Climate Change in Muskoka: A Workshop on Extreme Weather and Waterfront Property
In partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) Parry Sound District Office, OCCIAR was pleased to present this special one-day workshop. Climate Change in Muskoka: A Workshop on Extreme Weather and Waterfront Property focused on the unique issues that face the Muskoka region in central Ontario. The event was specifically geared towards representatives from each of the 20 cottage associations for lakes with water control structures managed under the Muskoka River Water Management Plan. The workshop took participants through the science of climate change, understanding the impacts of climate change on the ecology and natural amenities of the lakes and rivers we enjoy, and considerations for a more resilient waterfront. The overall goal of the workshop was to increase participants’ knowledge of climate change science, impacts and adaptations and to provide them with information and tools to help increase shoreline resilience to extreme weather events. Specifically, the workshop was designed to increase knowledge on:
- The science of climate change, and what future climate models are projecting for temperature and precipitation in the area;
- The impacts that climate change will bring to the Muskoka region, including the increasing frequency of extreme rain events (resulting in high water levels/floods), drought (resulting in low water levels), wind, etc.;
- The effect that these impacts will have on the aquatic ecosystems;
- How water is managed in the Muskoka watershed; and
- Information available to help incorporate resiliency into shoreline property, where possible.
Attendee Handout
Climate Change in Muskoka: A Workshop on Extreme Weather and Waterfront Property – Attendee Handout
Workshop Summary Report
Presentations:
Planning for the changing climate in Muskoka watersheds – Heather Auld (Principal Climate Scientist, Risk Sciences International)
Extreme Weather and Emergency Preparedness - Geoff Coulson (Warning Preparedness Meteorologist, Environment and Climate Change Canada)
Flood Risk Mitigation – Properties & Property – Dan Sandink (Director of Research, Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction)
The Muskoka River Watershed, the Muskoka River Water Management Plan and MNRF Water Management - Mara Kerry (a/Resource Management Supervisor, Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry) and Amanda Vincent (a/Partnership Specialist, Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry)
Effects of Climate Change on Ontario's Aquatic Ecosystems - Cindy Chu (Research Scientist, Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry)
Improving Resilience for your Shoreline Property - Rebecca Willison (Watershed Planning Technician, Muskoka Watershed Council)
Climate Change in Cottage Country – Terry Rees (Executive Director, Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations)