Atlantic Climate Adaptation Solutions Project will include studying the coastal areas in Lunenburg District.

The Municipality of the District of Lunenburg looks forward to seeing the results of a partnership with both the provincial and federal government on a project that examines the risks associated with climate change to coastal communities. 

Municipal interest on this collaborative effort, involving governments across Atlantic Canada, was first identified in 2008. Following a presentation to Council last August by the Province’s Climate Change Directorate, the Municipality expressed their continued support, and offered a three-year commitment of staff time to the Atlantic Climate Adaptation Solutions [“ACAS”] Project.

Natural Resources Canada and all four provincial governments in Atlantic Canada are putting forward significant financial investment towards studying the effects of climate change on the Region. Given their role in local planning and emergency measures operations, many municipal governments are also interested in seeing further local analysis be completed. The project is expected to result in seeing better plans and adaptation policies implemented at all three levels of government.

For the Lunenburg District study area: the ACAS project is most concerned with establishing digital maps that can highlight those coastal areas that are potentially most at risk to future changes in sea level, erosion and storm surge events. The intent is to integrate the study’s data and analysis with local decisions. Municipal staff is expected to review existing land use policy, infrastructure and emergency measures plans, and recommend changes to Council, based on the newly-acquired data collected from the ACAS project.

“It is important that we work closely with the Province in helping us be better prepared for the potential impacts of climate change.” said Mayor Don Downe. “To be prepared, local communities need to have both the tools and information for making informed decisions. Our Municipality appreciates this opportunity to work with the other levels of government, in collecting the necessary information for the coastal areas located in Lunenburg District.”

It is expected that policy recommendations will be identified by 2012. For more information regarding the initiative, residents can visit both the Natural Resources Canada website [http://adaptation.nrcan.gc.ca/collab/index_e.php] and the Province’s climate change adaptation website [http://climatechange.gov.ns.ca/content/adapt].