Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter
The MRC du Haut-Saint-Laurent is taking action on climate change. With support from the provincial government, the regional municipal organization is in the early stages of developing its first climate plan.
The “Accélérer la transition climatique locale” program was launched by Quebec in February, to support initiatives at the municipal level that are focused on climate change adaptation and mitigation. The MRC du Haut-Saint-Laurent responded positively to the program, and Megan Heath was brought on board in May as the project manager responsible for the creation of the climate plan.
This type of plan traditionally presents the risks and opportunities associated with climate change, while identifying priority projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, adaptation, and different actions to support the local climate transition. The MRC is already well on its way.
The first meeting of the newly established climate plan committee took place on September 12. Heath says the committee was formed to ensure citizens and experts were equally consulted on various topics relevant to the plan’s development. “The committee provides a communication channel for citizens, agricultural producers, and environmental groups in the Haut-Saint-Laurent region who wish to make comments or recommendations, or ask questions,” says Heath. Invitations were sent to the 13 municipal mayors and directors general, as well as to representatives of groups such as the SCABRIC and Ambioterra, as well as the CLSC and the local syndicate of the Union des producteurs Agricoles (UPA).
Heath says the climate plan will play an important role in the MRC’s overall planning in the years ahead. “The relationship between citizens and the territory is fundamental in the Haut-Saint-Laurent,” she explains. “By considering the effects of climate change and the territory’s GHG inventory, the MRC and municipalities can work together to better prepare for the future and develop, implement, and optimize protective measures for citizens.”
The committee will address topics such as extreme weather events and the quality and quantity of the region’s water supply, as well as the impact of climate change on disaster preparedness for events such as flooding, forest or brush fires, and power outages. Other topics include the growing risk of Lyme disease and heat stroke, the prevalence of pests and diseases affecting crops, and methods for preserving the health of all types of living environments, natural environments, and ecosystems in the Haut-Saint-Laurent.
Heath says that along with the formation of the committee, the MRC will be “coordinating its efforts in urban planning, waste management, economic development, public transport, and public safety to find solutions for adapting to climate change and reducing our greenhouse gas emissions.”
Much of the work to complete the plan will be done at the MRC; however, the regional council passed a resolution on August 21 to outsource the production of a greenhouse gas inventory to the CIMA+ consulting and engineering firm.
Once approved by the Ministère de l’Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs (MELCCFP), the MRC will begin planning and implementing various projects that stem from the plan.