WELLINGTON COUNTY – The county has been awarded $105,000 in federal funding to develop “Weather-Ready Wellington,” a new climate adaptation plan that officials say will help protect local infrastructure, safeguard essential services, and strengthen community resilience to the growing impacts of climate change.
The investment, announced by the federal government and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), comes through FCM’s Green Municipal Fund under the Local Leadership for Climate Adaptation initiative.
Wellington County is one of 70 municipalities across the country selected to share $5.2 million in federal support for climate adaptation planning.
Climate projections show Wellington County will face rising average temperatures, more days above 30 degrees Celcius, stronger storms, and shorter return periods for extreme events.
These changes are already contributing to road washouts, power outages, erosion, water main breaks, and agricultural challenges. FCM notes that every dollar invested in climate adaptation saves $13 to $15 in future disaster recovery and infrastructure costs.
“This funding represents a significant opportunity for Wellington County to build on our established climate leadership,” said Warden Chris White.
“Through our ‘Future Focused’ climate plan, we committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 6 per cent by 2030 and achieving net-zero by 2050.
“The Weather-Ready Wellington plan will complement those efforts with adaptation strategies that prepare us for the climate realities ahead.”
For more information visit wellington.ca/climatechange.
