Climate Change Adaptation

Climate change is expected to have a variety of impacts on the Kootenay region, including:

• wetter winters;
• drier summers;
• greater risk of flashfloods;
• limited water availability;
• higher forest fire hazard; and
• altered growing conditions.

With this knowledge in mind, the Regional District of Central Kootenay (Area D) partnered with the Village of Kaslo and Columbia Basin Trust to complete the Columbia Basin’s first rural climate change adaptation planning project.

The project was guided by a Steering Committee comprised of rural and village residents, Village staff, and elected officials. It was managed by a local coordinator. The planning process had several objectives, including:

• learn about climate change;
• identify priorities;
• assess vulnerabilities and risk;
• develop adaptation strategies and actions; and
• implement and monitor the plan.

Through the process, two key themes emerged as priorities for Kaslo and RDCK Area D residents. Water provision and quality were acknowledged as necessities for any healthy society. Project participants recommended several actions to help address vulnerabilities surrounding water resources. Local food production was also recognized as a critical factor in the future prosperity of the region. The plan recommended actions to encourage local food security and reduce reliance on external markets.

See the attached case study document for further information on the RDCK Area D/Kaslo Climate Change Adaptation Initiative, and see the Columbia Basin Trust’s website for further information on other similar projects in the region.

Attached Documents

Communities Adapting to Climate Change Case Study - Kaslo/Area D (389.8 kB)

Climate Adaptation Final Report and Appendices

Newsletter-Sept. (3.9 MB)   Final Report (1.3 MB)   Appendix A - Impact charts (134.5 kB)   Appendix B - Risk assessment (1.1 MB)   Appendix C - Actions (83.2 kB)   Appendix D - Committee (62.1 kB)   Appendix E - Acknowledgements (64.2 kB)   Appendix F - Timelines (63.9 kB)   Appendix G - Project and Area Info (114.1 kB)   Appendix H - Climate Data (2.2 MB)   Appendix I - Reports (2.9 MB)   Appendix J - Web Links (77.2 kB)   Appendix K - Planning (89.7 kB)   Appendix L - Questionnaires (2 MB)   Appendix M - Briefings (1.3 MB)   Appendix N - Glossary (73.8 kB)