The City of Morden is taking proactive measures to address climate-related challenges through the development of a Community Climate Adaptation Plan. Shawn Dias, Director of Parks and Urban Forestry, is leading the initiative, which was recently approved by the city council.
"We are starting the process of developing a Community Climate Adaptation Plan," says Dias. "We've also applied for funding through the Green Municipal Fund's Local Leaders in Climate Adaptation program to support this plan."
The city issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the project, which was awarded to Urban Systems, a Winnipeg-based firm. The contract is valued at $88,000, with funding anticipated from both the municipal budget and potential grants.
Understanding Morden’s climate risks
The adaptation plan will be customized to Morden’s unique environmental conditions. According to Dias, the plan will assess local climate hazards such as extreme precipitation leading to localized flooding, prolonged heatwaves, and shifting seasonal patterns.
"We know these events are happening more frequently," he explains. "Whether it’s planning development, infrastructure projects, or day-to-day operations, this plan will help us adapt our practices and mitigate risks."
"We will be reaching out through events like the sustainability fair in April and Arbor Day in the park, as well as public surveys and questionnaires." -Shawn Dias, Director of Parks and Urban Forestry in the City of Morden, on the topic of public engagement.
Morden has experienced both severe droughts and significant flooding in recent years, making climate adaptation a priority. The plan will align with existing municipal strategies, including emergency preparedness and watershed management.
Public engagement and implementation
A key component of the initiative will be community engagement. The plan will not only assess risks but also provide implementation tools to strengthen community resilience. "For example, in flood-prone areas, the city may implement projects to reduce flood impact," Dias explains. "It could also include measures like stormwater retention projects or improving access to cooling centers during heat waves."
Dias acknowledges that discussions about climate change can sometimes be polarizing but emphasizes that this initiative is about practical solutions for the community.
"This isn’t about whether people believe in climate change," he says. "It’s about improving quality of life and ensuring we have plans in place to deal with extreme weather events. It’s about making Morden a more resilient and desirable place to live."
While the current focus is adaptation rather than reducing greenhouse gas emissions, Dias notes that discussions around energy efficiency and sustainability could emerge in future planning.
Looking ahead
A Climate Action Working Group has been formed to oversee the development and implementation of the plan. Members include city officials, community representatives, and environmental advocates.
"This isn’t about whether people believe in climate change, it’s about improving quality of life and ensuring we have plans in place to deal with extreme weather events. It’s about making Morden a more resilient and desirable place to live." - Shawn Dias, Director of Parks and Urban Forestry in the City of Morden
"We have a great balance of perspectives guiding this process," says Dias. "Our goal is to ensure this plan is practical, actionable, and beneficial for all residents."
With planning now underway, Morden is positioning itself to better manage environmental challenges while securing funding for future resilience projects. The city aims to finalize and implement the adaptation plan in the coming months, ensuring that Morden is prepared for whatever climate-related challenges lie ahead.
With files from Robyn Wiebe