Proactive Strategies for Mitigating Extreme Heat in British Columbia: A GIS-Based Vulnerability Assessment
Climate change impacts are increasingly evident worldwide, prompting governments at all levels to seek innovative strategies for mitigation. In British Columbia, the past decade has seen a series of natural disasters, including severe wildfires, flooding, and heat waves. Notably, the heat dome in June 2021 brought eight consecutive days of extreme temperatures, resulting in the tragic loss of 619 lives in the province. This event served as a wake-up call for municipal agencies and allied departments focused on heat protection and emergency response. This session will present research on a proactive approach to addressing climate-related hazards through heat mapping analysis using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Our study identifies parcel-blocks in the City of Mission and the nearby Leqamel First Nation community in British Columbia that are particularly vulnerable to extreme heat, aiming to enhance preparedness and response strategies. This approach offers valuable tools for urban planners and policymakers.
Building Relationships for Energy Efficiency Governance: A Study of Efficiency Manitoba’s Relationships with Indigenous Peoples
Designing and implementing energy efficiency programs that are accessible to all people is a complex issue, with connections to housing provision, energy planning, and climate action. This presentation will discuss research examining Efficiency Manitoba’s work to build relationships with Indigenous peoples and deliver programs that address their needs.
How A Student Routes Strategy Can Create a Neighbourhood Active Transportation System
A Student Routes Strategy creates a neighbourhood-wide active transportation system for kids with the goal of 100% of students walking/wheeling to/from school daily. The strategy sees kids as ‘transportation users’ within their own system and creates a network of routes to help facilitate safe and effective active school travel. This session will guide participants through the process of creating a Student Routes Strategy, including high-quality public engagement techniques and interactive tools along with on-the-ground observation and consultation with school communities to understand how kids are getting to school as well as the barriers they are facing. The session will also review how the strategy is implemented through a mixture of shaping planning policy, infrastructure planning, and in-school programming.