GBA Update - Summer 2020

9 ≥ www.georgianbay.ca GBA UPDATE Summer 2020 residents must also be captured by ICECAP. These made-in- GBBR calculations will consider energy from boating, off-road vehicles, travelling within the region, and seasonal residences – as they are not required as part of existing frameworks. For some fuel sources, the aggregate energy consumed by seasonal residents is greater than for year-round residents. The intent is that by disaggregating the energy consumed by seasonal and year-round residents, the knowledge gained from the data will provide additional information to future planning and development practices that will lead to more climate-resilient communities. Beyond Mitigation to Adaptation Looking at reducing GHG emissions is just half the battle, however. Mitigation and adaptation are viewed as two halves to a whole and together create better climate resilience. Daryle Moffatt, councillor for the Township of Seguin and co-chair for ICECAP, says: “The PCP and ICEP program will be crucial in identifying opportunities for mitigation and bringing adaptation into the conversation. These discussions for adaptation strategies will outline how to deal with new impacts and the uncertainties that climate change presents.” For communities in the Georgian Bay Biosphere region, environmentally focused climate change impacts can mean more frequent and severe weather events, floods, droughts, forest fires and outbreaks of disease. Adjusting emergency response plans and floodplain mapping are a few of the many tools that can be reviewed during these discussions and adapted for future climate scenarios. “We anticipate that future and existing programs that help reduce energy use will be critical for us to see change, including the types of vehicles and building materials we buy,” says Moffatt. “I imagine that area councils will also be discussing adaptation strategies as well, to deal with new impacts and the uncertainties of climate change.” GBBR staff are in discussion with Lakeland Power Distribution, Hydro One, the Independent Electricity System Operator, the District of Muskoka, the Ogemawahj Tribal Council, and the Waabnoong Bemjiwang Association of First Nations. Current Progress and Next Steps Although ICECAP is a relatively new program in the Georgian Bay Biosphere region and is still in its first phase, the project has been moving at incredible speeds. Once a baseline measure of tonnes of GHG emissions is calculated for each member and aggregated for the region, then an informed discussion can take place to set targets and strategies for reduction. Further information will be available at gbbr.ca/ climate . There are a number of quick and easy projects you can do at home that are effective at reducing home energy use. On average, smart thermostats and home energy monitors can save 10% to 15% on energy use. These are inexpensive solutions that can be purchased at your local hardware stores.