Darlene Pearson
In the next eight years, the number of extreme heat days (over 30 degrees) in Ottawa is predicted to more than double. The City of Ottawa has identified increased heat as a critical risk in its recent Climate Vulnerability and Risk Assessment.
Centretown is especially vulnerable as shown by the predominance of yellow and orange on the city’s heat island map.
What can we do to make our homes and our community more climate resilient? This was the topic of a virtual panel discussion jointly hosted by the Centretown (CCA) and Glebe Community Associations on November 17.
The four panelists provided numerous practical coping strategies. While individually these may appear minor, collectively they will have a major, in some cases, life-saving impact.
Immediate fixes
Martha Robinson and Birgit Isernhagen from Ottawa Public Health suggested measures to combat indoor heat, such as blackout curtains, cool showers and baths, soaking hands and feet in cold water, and fans and air conditioners.
When outdoors, they advised wearing light, cool clothing and a hat. Ottawa Public Health has developed a helpful map of places to cool off, accessible online.
Trees for shade
Andy Kenney, a senior lecturer emeritus of forestry from the University of Toronto, spoke about what is needed for a resilient urban forest, which will be critical for heat attenuation. This includes species and age diversity, maintenance through pruning, and long-term stewardship for ongoing planting and monitoring.
Key to healthy trees is ongoing maintenance, including using the services of a reputable tree care company in much the same way that you use a plumber or electrician for your house.
Finding the space to accommodate more trees poses a particular challenge in a densely populated area such as Centretown. Since over 60 percent of our trees are on private land, it is crucial to work together as a community and to recognize that trees on private property are also a community resource.
Variety needed
Landscape designer Mary Stewart highlighted the importance of planting a variety of trees, shrubs, and perennials for climate resilience. She invited residents to experiment with various plants to find out what thrives in their gardens or container plantings.
She stressed the importance of rechannelling rainwater so that it is available on properties in times of drought. One very simple measure is to redirect rainspouts to drain into a garden rather than down driveways into stormwater sewers. Other actions could include having permeable pavement, installing a rain barrel, planting a rain garden, and using groundcovers of plants or mulch.
Design matters
Ottawa architect Toon Dreessen emphasized that design matters in all things. Too often cities design poorly, spend cheaply, and maintain inadequately. We need to be bold and courageous in facing climate change challenges to move towards the Ottawa of the future we want to live in.
With buildings accounting for 44 percent of greenhouse gas emissions, he said, we must apply the 3 “Rs” to the built environment: Reducing energy needs by making buildings more efficient with better insulation, lighting, and building envelope; Reusing by adapting rather than demolishing buildings; and Recycling by using renewable building materials as well as renewable energy sources.
Individuals need to take local action and advocate for sustainable government financing to help residents pay for climate resiliency upgrades, he argued.
All presenters stressed that climate resiliency is everyone’s business. As a community, we have to push our new mayor and city council to take bold action on climate resilience.
If you wish to help address these issues, consider joining the Centretown Climate Change Working Group by contacting climatechange@centretowncitizens.ca.
A recording of the Climate Resilience Panel Discussion, as well as the power point presentations and list of resources are available on the CCA website.
