Climate Change and Extreme Weather

The Town of Whitby is committed to taking action on climate change and has developed a number of plans and programs to help ensure we reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by the year 2050 while also responding to multiple climate related threats to ensure Whitby can adapt to a changing climate and remain resilient.

Climate emergency declaration

Whitby Council has formally declared Climate Change an Emergency, and recognizes the immediate need to take action to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and ensure the community is resilient.

Climate change plans

The Town of Whitby has declared climate change an emergency. As a result, we've decided to create a Climate Change Plan, which will provide a framework to address both climate change mitigation and adaptation.

The Plan will outline how Whitby will work towards the Council-endorsed greenhouse gas reduction of 80% by the year 2050, as well as, ensure that the corporation and the community can remain resilient and continue to function in the face of future climate change events.

Durham climate change plans

The Region of Durham has a vision to address climate and the Town of Whitby is committed to assisting in this effort. The following strategic directions have been endorsed by Whitby council and are in place to direct the Towns actions on climate change:

Flooding

If the Town of Whitby is experiencing heavy rainfall, we may see increased flows and higher-than-normal water levels in our creeks and streams. Here's how you can plan ahead and stay safe in the event of a flood.

Planning ahead

The best time to prepare for an emergency is before it happens. Here are some things you can do to plan ahead for flooding:

Subscribe to receive flood forecasting messages from Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority (CLOCA) to receive emergency notifications
Follow the Town of Whitby on social media platforms for emergency updates
Determine if your home is in a flood zone by contacting CLOCA and understand your area's flood evacuation route options
Stock an emergency kit with a flashlight, batteries, bottled water, canned food, a weather radio and first aid supplies
Keep important contact information, such as the phone number to your utility companies, in an accessible place
Ensure you have at least an extra three days of prescribed medications on hand
Create a family communications plan for how you will reach loved ones during a flood
Contact your insurance company to determine if your homeowners' insurance policy includes flood insurance if you don't have a separate flood policy

If a flood is coming

If Town staff predict flooding, we will notify residents and businesses in the area through social media. Follow these steps to stay safe and protect your property:

If time allows, prepare your home by lining the base of your exterior walls with sandbags (the Town of Whitby does not supply sandbags)
Safely clear debris from roadside grates to help water enter the storm sewer
Clear eavestroughs and downspouts of leaves and other debris that prevent drainage
Ensure your utilities are in proper working order, including the plumbing check-valves and sump pump
Make sure electric circuit breakers or fuses are properly labeled and easily accessible
Pack a bag for each family member in case you need to evacuate
Charge all necessary electronic devices, including your cell phone, in case of a power outage or evacuation
If you are ordered to evacuate, promptly follow designated evacuation routes
Before evacuating, if time allows, disconnect appliances and utilities and lock your home
Keep the safety of pets in mind

During a flood

If a flood occurs and you're unable to evacuate, follow these safety recommendations:

Avoid floodwaters since they can contain dangerous hazards and unexpectedly fast currents that can carry you or your vehicle into a more dangerous situation
Don't enter any room of your home where flood waters are covering electrical outlets or electrical cords are submerged; if you see sparks or hear buzzing, the water could be electrically charged, and you should avoid it at all costs
Continually check for updates from the Town of Whitby and Central Lake Ontario Conservation
Obey "Road Closed" signs at all times
Watch for built-up water on roads that are meant to be overland flow routes

Corporate Energy Management Plan

The Town of Whitby is committed to reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions to support a healthy and sustainable community. Our Corporate Energy Management Plan is a five-year plan identifies the vision, goals, objectives and targets for energy reduction, including a number of technical actions to be implemented in the Town's facilities, fleet, waste and lighting operations.

This plan aligns with the Ontario Electricity Act.

Carbon disclosure reports

The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) is a not-for-profit charity that runs the global disclosure system for investors, companies, cities, states and regions to manage their environmental impacts. The annual evaluation report is used as a tool for gaining an overview of environmental performance and how the Town's response can be improved in the future. Reporting through CDP meets annual reporting requirements as a member of the Global Covenant of Mayors.