Plan d’adaptation aux changements climatiques de Varennes

Through the implementation of its climate change adaptation plan, the City of Varennes has decided to assess its overall geographical situation to better understand its climate change-related challenges and needs. The goal is to identify the best natural infrastructure development to be created in the municipality to counter heat islands and issues with runoff management. This plan will enable the city to: • Acquire a clear, simple, and concrete greening strategy to reduce ambient heat and alleviate runoff management problems• Be better equipped to facilitate the implementation of specific projects by adopting green infrastructure development plans• Understand the best strategies to implicate the area’s citizens, businesses, and industriesThe implementation of the strict requirements of the project is essential to achieve the ambitious objectives set out in the environmental policy of the City of Varennes as well as in the Plan métropolitain d’aménagement et de développement de la Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal (30% forest canopy).The project will offer significant benefits to the community and will enhance aesthetic features of the city as well as lay the groundwork for green developments in the following areas: • Environmental: Air and water filtration, and removal of airborne contaminants, carbon sequestration, creation of habitat for urban wildlife• Social: Increased comfort through ambient temperature regulation, improved health, design that promotes active transportation, creation of gathering nodes, and breaking down isolation• Economic: Reduced infrastructure degradation due to intense rainfall events and cost avoidance associated with road refurbishment