While we acknowledge that climate change is a world-wide issue, we also recognize it is having a daily impact on the Region of Waterloo and our residents. Changes in weather patterns are becoming more extreme, emissions from vehicular traffic are adding unhealthy toxins into the air we breath, the quantity of plastics being used are becoming unmanageable, and many of these
concerns have a significant effect on some of the most vulnerable in our community. Being prepared for the impacts of climate change can better protect the health of our community and residents.

In 2019, Regional Council approved the Community Climate Adaptation Plan (CCA Plan) which was collaboratively developed by community stakeholders and the Region. The CCA Plan is intended to improve Waterloo Region’s resilience to extreme weather and climate change impacts through increased local capacity and collaboration among community stakeholders.

For us to understand some of the impact’s climate change has already had on the Region, you may remember some of these weather events:
– wind gusts of up to 122 km/h in May 2018 damaged trees and streetlights and caused thousands of power outages across Waterloo Region
– there was significant flooding in February 2018 caused by a combination of unusually warm weather, snow melting and an extended rain event
– extreme cold temperatures in December 2017 causing increased water main breaks, also breaking the 1917 record for coldest temperature ever recorded in Waterloo Region
– in June 2017, record-breaking rainfall of around 100mm fell in only 2 hours,
overwhelming reservoirs and causing areas of significant flooding in Waterloo Region.

Waterloo Region is not immune to climate change. As individuals, community stakeholders, the business community and those elected to various levels of governance, we have an obligation to collectively work to mitigate the effects of climate change on our Region, country, and the world, so that future generations will inherit an environment where the effects of climate change
have been reversed.

If I have the honour of being re-elected to Regional Council, I will commit myself to work with all stakeholders in the Region to mitigate the effects of climate change.