Climate Change/Adaptation

The climate in the West Kootenays has changed during time.

The current climate will change in the future and will affect the landscape around us.

The reasons behind this climate change are complicated, and some controversial. But the fact is that the climate we currently live with will change, regardless of the cause.

We will have to learn to adapt to a changing climate:

• wetter winters
• drier summers
• Greater risk of flashfloods
• water restrictions
• higher forest fire hazard
• change in local food production

Having this knowledge provides us with an opportunity to plan for change. Doing nothing is risky.

The Regional District of Central Kootenay and the Columbia Basin Trust, have teamed up with local communities in 3 areas to plan for this change.

• Kaslo and Area D
• Rossland
• Castlegar

The complete planning process will draw heavily on local knowledge, local engagement, mapping techniques and scientific data.

Two other areas in the Columbia Basin have already completed their adaptation plan:

Elkford

In 2008-2009, the District of Elkford undertook a community learning, engagement and planning process on adapting to local climate changes. Priority impact areas investigated in Elkford included: wildfire, water availability and flooding. Elkford will be the first community in British Columbia to integrate climate change adaptation into their Official Community Plan.
Elkford has completed its Climate Change Adaptation Strategy.

Kimberley

In 2008-2009, the City of Kimberley undertook a community learning, engagement and planning process on adapting to local climate changes. The process included three stages: 1) Learning from scientific data and local observations 2) Sharing the results with community and 3) Action planning for short and long-term adaptation measures. Priority impact areas investigated in Kimberley included: water and forests, municipal infrastructure and tourism.

For more information please contact the Project Co-ordinator:
Tim Sander
250-358-2721
timsander@columbiawireless.ca

Climate Change/Adaptation

Kaslo/RDCK Area D - Climate Change Adaptation & You (549.4 kB)   North Kootenay Lake Foodshed Questionnaire (131.8 kB)   Public Survey - Communities Adapting to Climate Change (21 kB)   Briefing - Impact Mapping (149.8 kB)   Project Overview (55.9 kB)   Introduction - What is Climate Change Adaptation? (107.3 kB)   Useful Links (16.4 kB)