Farah Gulzar
"Protecting Ottawa residents from climate change requires both prevention and preparedness. The City should prioritize practical measures that protect people from flooding, extreme heat, severe storms, wildfire smoke and other increasingly frequent extreme weather events.
We need stronger stormwater management, better drainage and flood mitigation, more trees and green infrastructure, and sufficient shaded and cooling spaces in our neighbourhoods. Parks, community facilities and other public spaces can play an important role in providing safe places for residents during extreme heat and other emergencies.
Particular attention should be given to seniors, children, people with disabilities, low-income households and residents who may not have access to air conditioning, reliable transportation or other resources during an emergency.
Ottawa should also improve emergency communication so residents receive clear, timely and accessible information about extreme weather, available cooling centres, air-quality risks and other public safety measures.
Climate resilience should be built into everyday municipal planning—not treated as an emergency response only after a disaster occurs."
Shawn Menard
"Building resiliency to the effects of climate change, including worsening storms, heat, and smoke is critical. These measures must include improved emergency planning, retrofitting city and community buildings, expanding and preserving city tree canopy, prioritizing green and permeable infrastructure, and creating more public spaces to cool off in extreme heat.
This summer’s catastrophic flooding in the west end of the city provided a stark example of how existing infrastructure is, in my cases, inadequate in the face of increased pressure from extreme weather events. In the past I have advocated for burying Hydro wires to prevent the lengthy power outages which are becoming all too common in our city. We should continue to push for that wherever possible, especially in road renewal projects.
My office has also been able to secure the funding to open wading pools, pools, and beaches earlier and longer. Ensuring that residents, particularly the most vulnerable, have access to places to cool off in the increasingly hot summer months is important. It also has the added benefit of providing more safe and fun recreational options."