As climate-related events become more and more common, the City of Timmins is taking proactive steps to build resilience and improve climate adaptation. The new Climate Safe Communities Toolkit is a practical and community-focused resource designed to help residents, organizations, and educational institutions become local Climate Champions to prepare for the growing impacts of climate change.
The Toolkit focuses on four primary local climate risks identified in the City’s Community Climate Change Adaptation Plan (CCAP): extreme heat, flooding, wildfire smoke, and other emergencies such as intense storms that can impact health, infrastructure, and the local economy.
Climate describes long-term, year-over-year weather patterns and trends. Climate change happens when those patterns or trends begin to shift, leading to more frequent and intense events such as heat waves, increased flooding, and severe storms. These changes can have significant consequences on health and safety, infrastructure and homes, and local business and industry.
The Climate Safe Communities Toolkit equips residents with practical tools and strategies to respond to these challenges. It also introduces the concept of Community Climate Champions who are empowered to take action and help strengthen Timmins’ ability to adapt. Become a Community Climate Champion by completing the action checklist! Use this practical tool to take simple yet meaningful climate actions that strengthen sustainability and resilience in Timmins. As you check off each action, you’ll be making a real impact. Need guidance? Each category includes a dedicated page with supporting actions to help you achieve your goals!
“Protecting our environment starts at the community level,” says Christina Beaton, Manager of Environmental Compliance and Sustainability. “Earth Day is the perfect time to encourage residents and local organizations to work collaboratively and take practical steps to better prepare for climate risks.”
For Timmins, climate adaptation means preparing for increasing risks by upgrading infrastructure, improving emergency preparedness, and supporting residents with easy-to-follow guidance. The toolkit offers strategies for households, businesses, schools and community organizations.
For example, as we head into the seasonal melt and face an increased risk of flooding, residents are encouraged to:
• Follow local flood alerts from the Mattagami Regional Conservation Authority (MRCA)
• Create a household emergency plan and build a 72-hour emergency kit
• Review household infrastructure and install sump pumps and backwater valves to reduce the risk of basement flooding
“The Climate Safe Communities Toolkit is a starting point for collective action,” adds Beaton. “By working together, Timmins can build a stronger, safer, and more climate-resilient future.”
To access the toolkit and learn more, visit: www.timmins.ca/our_services/environment___sustainability/climate_safe_community
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