increased rainfall and severe storms. Actions
include mandating water infiltration and storage in new
subdivisions, enhancing maintenance of outfalls and catch
basins, and promoting strategies to reduce runoff.
With more frequent and intense weather events, it is essential to
maintain stormwater and drainage systems that can withstand
climate pressures. A comprehensive approach involves regular
inspections, maintenance, and upgrades to ensure long-term flood
resilience and infrastructure reliability.
2025 - 2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan | 45
| 462025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
•Community-Centred Design: Promote naturalized stormwater solutions, such
as rain gardens and bioretention cells, in areas that face higher risks of
stormwater runoff. These solutions enhance stormwater management while
providing additional community benefits.
•Accessible Education: Create flood mitigation education materials that are
easy to understand and accommodate diverse languages to help residents
access and understand critical information.
Equity Lens Considerations (Stormwater Infrastructure)
2025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
This implementation strategy, organized by 8 focus areas, details the
specific actions required to achieve the CCAP’s objectives. It includes:
1.Identified Actions: Lists the specific actions required to achieve the
strategy’s objectives.
2.Leads and Partners: Suggests possible leads and partners to be
included in the implementation of the actions.
3.KPIs: Establishes key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the
success and impact of the adaptation efforts.
4.Costing: Estimates the order of magnitude costs associated with
each action and outlines potential funding sources.
5.Timeframe: Provides a timeline for when the actions will be
undertaken.
This comprehensive approach aims to ensure that Pickering can
effectively address climate challenges and enhance community
resilience.
Implementation Strategy
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2025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
The below acronyms highlight external grant funding
opportunities to support implementation.Please note
this list is accurate to the date of the creation of this
plan and regular monitoring of external funding
opportunities will be required.
•FCM-GMF Federation of Canadian Municipalities -
Green Municipal Fund
•GCCC Tree Canada FCM - Growing Canada’sCommunity Canopies
•GO-GLLAF Government of Ontario - Great Lakes
Local Action Fund
•IC-DMAF Infrastructure Canada - Disaster Mitigation
Adaptation Fund
•IC-GICB Infrastructure Canada - Green and Inclusive
Community Building Fund
•IC-NIF Infrastructure Canada - Natural InfrastructureFund
•IC-RKI Infrastructure Canada - Research Knowledge
Initiative
•ISAF Invasive Species Action Fund
Timeline
1-3 years
4 -7 years
7+ years
Cost
$0 -100k
$$100k -800k
$$$800k+
To review the CCAP implementation strategy, begin by
examining the outlined adaptation actions with an additional
equity lens tailored to each focus area. The implementation
strategy also provides estimates of the costing and timeline
(reference the legend below for additional clarity) of each
action item along with a set of key performance indicators
that allow progress to be measured against. The
implementation strategy also identifies the designated lead
on the action and a preliminary list of City and community
partners who hold expertise or could support the success of
the action.
How to Read the Implementation Strategy
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2025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
Key performance indicators (KPIs) are measurable goals
that help track the success of the CCAP. They can help inform
the City on how well implementation is progressing. While the
following KPIs are quantitative measures, many qualitative
factors are equally important, such as how the action made a
difference to individuals or in neighbourhoods. Although the
impacts can be difficult to measure during the ongoing
implementation of this work, we recognize its importance and
will monitor as applicable.
Healthy Natural Environment (HNE)
1.1 Urban Agriculture Engagement: Number of participants,
engaged in the City's urban agriculture initiatives.
1.2 Ecosystem Restoration Projects: Number of successful
local ecosystem restoration efforts and size of area restored.
1.3 Tree Canopy Expansion: Percentage increase in urban
tree cover.
Strong Built Environment (SBE)
2.1 Resilient Infrastructure Projects: Number of
infrastructure projects designed to handle extreme weather,
including improvements in areas disproportionately affected by
climate impacts.
2.2 Key Infrastructure Assessments and Upgrades:
Number of inspections and upgrades of critical infrastructure.
2.3 Building Retrofits: Percentage of buildings retrofitted for
factors such as temperature regulation, energy efficiency,
wind resilience, air quality, and flood prevention.
2.4 Risk Mitigation Measures Implemented: Number of
climate risk prevention and maintenance projects completed.
Healthy Society (HS)
3.1 Community Participation: Number of residents
participating in climate or resilience surveys, events,
workshops and other community engagement opportunities,
ensuring broad and inclusive community engagement.
3.2 Heat-Related Health Incidents Reduction: Percentage
of heat-related hospital visits, particularly in neighbourhoods
with higher vulnerability to heat impacts.
3.3 Support Programs for Vulnerable Populations: Number
of programs targeting at-risk groups, including low-income,
isolated individuals, the elderly, and disabled residents,
ensuring equitable access to resources that support resiliency,
such as cooling/warming centres and preparedness kits.
3.4 Household Emergency Preparedness: Number of
households prepared for a weather-related emergency.
Good Governance (GG)
4.1 Organizational Collaborations: Number of cross-
departmental and external partnerships formed to enhance the
coordination and effectiveness of climate adaptation efforts.
Key Performance Indicators
| 49
2025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
# Action Objective KPIs Cost Timeline Lead Partners Funding
1.1 Partner with agricultural
associations to understand
what farmers are already doing
to address the impacts of
climate change.
GG 4.1 $Region of
Durham
Ontario Federation
of Agriculture,
Ontario Ministry of
Agriculture, Food
and Rural Affairs,
Durham Agricultural
Advisory
Committee,
Durham Region
Federation of
Agriculture
1.2 Facilitate collaboration and
knowledge exchange among
farmers via farmer
cooperatives, community
networks, and participatory
research projects.
HS, GG 3.1
4.1
$Region of
Durham,
City
Development
Ontario Federation
of Agriculture,
Ontario Ministry of
Agriculture, Food
and Rural Affairs,
Durham Agricultural
Advisory
Committee,
Durham Region
Federation of
Agriculture
1.0 Agriculture & Local Food
Actions
| 50
2025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
#Action Objective KPIs Cost Timeline Lead Partners Funding
1.3 Promote the adoption of
agroecological and
sustainable farming
methods that improve soil
health, conserve water, and
enhance biodiversity, such
as no-till farming, cover
cropping, agroforestry,
hedgerows, and integrated
pest management.
HNE, GG 1.2
4.1
$$Region of
Durham,
City
Development
Ontario Federation
of Agriculture,
conservation
authorities, Durham
Agricultural
Advisory
Committee,
Durham Region
Federation of
Agriculture,
Durham Farm
Fresh, Ontario Soil
& Crop
Improvement
Association
1.4 Promote urban agriculture
through funding initiatives for
schools, community gardens,
rooftop gardens, etc.
HNE, HS, GG
1.1
3.1
4.1
$$City
Development,
Operations,
Finance
Conservation authorities,
Region of Durham,
Durham Integrated
Growers, Durham
Food Policy Council,
Barrett Centre of
Innovation in
Sustainable Urban Agriculture
| 51
2025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
#Action Objective KPIs Cost Timeline Lead Partners Funding
1.5 Continue to offer urban
agriculture-related local food
educational programs such as
seed swaps and vegetable
growing workshops.
HS, GG 1.1
3.1
4.1
$City
Development,
Community
Services,
Pickering Public
Library
Conservation
authorities, Durham
Integrated Growers, Region of Durham,
Barrett Centre of
Innovation in
Sustainable Urban
Agriculture, Durham
Farm Connections,
AgScape
1.6 Continue to support
community-based food
security initiatives such as
farmers markets and
programs that support local
farmers to ensure a stable
local supply of food,
particularly during climate-
related disruptions.
HS, GG 1.1
3.3
4.1
$$City
Development,
Community
Services,
Region of
Durham
Conservation
authorities, local
community groups
e.g., food banks, Durham Farm Fresh,
DARS, Durham Food
Policy Council,
Feed the Need,
Barrett Centre of Innovation in
Sustainable
Agriculture
| 52
2025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
#Action Objective KPIs Cost Timeline Lead Partners Funding
2.1 Develop an invasive species
management strategy.
HNE, GG 1.2
4.1
$$Operations,
Engineering
Services
City Development,
conservation
authorities,
Invasive Species
Centre,
Ministry of Agriculture, Food
and Rural Affairs,
Canadian Food
Inspection Agency
Tree
Canada-
GCCC
ISAF
2.0 Nature & Biodiversity
| 53
2025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
#Action Objective KPIs Cost Timeline Lead Partners Funding
2.2 Analyze heat-vulnerability data
to identify the need for canopy
shade in vulnerable
communities, highlighting areas
where the implementation of
green infrastructure
can mitigate heat-related risks
and improve urban livability.
HNE, HS,
GG
1.3
3.2
4.1
$$Engineering
Services,
City
Development,
Community
Services,
Region of
Durham
Operations,
conservation
authorities
Tree
Canada-
GCCC
2.3 Conduct an urban forest canopy
assessment to evaluate canopy
cover, tree equity, and current
vulnerabilities to climate and
tree health, and to identify
optimal planting areas.
Use this data to update to the
2012 Urban Forest Study.
HNE, GG 1.3
4.1
$$$Engineering
Services,
Operations
City
Development, conservation
authorities, Ontario
Urban Forest
Council, Region of
Durham
Tree
Canada-GCCC
| 54
2025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
#Action Objective KPIs Cost Timeline Lead Partners Funding
2.4 Expand community tree
planting initiatives on public
lands to increase public
engagement and canopy
cover, focusing on enhancing
local biodiversity and
resilience.
HNE, HS,
GG
1.3
3.1
4.1
$City Development Conservation
authorities,
Ontario Power
Generation,
Region of
Durham
Tree
Canada-GCCC
2.5 Support the naturalization,
upkeep, and improvement of
natural areas, especially
forests/woodlands, aquatic
ecosystems, riparian zones,
and wetlands.
Continue to broaden initiatives
that conserve and enrich these
environments.
HNE, GG 1.2
4.1
$$$City Development,
Engineering
Services
Conservation
authorities,
Region of
Durham, Ontario
Federation of
Anglers and Hunters, Ducks
Unlimited
IC-NIF
2.6 Introduce planting and
education strategies to support
pollinators, incorporating
drought-resistant native plants
in urban and natural areas.
HNE, GG 1.2
4.1
$$City Development Conservation
authorities,
garden centres/
nurseries,
horticultural
associations & naturalist groups,
property owners
IC-NIF
2.7 Implement a street tree
campaign where businesses
and residents can adopt and
care for newly planted trees.
HNE, HS, GG
1.3
3.1
4.1
$Engineering
Services,
City Development
Local community
groups,
neighbourhood
associations,
businesses, residents
| 55
2025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
#Action Objective KPIs Cost Timeline Lead Partners Funding
2.8 Transition to heat-and -
drought resistant native
plants and tree species on
City owned/managed lands,
and ensure adequate
resources are available for
increased watering needs,
such as tanker trucks or
irrigation systems.
HNE 1.2
1.3
$Operations City
Development
Tree
Canada-
GCCC
2.9 Develop and implement
programs to educate
residents in the care and
maintenance of privately
owned trees.
HNE, HS,
GG
1.3
3.1
4.1
$City
Development
Local
community
groups,
neighbourhood
associations
Tree
Canada-
GCCC
2.10 Continue providing
additional subsidy programs
for tree planting on private
property.
HNE, GG 1.3
4.1
$City Development Conservation
authorities,
Local Enhancement
& Appreciation of
Forests (LEAF),Forests Ontario,
Region of Durham
Tree
Canada-
GCCC
| 56
2025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
#Action Objective KPIs Cost Timeline Lead Partners Funding
2.11 Explore opportunities
regarding asset
management planning in
relation to the natural
environment.
HNE, GG 1.2
4.1
$$Finance,
Engineering
Services,
City
Development,
Operations
Conservation
authorities,
Region of
Durham,
Natural Asset
Initiative, Greenbelt
Foundation, FCM
FCM-
GMF
2.12 Protect existing high-quality
natural features and areas;
restore degraded ecosystems.
HNE, GG 1.1
1.2
4.1
$Conservation
authorities, Engineering
Services
City Development,
Region of Durham, Ducks Unlimited
Canada
2.13 Explore partnerships
with the Sustainable
Neighbourhood
Action Program
to help
neighbourhoods build
resilience against
climate change.
HNE, HS, GG
1.2
3.1
4.1
$$City Development Conservation authorities,
Region of Durham,
Community Services
FCM-GMF
IC-NIF
| 57
#Action Objective KPIs Cost Timeline Lead Partners Funding
3.1 Establish buddy systems and
neighbour-helping-neighbour
programs that encourage
residents, especially seniors and
those at risk, to connect with
local community networks;
share resources, information,
and assistance; and enhance
mutual aid and support during
extreme weather emergencies
and other crises.
HS, GG 3.1
3.3
4.1
$Community
Services, Fire
Services,
Office of the
CAO
Region of Durham,
community groups,
neighbourhood
associations, local
faith groups, long-
term care facilities
3.2 Foster stronger relationships
with neighbourhood groups and
local organizations.Work with
them to set up community hubs
during extreme weather events
and investigate options to
increase temporary shelters
during extreme weather events.
HS, SBE, GG 2.1
3.3
3.4
4.1
$$Office of the
CAO
Region of Durham,
community groups,
neighbourhood
associations, local
faith groups, school
boards
2025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
3.0 Health, Social Well-Being, & Emergency Preparedness
| 58
2025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
#Action Objective KPIs Cost Timeline Lead Partners Funding
3.3 Design or support programs
aimed at assisting
homeowners and renters in
addressing climate risks and
improving their preparedness
for emergencies. This may
involve providing financial
support programs, technical
assistance for home retrofits,
emergency supplies, and
mitigation measures.
HS, SBE,
GG
2.3
2.4
3.3
3.4
4.1
$$$City Development,
Region of Durham
Fire Services,
Intact Centre
on Climate
Adaptation,
University of
Waterloo
(Intact Centre),
industry
collaborators,
Institute for
Catastrophic
Loss Reduction
3.4 Develop and distribute
educational toolkits that provide
residents with information and
resources on climate risks and
emergency preparedness.
These toolkits should be
accessible, user-friendly, and
tailored to the specific needs
and vulnerabilities of the
community.
HS, GG 3.1
3.4
4.1
$City Development, Fire Services,
Region of Durham,
Office of the CAO
Conservation,
authorities,
Intact Centre
FCM-GMF
IC-DMAF
3.5 Enhance staff capacity
to implement community
support programs and
resources that can manage the
needs of vulnerable populations
during critical times.
HS, GG 3.3
4.1
$Community
Services, Office
of the CAO
Fire Services,
Region of
Durham
| 59
#Action Objective KPIs Cost Timeline Lead Partners Funding
3.6 Leverage social media and
the City's website to
maintain open and
transparent communication
channels for residents.
Ensure regular
dissemination of significant
weather forecasts,
emergency preparedness
tips, response plans and
resources, and live updates
during emergencies, to
keep the community
informed and prepared.
HS, GG 3.1
3.4
4.1
$Office of the
CAO
Fire
Services,
Region of
Durham,
conservation
authorities,
media outlets
3.7 Conduct a corporate
facility needs assessment
to identify the resources and
infrastructure needed
to optimize warming/cooling
centres, ensuring they are
equipped to support
communities during extreme
temperature events.
HS, SBE,
GG
2.1
2.2
3.2
4.1
$$Community
Services,
Operations
Region of
Durham IC-GICB
2025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan | 60
2025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
#Action Objective KPIs Cost Timeline Lead Partners Funding
3.8 Identify which facilities have
backup power generators and
what the facilities can power
with the generator.
HS, GG 2.1
2.2
2.4
4.1
$Community
Services,
Operations
IC-DMAF
IC-GICB
3.9 Launch a transparent public
awareness campaign that
details the steps the City is
taking to improve readiness
for weather-related
emergencies.
This could include showcasing
investments in infrastructure,
training for emergency
personnel, and community
preparedness programs.
HS, GG 3.1
4.1
$$Office of the
CAO, City
Development
Fire Services,
Region of Durham
IC-DMAF
3.10 Review and amend City
staff safety practices as
needed, to ensure safety
during extreme weather
events such as days over
30°C.
HS, GG 2.4
4.1
$Operations Human Resources
| 61
2025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
#Action Objective KPIs Cost Timeline Lead Partners Funding
3.11 Increase understanding of
values, motivations, and
behaviour shifts,to
influence climate adaptation
perception in community.
HS, GG 3.1
4.1
$City Development Corporate Services,
Community
Services, Office of
the CAO
3.12 Develop culturally inclusive
communication strategies for
public safety messaging,
ensuring that emergency
information respects and
uses cultural communication
norms. For example, form
partnerships with
multicultural media outlets to
broadcast climate resilience
information and education.
HS, GG 3.1
4.1
$$Office of the
CAO
City Development,
Community
Services, Region of
Durham, Durham
Welcome Centre,
Indigenous service
providers, local
faith groups
| 62
2025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
#Action Objective KPIs Cost Timeline Lead Partners Funding
3.13 Support vector-borne disease
awareness campaign by, for
example, installing educational
signs in local parks and open
spaces, and enhancing disease
management programs.
Promote public health
strategies to control and
prevent outbreaks, including
personal protection practices,
such as the correct application
of repellents and use of
protective clothing.
HS, HNE,
GG
1.2
3.1
4.1
$$Operations,
Region of Durham
Ministry of the
Environment and
Climate Change
3.14 Partner and build strong
relationships with local
organizations to share mental
health support initiatives that
provide counseling and
resources to residents affected
by the psychological impacts of
extreme weather events.
HS, GG 3.1
4.1
$$Office of
the CAO,
Region of
Durham
Local faith groups,
Indigenous service
providers
| 63
#Action Objective KPIs Cost Timeline Lead Partners Funding
4.1 Expand collaboration and
foster partnerships between
public entities and the
private sector, including local
organizations, to leverage
resources ‒ for example,
engaging with local faith
groups to establish cooling
shelters.
SBE, HS,
GG
2.1
3.3
4.1
$Office of the
CAO, City
Development
Community
Services,
Immigration Centre,
Ajax Pickering Board
of Trade, Partners in
Project Green,
STEP Canada, local
faith groups
IC-RKI
4.2 Integrate climate risk
knowledge into municipal
procurement decisions to
ensure the resilience of
goods, services, and
infrastructure against climate
impacts.
SBE, GG 2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
4.1
$Finance,
Operations, Community
Services
Region of Durham,
City Development,
conservation
authorities
IC-DMAF
2025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
4.0 Local Economy
| 64
#Action Objective KPIs Cost Timeline Lead Partners Funding
4.3 Raise awareness among
businesses about establishing
plans to address weather-
related emergencies.
HS, GG 3.1
4.1
$Economic
Development
Ajax-Pickering
Board of Trade,
Intact Centre,
Building Owners
and Managers
Association (BOMA)
Canada, Partners in
Project Green,
conservation
authorities
IC-DMAF
IC-RKI
4.4 Encourage businesses to
implement adaptation practices
and resilient site features and
infrastructure.
SBE, GG 2.1
2.4
4.1
$City
Development,
Economic
Development
Ajax-Pickering
Board of Trade,
Region of Durham,
Intact Centre
IC-RKI
IC-NIF
GO-
GLLAF
Tree
Canada
-GCCC
2025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan | 65
2025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
#Action Objective KPIs Cost Timeline Lead Partners Funding
5.1 Incorporate climate
resiliency into infrastructure
decisions and associated
capital budgets.
SBE, GG 2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
4.1
$$$All
departments
Conservation
authorities
FCM-GMFIC-NIF
5.2 Regularly update and test
municipal emergency plans
with a focus on climate-
induced events,
incorporating community
input for improved response
strategies.
SBE, GG 2.4
4.1
$$Office of the CAO,
Fire Services
Region of
Durham,
City
Development
5.0 Planning & Policy
| 66
2025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
#Action Objective KPIs Cost Timeline Lead Partners Funding
5.3 Conduct a comprehensive
review, as appropriate, to
ensure all local by-laws,
regulations, and the Official
Plan support and enforce
climate adaptation measures.
GG 4.1 $Corporate Services,
Office of the CAO
City Development
5.4 Review best municipal practices to enhance landscaping-related
policies and definitions as
appropriate within the Official
Plan and Zoning By-law to
mitigate impacts of urban heat
and stormwater runoff.
SBE, GG 1.2
1.3
4.1
$City
Development Engineering Services,
Region of Durham,
Landscape Ontario
Tree
Canada
-GCCC
IC-NIF
GO-
GLLAF
5.5 Prioritize the installation of
splash pads and shade
canopy covers in dense
communities where access to
shade and/or air conditioning
may be limited.
SBE, HS,
GG
2.43.3
4.1
$$Engineering
Services
Operations,
Region of
Durham
| 67
2025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
#Action Objective KPIs Cost Timeline Lead Partners Funding
5.6 Construct additional features
such as shade structures and
misting stations, in parks and
urban spaces to provide relief
from the heat, especially in high
pedestrian traffic areas.
SBE, HS,
GG
2.4
3.2
4.1
$$Engineering
Services
Operations,
Community
Services
FCM-
GMF
5.7 Explore municipal best practices
regarding by-laws to regulate the
maximum temperature in dwelling
units to protect vulnerable residents from extreme heat.
HS, GG 3.2
4.1
$City
Development,
Corporate
Services
Durham Region
Health, Ontario
Government
| 68
2025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
#Action Objective KPIs Cost Timeline Lead Partners Funding
6.1 Establish a road
infrastructure resilience
assessment program. This
program should regularly
evaluate the vulnerability of
road surfaces, foundations,
and drainage to climate-
related damage. Develop a
guideline to enhance
resilience through material
selection, design standards,
and maintenance practices.
SBE, GG 2.1
2.2
2.3
4.1
$Operations,
Engineering
Services
Conservation
authorities,
Region of
Durham,
Ontario
Government
FCM-GMF
IC-DMAF
6.2 Continue to update and
enhance the design standards
for culverts and flood
infrastructure to improve
resilience and manage future
climate-related events,
prioritizing culvert upgrades or
replacements to bolster
capacity and resilience against
increased precipitation events.
SBE, GG 2.1
2.2
2.4
4.1
$$$Engineering
Services
Conservation
authorities,
Region of Durham
IC-DMAF
6.0 Transportation
| 69
2025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
#Action Objective KPIs Cost Timeline Lead Partners Funding
6.3 Facilitate discussions with
municipalities on best
practices, joint efforts, and
standards for clearing
transportation networks after
extreme weather events.
GG 4.1 $Operations Region of Durham,
conservation
authorities,
neighbouring local
area municipalities
6.4 Improve communications to
residents and businesses on
their role in the maintenance of
sidewalks and parking lots,
appropriate salt application
rates, and best management
practices during freezing rain
or snow events.
HS, GG 3.1
4.1
$Office of the
CAO
Operations,
conservation
authorities,
Region of
Durham, Smart
About Salt
Council
| 70
2025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
#Action Objective KPIs Cost Timeline Lead Partners Funding
6.5 Explore innovative
approaches for clearing
snow and ice, and the
resources required to
ensure the continued safety
and reliability of travel
during winter weather
events.
SBE, GG 2.1
2.4
4.1
$$Operations Conservation
authorities,
Region of
Durham
6.6 Prioritize active
transportation through the
development and
enhancement of dedicated
bike lanes and pedestrian
pathways to promote
walking and cycling as
viable and safe
transportation options.
SBE, HS,
GG
3.1
4.1
$$$Engineering
Services, City
Development,
Operations
Conservation
authorities,
Region of
Durham
| 71
2025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
#Action Objective KPIs Cost Timeline Lead Partners Funding
7.1 Continue implementation of
the Corporate Energy
Management Plan. Develop
a corporate building
standard for City facilities
that include climate
adaptation and resiliency as
key design features, to
protect City facilities from
extreme weather-related
events, enable business
continuity, and allow certain
buildings to act as places of
refuge.
SBE 2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
$$Operations,
Community
Services
FCM-GMF
IC-GICB
7.2 During the scheduled review
of the Pickering's Integrated
Sustainable Design
Standards, consider
performance measures that
will enhance the resilience of
new developments to extreme
weather-related events.
SBE 2.1 $City
Development
Region of
Durham,
Institute for
Catastrophic
Loss
Reduction, development
community
FCM-GMF
7.0 Building & Energy
| 72
2025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
#Action Objective KPIs Cost Timeline Lead Partners Funding
7.3 As opportunities arise,
provide comments to
support revisions to
building codes to require
climate-responsive design
features for new
construction, ensuring
longevity and resilience to
extreme weather events.
SBE, GG 2.1
2.3
2.4
4.1
$City
Development
Provincial
Government
7.4 Organize opportunities
to facilitate the exchange
of best practices and
challenges for climate-
resilient design in
various industries, such
as the development
community, landscape
industry, and others.
SBE, GG 3.1
4.1
$City Development Region of Durham
| 73
2025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
#Action Objective KPIs Cost Timeline Lead Partners Funding
7.5 Conduct a best practice review
regarding climate-resiliency
and asset management
planning.
SBE, GG 2.12.2
2.4
4.1
$$Finance,
Operations,
Engineering
Services,
Community
Services,
City
Development
Region of Durham,
Federation of
Canadian
Municipalities
FCM-GMF
7.6 Assist school facilities in
mitigating the impacts of
extreme heat. This may
involve installing shade
structures such as a large
tree canopy, improving
ventilation systems, and
ensuring access to cool
drinking water, to create a
comfortable learning
environment during
heatwaves.
SBE, HS, GG
2.2 2.3
3.2
4.1
$$School boards,
Region of
Durham
City
Development,
Durham Health
7.7 Support studies to identify
potentially suitable locations
for district energy and
microgrids.
SBE 2.1
2.4 $$Region of
Durham,
City
Development
Elexicon Energy,
Operations FCM-
GMF
| 74
2025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
#Action Objective KPIs Cost Timeline Lead Partners Funding
7.8 Undertake load forecast
monitoring to understand
both the current and future
electrical capacity based on
development projections.
SBE, GG 2.1
2.2
2.44.1
$Elexicon
Energy
Region of Durham,
City Development,
Independent Electricity System
Operator, Hydro One
FCM-
GMF
IC-DMAF
7.9 Explore opportunities to
support existing home
retrofit programs, prioritizing
resiliency measures like
floodproofing, backwater
prevention valves,
windproofing, and heat
pump installation.
SBE, HS,
GG
2.1
2.2 2.4
3.1
3.4
4.1
$$Region of
Durham
Finance, City
Development, Elexicon Energy
FCM-
GMF
| 75
2025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
#Action Objective KPIs Cost Timeline Lead Partners Funding
8.1 Explore developing a
comprehensive stormwater
infrastructure monitoring and
maintenance strategy. This
strategy would include regular
inspections, maintenance, and
upgrades to stormwater
systems and other critical
stormwater infrastructure.
SBE, GG 2.1
2.2
2.4
4.1
$$$Engineering
Services,
Operations
Conservation
authorities
FCM-
GMF
IC-DMAF
8.2 Maintain outfalls and catch
basins by increasing
maintenance schedules and
employing innovative
technologies for early detection
of issues and efficient
maintenance practices.
SBE, GG 2.2
2.4
4.1
$$Operations,
Engineering
Services
Region of
Durham,
Conservation
authorities
8.0 Stormwater Infrastructure
| 76
2025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
#Action Objective KPIs Cost Timeline Lead Partners Funding
8.3 Where it is suitable, promote
options to reduce stormwater
runoff and the associated
maintenance requirements of
low-impact design techniques,
such as, rain gardens, to
support onsite infiltration.
SBE, GG 2.1
3.1
4.1
$$Conservation
authorities,
City
Development
Engineering
Services,
Region of
Durham,
non-profits such
as Ducks
Unlimited,
Green
Infrastructure
Ontario
IC-NIF
8.4 Mandate water infiltration
and storage in the design
of new subdivisions.
SBE, GG 2.1
2.4
4.1
$$Engineering
Services
Conservation
authorities
IC-NIF
8.5 Implement a targeted
education program for
residents in high flood-risk
areas, outlining flood
mitigation strategies.
HS, GG 3.1
3.3
4.1
$Conservation
authorities,
City
Development
Engineering Services FCM-
GMF
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2025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
•Strategic Alignment: Ensuring City priorities and
adaptation goals align by incorporating resilience into
infrastructure and planning.
•Transparency and Accountability: Engaging
residents, businesses, stakeholders, and Rightsholders
to foster transparent decision-making and responsible
resource management.
•Continuous Improvement: Updating strategies based
on new climate science and community feedback to
effectively tackle emerging challenges.
•Whole-of-City Approach: Integrating climate
resilience actions across all City departments and
functions as appropriate.
•Ongoing Engagement: Collaborating with diverse
stakeholders to drive innovation and implement
effective initiatives.
•Long-Term Financial Investment: Committing to
investments in resilient infrastructure and emergency
preparedness to reduce risks.
•Staff Resourcing and Training: Equipping City
staff with the necessary expertise and ensuring
they understand their roles in the successful
implementation of the Community Climate
Adaptation Plan.
Governance
Incorporating a climate lens into corporate-wide decision-
making processes is vital for the City of Pickering’s success
in enhancing climate adaptation.
Climate change introduces increasing risk exposure which
can disrupt the City’s ability to maintain functionality of
critical infrastructure and key services. This underscores
the importance of proactive measures to assess and
manage these challenges early.
By prioritizing and coordinating investments in resilient
infrastructure and sustainable practices, the City aims to
achieve long-term cost savings, safeguard community
members, and ensure compliance with legal requirements
related to climate impacts such as Ontario Regulation
588/17 for Asset Management. This regulation requires
municipalities to address, through asset management
planning, the vulnerabilities to infrastructure that may be
caused by climate change.
Key approaches to incorporating a climate lens into
municipal decision-making include:
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2025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
•Policy Integration: Embed climate considerations into
municipal policies, regulations, and development
approvals to promote sustainable growth and enhance
resilience.
•Asset Management: Explore opportunities to integrate
asset management planning and adaptation strategies.
Budgeting with a Climate Lens
•Prioritizing Resilient Investments: Allocate budget
resources for infrastructure projects that enhance
resiliency, such as flood management systems and
energy-efficient initiatives.
•Financial Analysis: Conduct lifecycle cost
assessments to ensure cost-effective investments that
enhance long-term resilience and sustainability.
Monitoring and Accountability
•Performance Tracking: Implement Key performance
indicators (KPIs) to monitor the effectiveness of
resilience initiatives and report progress.
•Transparency in Budgeting: Maintain transparent
budgeting processes to build community trust and
accountability in climate-related expenditures.
Implementation and Benefits
•Financial Efficiency: Optimize budget allocations by
prioritizing investments that reduce long-term costs
associated with climate impacts.
•Enhanced Infrastructure Resilience: Strengthen
municipal infrastructure against climate-related risks,
ensuring continuity of services and minimizing disruption.
•Community Engagement: Involve residents,
businesses, stakeholders, and Rightsholders in climate
resilience planning to build consensus and support for
municipal initiatives.
•Leadership and Innovation: Position Pickering as a
leader in climate resilience, attracting investment and
fostering innovation in sustainable practices.
Governance Process
The governance process outlines the roles and
responsibilities of elected officials, City staff, and the
community in identifying annual projects and priorities,
tracking performance, and seeking efficiencies through
coordinated collaboration. This approach ensures a
strategic and effective response to challenges, promoting
continuous improvement and resilience.
Integrating Climate Considerations into
Corporate Planning & Policy
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2025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
Effective climate adaptation relies on a well-defined
governance framework where roles and responsibilities
are clearly established. This coordinated approach
ensures that all stakeholders understand their duties,
streamlines decision-making, and allocates resources
efficiently. By promoting collaboration and preventing
overlaps, a structured governance framework enhances
the effectiveness and cohesiveness of adaptation efforts,
leading to stronger resilience and better management of
climate risks.
Mayor & Council
•Overall decision-making authority.
•Budget approval for climate adaptation initiatives.
•Strategic direction and prioritization of climate
adaptation efforts.
•Setting policy framework for climate initiatives.
•Oversight of budget allocation.
Chief Administrative Officer
•Overseeing corporate priorities and ensuring
climate adaptation remains a priority.
•Working closely with the City’s Treasurer on financial
aspects.
Senior Management
•Coordinating annual budget (ensuring a climate
resiliency lens is applied).
•Tracking overall costs and avoided costs (with support
from department staff).
•Maintaining funds for climate adaptation actions.
•Prioritizing departmental activities to ensure alignment
with climate adaptation goals.
•Identifying budgets and resources required on an annual
and 10-year forecast.
•Presenting business cases for climate-related projects.
Departmental Staff
•Identifying specific climate adaptation projects.
•Developing project cost estimates and timelines.
•Establishing partnerships with relevant Rightsholders
and stakeholders.
•Implementing and monitoring progress of community
climate actions.
Sustainability Section
•Championing climate adaptation within the municipality.
•Conducting education and awareness campaigns as well
as engagement sessions on climate-related matters.
•Providing project support and monitoring progress.
•Tracking and reporting on sustainability metrics.
Roles and Responsibilities
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2025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
Climate Adaptation Working Group
•Supporting the long-term implementation of the
Community Climate Adaptation Plan.
•Identifying priorities for implementation of climate
adaptation actions and best practices.
•Reviewing and implementing actions within the
Community Climate Adaptation Plan.
•Establishing collaboration mechanisms with external
stakeholders, non-government organizations, and
academic institutions.
•Conducting lifecycle cost assessments to ensure cost-
effective investments that enhance long-term resilience
and sustainability.
•Seeking funding opportunities and
efficiencies for adaptation projects.
Community
•Supporting action implementation by engaging in
community-based initiatives, program development,
workshops, and surveys.
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2025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
Pickering’s approach to fund implementation is multi-
faceted to ensure long-term viability, scalability and to
balance departmental funding requests with CCAP
initiatives. The CCAP notes how climate adaptation
priorities can be integrated into the municipal budgeting
process, while also proactively seeking external funding
sources. The City will aim to leverage a combination of
traditional municipal funding, external grants, and explore
innovative financing mechanisms. Where feasible,
potential funding sources have been identified to support
implementation of individual actions.
Supporting Funding Mechanisms
This section provides an overview of various funding
approaches detailing their definitions and how each could
be developed and implemented. Examples include:
Revolving Climate Fund: This financial tool supports
sustainability and climate adaptation projects by
reinvesting its resources. Seed funding from grants,
budgets, or even donations is used to finance projects
that boost resilience. Cost savings from these projects—
such as reduced energy or maintenance expenses—are
reinvested into the fund to finance future initiatives.
Examples of municipalities using this tool include
Edmonton, Whitby, and Durham.
Green Bonds: A local municipality can partner with a
regional government to use a green bond for funding
climate projects like renewable energy or infrastructure
upgrades. The regional government issues the bond, and
the municipality uses the funds, repaying through cost
savings. This collaboration lowers costs and maximizes
climate impact. Keys steps include analyzing market
feasibility, identifying qualifying projects, collaborating
with financial experts to structure bonds, and obtaining
certification. Examples of municipalities using this tool
include Toronto, Ottawa, and Vancouver.
Municipal Tax Levy: This involves a dedicated property
tax increase to fund climate action initiatives. It requires
resident consultations, legislative setup, determining tax
increase percentages, and communicating the levy’s
benefits. Examples of municipalities using this tool
include Peterborough and Halifax.
Grants and Loans: These funds from government or
private entities support climate projects. Key actions
involve researching available options, preparing detailed
project proposals, and collaborating with partners for
successful applications and implementation.
As part of the implementation process, City staff will
explore different mechanisms to support the long-
term funding of the Community Climate Adaptation
Plan.
Annual Planning & Budgetary Process
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2025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
Grants & Loans that Support
Climate Adaptation
Exploring various external funding opportunities can
help support adaptation actions and lessen the financial
burden on taxpayers. Below is a list of funding
opportunities currently available that could be leveraged
to support the implementation strategy. This list will be
reviewed regularly to maximize the potential of aligning
funding with priority actions.
FCM Green Municipal Program (GMF): Offers significant
funding (50% to 80% of project costs) for local sustainability
projects. The program is enabling municipalities to
implement energy-efficient upgrades, improve public
transportation, and promote sustainable land use.
FCM Local Leadership Climate Adaptation: Supports
municipalities in developing and implementing climate
adaptation plans tailored to local needs.
FCM General Municipal Fund - Growing Canada’s
Community Canopies (GCCC): Aims to plant 1.2 million
trees across Canada, supporting tree planting to mitigate
urban heat, improve air quality, and enhance biodiversity.
Infrastructure Canada - Green and Inclusive
Communities Building Fund (IC-GICB): Funds energy-
efficient retrofits and new community buildings, allowing
municipalities to retrofit facilities and construct new energy-
efficient structures to reduce emissions.
Infrastructure Bank Canada - Building Retrofits
Initiative (BRI): Provides financing for energy retrofits in
public buildings such as municipal buildings, schools, and
healthcare facilities, enhancing performance and reducing
operational costs while supporting adaptation efforts.
Infrastructure Canada - Disaster Mitigation Fund
(DMAF): Provides long-term funding for projects that
improve resilience against natural disasters, including
stormwater system upgrades and resilient infrastructure
construction.
Infrastructure Canada- Natural Infrastructure Fund (IC-
NIF): Supports projects enhancing environmental protection
and community resilience, such as planting urban forests,
restoring stormwater systems, and implementing green
infrastructure to address flooding and climate change.
Natural Resources Canada - Research Knowledge
Initiative: Funds research on innovative housing and
community resilience solutions, helping municipalities
develop local climate adaptation strategies and sustainable
technologies.
Government of Ontario - Great Lakes Local Action
Fund (GO-GLLAF): Supports projects that enhance climate
resilience and water quality in the Great Lakes ecosystem,
aiding initiatives like planting native species, implementing
erosion control, and managing invasive species.
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2025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
Strategic Funding Recommendations
Implementing long-term, sustainable funding mechanisms
are essential to effectively resource and support the plan.
City staff will explore three financial mechanisms to support
the implementation of resilience actions including:
1.Prioritizing Grants and Funding: Place a high priority
on securing external grants/funding opportunities, and
collaborations with other organizations and agencies, to
support climate adaptation initiatives. These resources
can significantly supplement the City’s financial capacity
for implementing projects.
2.Exploring a Dedicated Climate Reserve: Explore
creating a dedicated fund specifically for climate
resilience projects. Regular contributions can then be
made to sustain and grow the reserve over time and help
reduce the upfront capital investment of resiliency
initiatives.
3.Considering a Dedicated Stormwater
Management Fee: As extreme weather events
become more frequent, explore a dedicated fee to
help ensure funding for critical infrastructure and
for managing the increasing impacts of flooding
events.
Maintaining, Monitoring & Updating
Monitoring and reporting are important for ensuring
initiatives stay on track, guide informed decision-making,
and build accountability through transparency. They help
identify successes and challenges, optimize resource
use, and allow for adjustments based on new data or
changing conditions. As well, these practices support
long-term strategic planning and engage the community
by keeping them informed and involved in adaptation
efforts.
•Five Years: It is recommended that the City perform
a comprehensive review of the actions being
implemented. The review should reflect new data,
emerging risks, and best practices related to
adaptation strategies.
•Ten Years: To ensure the plan continues to address
long-term challenges and aligns with current climate
science and City priorities, it is recommended that
every ten years a comprehensive update to the
overall plan be completed to evaluate the relevance
of the vision, objectives and focus areas, governance,
and monitoring process. This structured approach
ensures continuous improvement and
responsiveness to changing conditions.
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2025 -2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan
Third-Party Reporting
Engaging third-party reporting programs can help
demonstrate accountability in municipal climate actions.
Third-party reporting also enables benchmarking against
peers and can provide valuable resources for refining
strategies to address climate challenges.
Examples to explore:
•Climate Disclosure Project (CDP): An agency that
integrates various national and international sustainability
standards, allowing municipalities to benchmark
performance against key sustainability priorities.
•Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures
(TCFD): Established by the Financial Stability Board,
TCFD provides a framework for disclosing climate-
related risks and opportunities in financial filings, to
enhance transparency while attracting sustainable
investment.
City of Pickering will explore best practices in municipal
third-party reporting. Notably, TCFD reporting can be
integrated within CDP, streamlining the process and
enhancing accountability in climate-related disclosures. This
approach aligns with emerging regulatory requirements in
Europe and the United States, as with publicly traded
companies in Canada.
| 85
In addition, by embedding adaptation measures into
municipal planning, decision making, and operations, the
City will be able to realize direct economic, social, and
environmental improvements and co-benefits. Since the
effects from our changing climate and extreme weather
events are not felt equally across the community and the
needs vary from resident to resident and neighbourhood to
neighbourhood, equity is an important focus of this plan.
The business case for climate adaptation and building a
more resilient community is compelling. By continuing to
invest in these measures today, the City aims to not only
mitigate future risks and costs but also improve quality of
life, reinforcing Pickering’s leadership in sustainability.
Conclusion and Looking Forward
Like other communities, the City of Pickering has
experienced the effects of our changing climate and
extreme weather events. Taking a proactive approach,
the City has initiated several actions to manage these
impacts, including developing its first Community
Climate Adaptation Plan (CCAP). By strategically
investing in measures to help improve resiliency
today, we can prevent future costs, protect
infrastructure, and safeguard residents, including our
most vulnerable.
The City’s current efforts set a solid foundation for progress
and momentum for future success. Engagement and
collaboration with diverse stakeholders are at the core of the
City’s sustainability efforts. This was fundamental in
developing the CCAP and, as a result, will help the
community materialize the actions outlined in this plan.
2025 - 2035 Community Climate Adaptation Plan | 86
City of Pickering
Community Climate
Adaptation Plan
2025-2035
City of Pickering
One The Esplanade
Pickering, ON L1V 6K7
pickering.ca/sustainable |
Attachment 1 to Report SUS 02-25
Summary of Input Received and Integration into the CCAP
Community Insight / Theme Engagement Phase What We Heard Integration in the CCAP
Emergency Preparedness Initial Survey & Draft Comment Period
Respondents expressed significant concern about power outages, extreme weather events, and limited emergency
preparedness. 64.1% (624 respondents) felt the City was only “somewhat prepared,” while 18.4% (180
respondents) believed it was “not prepared.” Respondents called for improved communication,
coordination with utilities, and better access to shelters and information.
The CCAP prioritizes this under ‘Health, Social Well-being & Emergency Preparedness.’ Key actions include preparedness toolkits, neighbourhood hubs, and
mutual support programs. These will explore expanding shelter access and inclusive communication. KPIs track household readiness and support
for vulnerable populations.
Natural Environment Initial Survey Respondents expressed concern about development impacts on
natural habitats, tree
loss, and flooding risk. In a “check all that apply” question, 62.9% supported expanding
green spaces for
cooling, and 50.3% supported stormwater management and flood resilience.
Integrated into the 'Nature & Biodiversity' focus area, the plan includes a forthcoming update to
Pickering’s 2012 Urban Forest
Study, invasive species management, wetland and ravine restoration, and prioritization of green infrastructure in high-risk
areas. Actions include using
urban heat data to inform tree canopy expansion efforts.
Education & Engagement Initial Survey & Draft
Comment
Period
Respondents called for climate literacy and
accessible educational
tools. 60.8% (591 respondents) supported a climate preparedness toolkit. Feedback
emphasized reaching
non-social media users and offering resources in multiple formats.
Education and outreach are embedded throughout the plan,
including a dedicated Climate
Preparedness Toolkit. Public awareness campaigns to use accessible, multilingual formats and involve partnerships with
schools, libraries, and community
organizations. The equity lens ensures inclusive engagement throughout the implementation process.
Community Insight / Theme Engagement Phase What We Heard Integration in the CCAP
Broad Support
for Adaptation Planning
Draft
Comment Period
Respondents expressed
strong support for the CCAP’s vision, clarity, and long-term value. Emphasis on benefits for future generations.
Public approval reinforced the
plan’s direction and encouraged bold, future-focused action. Throughout the implementation, the City will commit to maintain transparency, regular updates,
and engagement to ensure the CCAP remains a living, community-driven document.
Support Networks Initial Survey In the initial survey, there was a strong reliance on personal networks for emergency
support. 85.6% (833
respondents) said they would be willing to assist others in a weather-related emergency. In a
separate question,
18.2% (177 respondents) indicated that they do not have a personal support system
they could rely on during
such events.
The CCAP includes mutual aid initiatives such as buddy systems and community resilience hubs. It supports local organizations
through training and resource
development, encouraging residents to participate in neighborhood-level preparedness. These efforts aim to strengthen
social networks and localized
response capacity.
Development &
Infrastructure Challenges
Initial Survey Development
community highlighted high costs and unclear guidance as barriers to implementing low-impact development.
Public raised concerns about lot grading issues and runoff onto adjacent properties, asking for more oversight.
The plan addresses these
concerns by reviewing best municipal practices to improve clarity on low-impact development and enhance landscaping-related policies and definitions, as
appropriate, in the Official Plan and Zoning By-law to mitigate impacts of stormwater runoff.
Cost and Fiscal Responsibility Initial Survey & Draft
Comment
Period
Participants raised concerns about the
potential cost of
adaptation actions. Some supported the plan only if it did not lead to tax increases.
Others felt limited
resources should prioritize core infrastructure needs, such as road repairs.
The CCAP includes a detailed implementation strategy with
phased timelines and cost tiers
($–$$$) to guide investment decisions. It also outlines funding opportunities from external sources. A dedicated section,
'The Business Case for
Adaptation,' demonstrates how early adaptation investments reduce future costs and protect public assets.
Community Insight / Theme Engagement Phase What We Heard Integration in the CCAP
Desire for Local
Tangible Changes
Draft
Comment Period
Requests for practical
and visible actions, including water drinking fountains in parks, tree canopy expansion, and removal of invasive
species like phragmites.
Local and visible improvements
are incorporated in the Nature & Biodiversity and Building & Energy focus areas. The plan emphasizes the need to install more shade structures and water
fountains, expanding urban canopy, and enhancing invasive species control.
Feedback, Monitoring & Accountability
Draft Comment Period
Community members emphasized the need for transparency, ongoing feedback loops,
and measurable
outcomes. They requested progress updates and clear KPIs to evaluate plan
effectiveness (e.g.,
reduced flooding, increased biodiversity).
The CCAP features a performance measurement framework with defined KPIs across all focus areas. A progress
report after three years, and
linking actions to annual budget planning, will track implementation. Public transparency and iterative
updates are built into the
governance structure.
Equity and Inclusion Initial Survey & Draft Comment Period
Strong emphasis on inclusive emergency preparedness, especially for seniors
and vulnerable groups.
Requests included non-digital communication, access to shelters, and Indigenous engagement
in planning processes.
An equity lens has been applied throughout the plan. Actions include accessible emergency services, multilingual and non-
digital communications, and
collaboration with Indigenous communities. Targeted strategies for seniors and vulnerable residents are embedded in
preparedness planning.
Climate Skepticism and
Misinformation
Initial Survey & Draft
Comment
Period
Some respondents denied human-driven
climate change or
questioned the need for climate adaptation spending.
While these views were acknowledged, the CCAP
remains grounded in scientific
consensus and guided by expert input. The education components of the plan aim to help build public understanding, counter
misinformation, and promote
science-based climate literacy.
Mitigation-
Focused Feedback
Draft
Comment Period
Some residents
suggested actions more aligned with mitigation than adaptation, such as addressing vehicle idling, electrifying the
City fleet, and reducing emissions from travel.
While mitigation is outside the
primary scope of the CCAP, related feedback was shared with relevant City departments. As appropriate, the City is transitioning its fleet to electric
and hybrid vehicles, encouraging virtual meetings, has an anti-idling by-law but staff can explore
Community Insight / Theme Engagement Phase What We Heard Integration in the CCAP
additional education. Some of
these comments are being addressed through the Green Fleet Strategy and the Corporate Energy Management Plan.
Coordination with Regional and External
Plans
Draft Comment Period
Respondents questioned the need for a City-specific plan
given regional efforts
(e.g., Regional climate strategy). Some recommended more coordination with
municipalities like Ajax,
especially on watershed and ecosystem issues. One comment also asked whether
academic institutions
were being engaged.
The CCAP emphasizes alignment with Region of Durham’s climate efforts and seeks to complement
not duplicate regional efforts. At
the same time, it reinforces the need for a Pickering-focused plan that is developed by the community and for the
community, to address local
priorities and unique risks. The City is exploring inter-municipal coordination on cross-boundary adaptation issues and will explore
academic partnerships to
strengthen research and innovation.
401 Richmond St W Studio 364. Toronto, Ontario M5V 3A8
www.cleanairpartnership.org
Attachment 2 to Report SUS 02-25
March 14, 2025
Dear Mayor Ashe and Council,
Subject: Letter of Support for the City of Pickering’s Community Climate Adaptation Plan
Clean Air Partnership (CAP) is enthusiastic to offer our strong support for the City of Pickering’s
Community Climate Adaptation Plan (CCAP). As an organization with a long history of supporting
the development and implementation of municipal climate action plans across Ontario, CAP has
witnessed the role of CCAP’s in fostering resilient communities that are better equipped to adapt to
the impacts of climate change.
The City of Pickering’s CCAP places community at the forefront, demonstrating the City’s
commitment to their residents. By involving a diverse range of stakeholders in plan development,
Pickering ensures that the CCAP reflects the voices of its community and addresses resident needs.
Moreover, employing a climate equity lens in the development process and recommending its
continuation into implementation demonstrates Pickering’s understanding of the broad and varying
impacts of climate change. This commitment to equity helps to ensure the implementation of
effective adaptation strategies that benefit the entire community.
CAP commends the CCAPs prioritization of establishing long-term, sustainable financing
mechanisms and demonstrating accountability. The emphasis on external grants and funding,
exploration of a climate reserve, and engagement with third-party reporting programs demonstrates
the City’s financial prudence, commitment to transparency, and a dedication to creating a climate
adaptation plan with a lasting impact.
Moving forward with the measures outlined in the CCAP would help build a resilient Pickering, and
secure the City’s standing as a leader in climate action. We commend the City for this significant
step forward and look forward to ongoing collaboration with Pickering on knowledge sharing,
capacity building, and promoting best practices for climate resilience across Ontario’s
municipalities.
Kind Regards,
Gaby Kalapos
Executive Director
401 Richmond St W Studio 364. Toronto, Ontario M5V 3A8
www.cleanairpartnership.org
Clean Air Partnership
Email: gkalapos@cleanairpartnership.org
www.cleanairpartnership.org
About Clean Air Partnership:
Clean Air Partnership (CAP) is an environmental charity that works in partnership to promote and
coordinate actions to reduce greenhouse gases for healthy communities. Our applied research on
municipal policies strives to broaden and improve access to public policy debate on climate change
issues. CAP’s mission is to transform cities into more sustainable, resilient, and vibrant communities
where resources are used efficiently, the air is clean to breathe, and greenhouse gas emissions are
minimized.
CAP convenes the Clean Air Council, a network of 41 municipalities and health units from across
Ontario. Since 2000, Clean Air Council members have been working collaboratively on the
development and implementation of clean air, climate change, sustainability and resilience actions.
Attachment 3 to Report SUS 02-25
March 17, 2025
Dear Mayor Ashe and Members of Pickering Council,
Climate Justice Durham (CJD) is pleased to support the City of Pickering’s Community
Climate Adaptation Plan. We encourage you to adopt and implement it without delay to
protect Pickering residents and infrastructure.
CJD was glad to participate in the community engagement process over the past year.
The knowledge and energy of the Pickering staff working to achieve resilience in both
human and physical infrastructure in Pickering is impressive and reassuring. We
appreciate that the plan addresses the needs of the whole community, and that
outreach to engage businesses, youth and vulnerable residents has been prioritized. It
is also helpful that regional partners are identified, engaged and aligned on goals.
The recent tariff crisis has shown that to deal with external shocks beyond our control,
our communities must build local strengths, capacity, and collaboration. The issue of
food security is one example. Inviting the whole city to develop community gardens this
spring would be an excellent and achievable place to start. The gardens could reduce
the impact of tariffs and improve climate resilience. They also would build on the
realization that we are all in this together, by sharing space, knowledge, tools, and the
harvest. This is the kind of teamwork our communities will need to succeed in an
uncertain future that includes both an unreliable neighbour and a changing climate.
We also see this plan as pragmatic and fiscally sustainable. Staff were not reinventing
the wheel. Instead, they were building on work already underway to address changing
needs and conditions, melding the new actions proposed into Pickering’s regular
business and budget cycle as a best practice. That is what adaptation is about: looking
at recent experience, forecasting based on evidence, and choosing the most effective
path forward to reduce risks and future costs and protect the municipality.
This adaptation plan provides Council with a proactive, detailed roadmap to reach a
sustainable, equitable future. We are in a critical time with diminishing opportunities to
safeguard future generations from climate-related challenges. The City is growing.
Council decisions about infrastructure, facilities and services have a generations-long
impact. Be wise and responsible ancestors. Approve the Community Climate Adaptation
plan and let a more secure future for Pickering be your legacy.
Sincerely,
Climate Justice Durham
climatejusticedurham@gmail.com
Attachment 4 to Report SUS 02-25
Attachment 5 to Report SUS 02-25
April 3rd, 2025
Mayor Kevin Ashe and Members of Pickering Council
City of Pickering
One The Esplanade
Pickering, ON L1V 6K7
Subject: Letter of Support for Pickering’s Community Climate Adaptation Plan
Dear Mayor Ashe and Members of Pickering Council,
On behalf of Community Development Council Durham (CDCD), I am writing to express our strong
support for Pickering’s Community Climate Adaptation Plan. This initiative is a critical step toward
ensuring that Pickering (and Durham Region) remains safe, inclusive and resilient in the face of
ongoing and increasing climate change in southern Ontario.
For 55 years, CDCD has been the social planning organization dedicated to enhancing the quality
of life and fostering inclusive and sustainable communities across Durham Region. CDCD
commends the Community Climate Adaptation Plan’s emphasis on inclusivity, social equity,
community participation and health and well-being—all of which align with CDCD’s mission and
vision to serve the most vulnerable segments of our society.
In the last decade, Pickering and other jurisdictions in Durham Region have been increasingly
affected by climate-change-related events. By integrating evidence-based science, comprehensive
policy analysis and extensive multi-sector consultations, the Community Climate Adaptation Plan is
a forward-thinking initiative that ensures both immediate and long-term climate resilience,
mitigating risks and protecting our most vulnerable residents.
CDCD especially appreciates the Plan’s emphasis on:
Inclusivity & Community Resilience – The Plan ensures that climate adaptation strategies benefit
the entire community, prioritizing public safety and resilience for all residents, including seniors,
low-income families, as well as newcomer and marginalized groups. As the main service provider to
Durham’s newcomers, the homeless and refugees, CDCD believes the plan not only enhances
overall community well-being, but also strengthens community cohesion and ensures that no one is
left behind in times of environmental uncertainty.
Social Equity & Equitable Access – Climate change does not affect all residents equally. CDCD
strongly supports the Plan’s focus on equitable access to services, infrastructure and resources for
the entire community, especially during extended and singular extreme weather events. This is of
outmost importance for our clients who are among the groups most affected by extreme weather
events. By ensuring that all neighborhoods—regardless of socio-economic status—have access to
resilient infrastructure, emergency preparedness programs and climate-smart policies, the Plan is
setting a precedent for a fair and just approach to climate adaptation.
Community Participation & Engaging Diverse Voices – CDCD applauds the Plan’s commitment to
engaging youth, low-income families and newcomers (who are among CDCD’s main clients)
through education, communication and active involvement in decision-making. CDCD believes, by
fostering meaningful participation, the Plan provides a climate strategy that reflects the diverse
needs and perspectives of Pickering’s residents, empowering individuals to take part in shaping a
sustainable future for all.
Health & Well-Being of All – The plan also enhances community health by ensuring access to clean
air, water and green spaces—fundamental elements for well-being of all residents of Pickering. As
climate change intensifies, CDCD believes it is critical to prioritize policies that reduce pollution,
promote urban greening and improve overall public health. These efforts will not only mitigate
climate impacts but also contribute to a healthier, more vibrant city for generations to come.
CDCD recognizes the urgency of climate action and applauds Pickering’s leadership in addressing
this critical issue. We are committed to working collaboratively with the City to support and
implement initiatives that will build a more resilient, sustainable and inclusive future for all in
Durham Region.
We encourage Council to adopt and implement the Community Climate Adaptation Plan to ensure
that Pickering remains a thriving and environmentally responsible community for generations to
come.
Thank you for your leadership on this vital issue. We look forward to continued collaboration in
advancing climate resilience in our community.
Sincerely
Hermia Corbette Executive Director
hcorbette@cdcd.org 905-686-2661 Ext. 115
Attachment 6 to Report SUS 02-25
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
City of Pickering
One The Esplanade
Pickering, ON L1V 6K7
Re: Letter of Support – City of Pickering Community Climate Adaptation Plan (CCAP)
Dear Mayor Ashe and members of the City of Pickering Council,
On behalf of the Invasive Species Centre (ISC), I am pleased to offer our support for the City of
Pickering’s Community Climate Adaptation Plan (CCAP). This forward-looking plan
demonstrates the City’s commitment to strengthening local resilience through actions that protect
both people and nature.
As climate change continues to alter our ecosystems, the threat of invasive species becomes
increasingly urgent. Warmer temperatures and ecological disruptions provide new opportunities
for invasive species to establish and spread, placing added pressure on native biodiversity and
municipal infrastructure. We commend the City for recognizing these risks and including
invasive species management as a priority within the CCAP.
The Invasive Species Centre was proud to support the development of this plan. As
implementation begins, we are committed to continuing our partnership with Pickering to help
bring the plan’s invasive species actions to life. In particular, the City can continue to access our
support through:
•Participation in the Municipal Invasive Species Community of Practice, a
collaborative network of municipalities sharing tools, strategies, and lessons learned in
invasive species management.
•Encouraging participation in ISC’s Community Science Programs, which provide
opportunities for community members to learn and support active monitoring for priority
pests, increasing likelihood of early detection.
•Use of ISC’s evidence-based management protocols and outreach resources, which
provide practical guidance for early detection, rapid response, and public education.
•Access to ISC’s online training program and other training resources, including in-
person training from our experts, which increase municipal organizational capacity in
detecting, reporting and responding to key pests.
•Access to ISC staff expertise at any time through our information phone line and email.
We congratulate the City of Pickering on the development of this impactful and timely plan. The
actions outlined in the CCAP align closely with ISC’s mandate, and we look forward to
continued collaboration to help safeguard the region’s natural systems in the face of a changing
climate.
Sincerely,
________________________________________________
Emily Posteraro, Program Development Coordinator
Invasive Species Centre
eposteraro@invasivespeciescentre.ca
Attachment 7 to Report SUS 02-25