Burnaby city councillors are urging staff to integrate climate change considerations into the city's 25-year growth plan, focusing on mitigating the risks of extreme weather events like flooding and wildfires.
Burnaby city councillors are urging staff to prioritize the impact of extreme weather events in the city's upcoming 25-year growth plan . During a January 14th council meeting, councillors affiliated with the Burnaby Citizens Association successfully proposed a motion directing staff to incorporate strategies for mitigating the risks posed by extreme weather events, such as flooding and wildfires, into the Official Community Plan (OCP).
The councillors emphasized the escalating risk of such events due to climate change and called for a proactive approach to safeguarding residents and property. They specifically requested staff to identify areas within Burnaby most susceptible to flooding in the next 25 years, potentially including the Central Valley and Big Bend, as well as areas at high risk of wildfire, such as the UniverCity development on Burnaby Mountain. The aim is to designate appropriate land uses within the OCP to minimize the potential impact of these hazards. Councilor Alison Gu, who spearheaded the motion, expressed hope that staff would outline specific strategies to manage these risks through land-use planning, promoting certain uses while limiting others. She underscored the importance of taking a proactive stance to prepare for the evolving weather patterns and climate challenges over the next 25 years. Councilor Sav Dhaliwal highlighted the significance of integrating this planning into the OCP, stating that it would become an integral part of the city's daily operations. He emphasized that the OCP serves as a guiding document for Burnaby's future, outlining not just land use but also the city's vision for livability and quality of life in 2050. The motion passed unanimously. Burnaby's OCP is currently in its final stages of development following two years of extensive public consultation and drafting. The final draft is anticipated to be released for a public engagement period in March, with its official adoption scheduled for September
Burnaby Climate Change Extreme Weather Official Community Plan Growth Plan
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