Dufferin County continues to take steps to address the climate crisis. Yesterday, Dufferin County Council received the annual Climate Action Report Card, highlighting the progress made on the Dufferin Climate Action Plan (DCAP) in 2022. Council also adopted the Dufferin Climate Adaptation Strategy (DCAS), setting a path forward to prepare for current and future climate impacts.

Dufferin Climate Action Plan Report Card

In response to the ongoing and urgent climate crisis, County Council adopted the DCAP on March 11, 2021. The DCAP is a strategy for the community to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and build resilience to the current and future impacts of climate change. The plan outlines 99 actions to reduce emissions in the County’s highest emitting sectors while also fostering community well-being and equity, enhancing the natural environment, and supporting innovative economic growth.

The second annual Climate Action Report Card identifies the status of each action and highlights key initiatives undertaken throughout 2022, including:

• Initiating the exploration of a tri-county Green Development Standards framework.
• Advancing the implementation of a regional EV fast-charging network in partnership with the counties of Bruce, Grey, Huron, and Perth.
• Completed the first cohort of the innovative, farmer-centered, Experimental Acres Program.
• Initiating a youth volunteer program, named the Youth Climate Activation Circle.

The 2022 DCAP Report Card can be found here.

Dufferin Climate Adaptation Strategy

Dufferin County is already experiencing the impacts of climate change. The County’s Together for Change: Dufferin’s Climate Adaptation Strategy compliments the DCAP by proactively identifying opportunities to advance climate resilience in the community’s social, economic, built and natural systems. The creation of the strategy was supported by a Climate Adaptation Working Group, comprised of local representatives, to capture the priorities of Dufferin’s rural and urban communities.

The Strategy is organized into five focus areas:

• Buildings and Infrastructure
• Energy and Economy
• Agriculture and Natural Environment
• People and Health
• Enabling Actions

To respond quickly and effectively to high-risk climate impacts, the County has identified five priority actions for implementation over the next 5 years:

• Create a framework for adopting a Green Development Standard to build resiliency and complete communities.
  • Encourage homeowners and property owners to improve climate resilience of residential and private property through upgrades and/or retrofits.
  • Establish and enhance emergency preparedness communications and programs for residents to strengthen personal resiliency to climate impacts.
  • Increase uptake of regenerative agricultural practices in partnership with farmers to increase soil organic matter, reduce soil erosion and improve water security.
  • Incorporate a climate lens into asset management, capital planning and budgetary processes.

Read more on the Dufferin Climate Adaptation Strategy here.

Quick facts

• Council re-affirmed the County’s commitment to climate action through the declaration of a Climate Emergency in September 2022.
• The development of the Dufferin Climate Adaptation Strategy was facilitated by the County’s participation in the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) Canada’s Advancing Adaptation program that supports municipalities in becoming climate-ready communities.

QUOTES

“In September 2022, the County declared a Climate Emergency, joining 1,200 jurisdictions globally in acknowledging that climate change poses a serious risk to the environment, infrastructure and people. The adoption of Together for Change: Dufferin’s Climate Adaptation Strategy follows through on our commitment to prepare for a changing climate and ensure Dufferin remains a healthy and resilient community for all”.

– Wade Mills, Warden, Dufferin County

“We know the greater the warming, the greater the impacts. The Dufferin Climate Action Plan and Dufferin’s Climate Adaptation Strategy will work together as complimentary action pathways to support global efforts to slow the pace of climate change, while also preparing our community to continue to thrive in the face of growing climate impacts”.

– Chris Gerrits, Councillor and Chair, Infrastructure & Environmental Services Committee, Dufferin County

“Dufferin County staff are committed to addressing the climate crisis and doing our part to create and maintain a resilient community for current and future generations. Through commitment and collaboration, our team continues to make strides, and we will continue to incorporate a climate lens into all our business as we work towards reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.”

– Sonya Pritchard, Chief Administrative Officer, Dufferin County

-30-

MEDIA CONTACT:
Megan Ball, Manager of Communications
mball@dufferincounty.ca