HCA Climate Change Strategy

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Climate change impacts are being felt around the globe, and locally here in the Hamilton Region. As more and more greenhouse gases are emitted into the atmosphere, we will continue to see worsening impacts. Changes have been observed in the form of low water levels during the summer months, more frequent extreme rainfall events, rising average temperatures, and flooding.

The Hamilton Conservation Authority is doing its part to help our community and natural environment adapt and increase overall resiliency to climate change. In part, the HCA is also working towards achieving net-zero operations in the future through mitigation actions.

Climate Action Over the Years

HCA’s first Climate Change Strategy was released in 2012, and is where our climate change action began. This strategy influenced HCA to conduct a feasibility study and sustainability audit at our Main Administrative Office. Following the audit, HCA formed a Sustainability Committee, and has continued to improve our environmental impact through sustainability initiatives. HCA has also held a member seat on the Bay Area Climate Change Council since its formation in 2018.

In February of 2023, HCA’s Board of Director’s approved the updated Corporate Climate Change Strategy, which is intended to guide HCA’s climate action going forward.

Climate Change Strategy

Becoming net-zero is the ultimate goal of the Hamilton Conservation Authority. Our Corporate Climate Change Strategy is the next important step in that journey.

HCA’s role is critical as the local watershed management agency for the protection of life and property from flooding and erosion, as well as natural heritage conservation for our local communities.

Our strategy identifies climate change monitoring, mitigation and adaptation actions within four key areas of focus:

Operations
Environment and natural heritage
Experience, education, and awareness
Partnerships

Check out our new short-video highlighting our Corporate Climate Change Strategy below.

Please see the following link for a summary of the strategy: Climate Change Strategy Condensed Version

To view the entire Climate Change Strategy, please see our Climate Change Strategy Full Version

City of Hamilton

In March of 2019, the City of Hamilton declared a Climate Change Emergency, and set a goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Since then, City staff have identified nine overarching goals and areas of focus for climate change mitigation and adaptation.[1]

In 2022, the City of Hamilton released a new Climate Action Strategy, consisting of two separate documents:

Check out the City of Hamilton’s website for additional information.

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.

[1] City of Hamilton. (2022). Hamilton’s Climate Action Strategy. Retrieved from https://www.hamilton.ca/home-neighbourhood/environmental-stewardship/environmental-plans-strategies/hamiltons-climate

HCA Climate Change Strategy

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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.