CAPG - MIRARCO

Ontario Centre for Climate Impacts and Adaptation Resources (OCCIAR) proposes to develop a northernclimate change working group between five Northern Ontario municipalities, including variousstakeholders and organizations, to assess and manage the impacts of climate change on communities.infrastructure and natural systemsThis initiative will lead to a reduction in climate change vulnerability for residents and businesses acrossthe north through two avenues. First, the initiative will increase the capacity and knowledge of northernmunicipalities and stakeholders to assess their vulnerability to climate change and develop adaptationsolutions. To accomplish this. OCCIAR willfacilitate peer-to-peer dialogue (e.g. webinars, regionalworkshops) and will develop and disseminate northern-focused resources (e.g. regional climate data,adaptation options). Secondly. the initiative will directly support vulnerability and risk assessments. orsupport progress on implementation of adaptation for municipalities with existing plans. Recognizing thateach municipality will be at different stages in the adaptation planning process, OCCIAR will spur actionon adaptation planning or implementation by coordinating and sharing existing resources. providingadditional research and dialogue, addressing gaps and helping overcome barriers.OCCIAR will work closely with municipal leaders/staff and supporting organizations on key issues andinitiatives identified specifically by the participating municipalities. Issues may be topic-based (e.g.infrastructure flood vulnerability). or thematic (e.g. understanding the climate risk assessment processes)Where municipalities have not identified specific topics or themes of interest, OCCIAR will supportcommunity-wide vulnerability and risk assessments. To support these community-wide assessments,OCCIAR will facilitate knowledge sharing and work with municipalities through each step of theassessment process using up-to-date science and climate data. The goal is to develop adaptation (riskresponse) options that will help reduce and manage the risks associated with climate change. Adaptationmeasures identified for implementation will also align with current and potential initiatives to reducegreenhouse gas emissions. providing benefits beyond the issue at hand.