Lori Chadwick, Director of Development Services provided an introduction and advised Council that after the presentation of the draft Plan today, there will be a opportunity for Council and the public to provide feedback and comments on the draft Plan until February 3, all in preparation for Council's next special meeting on the Plan currently scheduled for February 8.
Niharika Bandaru, Climate Change Analyst then presented to Council a walkthrough of the power point presentation on the Draft Climate Adaptation Plan for the Town of Essex (2021 - 2016). Ms. Bandaru provided an overview of the document outlining areas for the Town of Essex such as climate projections and impacts, strategies to mitigate climate risks, methodology, consultations, objectives (both and corporate objectives), timelines, costs; and implementation, monitoring and review.
With respect to objectives Ms. Bandaru identified the following 6 community engagement and partnership objectives which would entail the Town working in partnership with other community stakeholders:
1) Support the enhancement of the health, safety and quality of life of the town of Essex community;
2) Encourage the preservation of the natural environment and support the adoption of nature-based solutions;
3) Minimize risk to private building sand property;
4) Support Opportunities for investment into adaptation -based innovation for local business
5) Help advocate for community emergency preparedness; and
6) promote Community engagement and participation in climate change awareness and adaptation opportunities
With respect to objectives Ms. Bandaru also identified the following 5 corporate objectives which would relate to those services, operations, assets and policies that specifically come under the management of the Corporation of the Town of Essex
1) Enhance staff Health and safety;
2) Protect the Town's natural assets and emphasize nature based solutions;
3) build and strengthen the Town's infrastructure resilience;
4) integrate climate change adaptation into town planning and policy making; and
5) Build Community Services that are tempered to climate change impacts: