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Saskatoon City Council approved the Climate Action Strategy Aug. 26.
It’s a 25-year framework that will guide Saskatoon as it prepares for climate change impacts.
The city says the strategy includes two complementary playbooks.
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The first focuses on reducing carbon pollution, while the second helps Saskatoon adapt to climate-related risks like flooding, wildfire smoke, extreme heat, and severe storms.
On the City of Saskatoon’s website, data shows how climate change is already affecting the Bridge City, with more extreme weather projected for every season.
For instance, it will start to see more extremely hot days in the spring, summer, and autumn. Historically, Saskatoon has seven days that reach above 30 C every year.
By 2050, that number will rise to 21 days and by 2080 it will be 45 days. Heat waves will happen more frequently and last longer.
Saskatoon is also expected to experience more severe, frequent storms and more freeze-thaw cycles in winter.
Rainfall is expected to become more common in fall, winter, and spring, increasing the likelihood of summer droughts.
Plus, unpredictable, heavier downpours will result in more flooding.
More days with poor air quality from wildfire smoke are also projected.
The risks of these changes include worse health outcomes from being outside when it’s too hot or cold, damage to and loss of Saskatoon’s trees, and widespread power outages.
This strategy is designed to act as a proactive measure.
“Guided by principles of equity, reconciliation, prosperity, and miyo-pimâtisiwin (the good life), the Strategy supports both corporate leadership and community action,” according to the release.
Director of Sustainability Jeanna South said responsible long-term planning includes preparing for climate change.
“The Climate Action Strategy helps the City identify opportunities to reduce risks, make informed investments and protect the infrastructure and services residents depend on every day,” she said.
Potential actions under this strategy include “integrating climate risk into City planning and infrastructure projects, expanding the urban forest, supporting food security initiatives, (and) improving energy efficiency,” according to the release.
Although council approved the strategy, that approval doesn’t greenlight or fund specific projects.
Instead, “individual initiatives will be considered separately through future decision-making, budgeting and public engagement processes,” the city wrote.
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