Charlottetown’s climate is changing. Increased temperatures, flooding, sea level rise and coastal erosion are examples of climate change impacts that will influence our community’s health and wellbeing, environment, and economy. Climate change effects us all, but we know that the impacts are not felt equally amongst all communities, with disproportionate consequences for communities that are already vulnerable due to systemic inequities.
In response, the City of Charlottetown is creating a Climate Action Plan. The Plan will help the community build resilience to the impacts of climate change and extreme weather, while also reducing our contribution to global climate change through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Phase One
Phase One of the climate action planning process launched in January 2023 and was completed in April 2023. In this phase, we gathered early input from the community, key stakeholders, and rightsholders to better understand how climate change and extreme weather have impacted Charlottetown. We also conducted background research and municipal benchmarking to better understand gaps in Charlottetown’s knowledge as well as how our climate action efforts compare to other Canadian municipalities.
The results of Phase One have been compiled in a Final Report. The findings of this report are being used to inform Phase Two of the project.
The Phase One Final Report was presented virtually to the public in April 2023. The recording of that presentation can be found here.
If you would like to receive a paper copy of the report, please contact [email protected]
Phase Two
Informed by the findings from Phase One, work is well under way on Phase Two of Climate Action Plan development, which will include the creation of the Plan itself .
Studies and Reports
As a component of Plan creation, various studies have been undertaken to ensure the Climate Action Plan is informed by the most recent and relevant data possible. This has involved the compilation of a Future Climate Projections Report for Charlottetown as well as the completion of an updated Community Greenhouse Gas Inventory. In addition, a Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment is being completed and is anticipated to be released to the public in the coming months.
Collaboration and Engagement
To guide this phase of work, the City is participating in ICLEI Canada’s Building Adaptive and Resilient Communities (BARC) program and QUEST Canada’s Net Zero Communities Accelerator (NCA) program. These two programs act to guide municipalities through climate adaptation and mitigation planning, respectively, providing access to tested planning frameworks as well as extensive program staff expertise and support throughout the process.
The City has also formed working groups composed of over 65 individuals representing various community organizations, City departments, and public interest groups that will weigh in on the planning process each step of the way.
Additionally, extensive community engagement will take place throughout this phase of the project to better understand resident priorities and the public’s vision for success. This engagement is anticipated to take place between April and June 2024 and will happen in collaboration with numerous community organizations to invite more voices into the conversation.
It is anticipated that a draft of the Climate Action Plan will be released in late fall 2024, accompanied by further opportunities for public engagement.
Get Involved
When it comes to tackling climate change, all voices need to be part of the conversation.
For opportunities to provide input on Plan development, visit charlottetownhall.ca/climateaction or contact [email protected]