Corporate Climate Change Adaptation Plan Update

The County of Huron is updating its Corporate Climate Change Adaptation Plan (CCCAP) to include the successes of the past and add new actions that consider the needs of both the County and the community. Updating the plan will help staff, County Council, and the public see progress in meeting climate goals. It’s also a chance to talk, learn, and understand the effects, risks, and opportunities that climate change brings to Huron County.

The update will go beyond just actions taken by the County and consider the needs and wants of the community. People can share their thoughts on the CCCAP update by completing an online survey. The County will use the feedback to plan future actions and help residents with climate change prevention and adaptation efforts.

What actions have already been achieved?

Huron County is dedicated to leading efforts to reduce, address, and recover from the effects of climate change on the County and its communities. The County has approved the Corporate Climate Change Adaptation Plan (CCCAP), which includes strategies, policies, educational resources, and actions to make County services and operations more resilient.

Here are some examples of projects where the County has taken action to reduce and respond to climate change:

• High Performance Building Standard – This guide helps make decisions that improve the energy efficiency and strength of our buildings.
• EV Chargers – Working with Huron East and Goderich, the County has added 22 new electric vehicle chargers across Huron County, funded by Natural Resources Canada and Bruce Power.
• Rural Roadside Strategy Pilot – The County has created pollinator habitats along roads by removing invasive plants and planting native wildflowers, shrubs, and trees near two County Forest properties.
• Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment of Bridges and Large Culverts – This study looked at how climate change might impact the County’s important transportation systems in the future.
• Home Energy Savings Guide – This guide offers simple, cost-effective tips for residents to save energy and water at home.
• Natural Assets in the Asset Management Plan – County owned natural spaces have been added to the Asset Management Plan to highlight their benefits and ensure they are protected for the future.

Why do we need to take action?

Climate change is already affecting Huron County. In recent years changing conditions have led to more extreme weather events, localized flooding, and variable weather patterns.

By 2025, Huron County is projected to experience…

Some of the ways that climate change could impact Huron County in the future include:

• Rising temperatures lasting for longer durations,
• More rain and snow,
• Higher wind speeds, and
• More extreme weather events – including floods and ice storms