Climate Change and HCA

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There is consensus among international scientists that climate change is occurring, that the impacts are already being felt in regions all around the world and that they will only get worse. “Impacts due to altered frequencies and intensities of extreme weather, climate and sea-level events are very likely to change” (IPCC, 2007). Even after implementing measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, some degree of climate change is inevitable and is already having economic, social and environmental impacts on communities. Developing an effective strategy for adaptation requires an understanding of our vulnerability to climate change.

The purpose therefore of an HCA strategy would be to build resiliency by strengthening HCA’s capacity to develop and plan, in collaboration with other partners, short and longterm adaptation and mitigation actions designed to increase the climate resilience of the watersheds.

Here are some resources that help to explain what the HCA will be doing about climate change within our watershed:

Watch HCA’s 7-Part Video Series – “Climate Change Here In Our Own Backyard”

Climate Change Charter

Hamilton Conservation Authority was one of the founding members to sign Ontario’s first Community Action Climate Change Charter. Visit the Climate Change Hamilton website.

City of Hamilton

The City of Hamilton is a member of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Partners for Climate Protection program, and has been participating with other municipalities in building the capacity of municipalities to address the challenge of meeting Canada’s commitments to the Kyoto Protocol.

Conservation Ontario

Conservation Ontario’s website contains information on what Ontario’s 36 Conservation Authorities are facing with respect to climate change. Resources and presentations are available online for download.

Ontario Climate Consortium

Established in 2011, the OCC works collaboratively with university researchers and partners from the public, private and NGO sectors on projects aimed at answering specific questions related to climate change and creating the intelligence necessary to address climate risk. Its formal mission: To arm decision-makers with “regionally-specific climate data, intelligence and adaptation services that enable effective policy and investment responses to climate uncertainty in Ontario. Ontario Climate Consortium website.

Climate Change and HCA

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Conservation Areas

Activities

Watch HCA’s 7-Part Video Series – “Climate Change Here In Our Own Backyard”

Climate Change Charter

City of Hamilton

Conservation Ontario

Ontario Climate Consortium

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Current Water Levels

Water Level Explanations

Flood Status Explanations

	Normal No low water conditions exist.
	Level 1 Water users are asked to voluntarily reduce consumption by 10 percent. Precipitation totals are less than 80 percent of long-term averages and/or 30-day average streamflows are less than 100 / 70 percent (springtime / otherwise) of the minimum of the long-term average monthly flows for summer months.
	Level 2 Water users are asked to voluntarily reduce consumption by 20 percent. Precipitation totals are less than 60 percent of long-term averages and/or 30-day average streamflows are less than 70 / 50 percent (springtime / otherwise) of the minimum of the long-term average monthly flows for summer months.
	Level 3 There is also potential for economic harm to water takers and/or significant harm to the ecosystem. The Hamilton Water Response Team may ask the province to impose mandatory restrictions on those holding Permits to Take Water. Precipitation totals are less than 40 percent of long-term averages and/or 30-day average streamflows are less than 50 / 30 percent (springtime / otherwise) of the minimum of the long-term average monthly flows for summer months.

	Normal No flood conditions exist.
	Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety High flows, unsafe banks, melting ice or other factors that could be dangerous for recreational users such as anglers, canoeists, hikers, children, pets, etc. Flooding is not expected.
	Watershed Conditions Statement - Flood Outlook Early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high wind or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams, lakeshore flooding or erosion.
	Flood Watch Flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individual landowners in flood-prone areas should prepare.
	Flood Warning Flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities and individuals should take action to deal with flood conditions. This may include road closures and evacuations.