Advancing climate action in Kenora with a SNAP

In addition to participating in FCM’s Climate Asset Management Network, the City of Kenora signed a climate emergency declaration in September 2019. The city has also conducted several studies on climate crisis adaptation, resilience and energy plans to improve its capacity to face future environmental challenges while enhancing the social and economic situation of its neighborhoods. This Sustainable Neighbourhood Action Plan (SNAP) will build on recommendations from previous climate and energy studies as well as projected climate crisis impacts to asset management. Issues such as aging infrastructure, increasing demand on services and the decline of public transport have already been identified. The SNAP will transform broad recommendations made previously into more specific proposals to tackle other municipal issues, including waste management, green spaces and energy efficiency. The city aims to implement at least 10 projects. It will determine precise targets and indicators to monitor the SNAP’s impact. The methodology proposed includes a multi-sector approach and engagement of city staff, elected officials, key stakeholders and the broader public. Following current restrictions on gathering during the COVID-19 pandemic, the city’s community and stakeholder engagement plan now includes virtual engagement. If restrictions are eased in time, some in-person engagements may be organized as well. After this first phase, a technical advisory working group of local stakeholders will develop the projects. Innovative aspect(s): • Incorporation of climate change resilience and mitigation actions into a plan • Collaborative process between city staff, elected officials and key community stakeholders Replicability: The collaborative planning process addressing climate change and asset management could serve as a model for rural and small communities. (Project description from original funding application)