District of Sparwood residents gained new insight into the impacts of climate change and the actions underway to protect the community and promote safety at two Town Hall meetings that took place on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 7/8. More than 30 people participated and shared their input .

“It was wonderful to see our residents participating in this important discussion on how we will need to adapt to the changing weather conditions in this region,” says Lois Halko, Mayor of Sparwood. “We can’t ignore risks like interface fires, floods, water shortages and extreme weather. We need to act now to mitigate those risks, and residents can help by making changes on their own property.”

The Town Hall included presentations from climate science and geology expert Dr. Mel Reasoner and watershed and water management expert Dr. Hans Schreier.  Information stations were hosted by district staff and the Columbia Basin Trust, who shared information about district projects to address the impacts of climate change.

Participants at the sessions completed feedback forms to share their input on how the district and residents can work together to implement measures to help protect lives and property

Door prize draws were conducted by Dr. Reasoner and Dr. Schreier, with the prizes going to Sparwood residents Doug Peck and Bev Bellina.

“I love being in a room with people who are enlightened and that’s what I see here in Sparwood,” said Dr. Schreier in his presentation. “Your community is at the forefront of climate adaptation and I commend you for that.”

For more information on Sparwood’s climate adaptation planning, please see the Discussion Guide at www.sparwood.ca.

District of Sparwood

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