Adapting to climate change

Society must simultaneously adapt to existing and impending climate change impacts since Québec cannot avoid them. Intervention must hinge on science, which helps us to better understand the transformations that are occurring and to elaborate concrete solutions to the challenges that lie ahead.

In Québec, it is essential to protect the public and infrastructure from floods, which particularly affect many regions in southern Québec. Northern Québec is more concerned by the thawing of permafrost. Buildings and roads there must thus be built, maintained, or adapted according to the threats that the degradation of the permafrost pose.

The protection of the coasts and the Estuary and the Gulf of St. Lawrence is indispensable to avoid erosion-related damage that affects people and infrastructure. The creation of cool areas to counteract heat waves  and the development of green infrastructure to ensure better management of rainwater are also essential.

The adaptation of ways of life and ways of doing business to this new reality will protect society and maintain the quality of life.

This is why the OASIS  program funds municipal and indigenous community adaptation action. In order to protect residents from heat waves and floods, the OASIS program funds green infrastructure, such as green roofs and walls, retention basins and gardens for managing rainwater, as well as other specialized facilities.

Several projects are contributing to making Québec more resilient to ongoing climate change. Below are examples of government-funded initiatives.

Removing asphalt from green living environments

The Sous les pavés project  of the Centre d’écologie urbaine de Montréal seeks to transform asphalted living environments into green, sustainable spaces with the participation of local communities. Since its inception, the project has facilitated the removal of nearly 3000 m² of asphalt by mobilizing of more than 1,300 volunteers. In excess of 300 trees have been planted and nearly 3,500 plants, sown. The plants mitigate the impact of heat and improve rainwater management by facilitating the flow of more than 2,120 m³ of rainwater and diverting up to 540 kg of pollutants from watercourses annually. The project promotes civic engagement, which contributes to strengthening community solidarity in dealing with the impact of climate change.

Redeveloping Main Street in Saint-Charles-Borromée

To promote the well-being of its residents, Saint-Charles-Borromée will redevelop Rue de la Visitation , its main street. Green spaces will be built to counteract the impact on the public of heat islands and facilitate rainwater management. Infrastructure will also be reviewed to facilitate active mobility.

Planning for greening to reduce the impact of heat

Thurso, like many other cities in Québec, is characterized by a large number of heat islands. Located mainly near the residential sector of the town, they create  health risks for the local population. The city is therefore conducting a study in order to identify adaptation solutions that will reduce the mineralization of its downtown area. This could lead to planting approximately 400 trees and removing nearly 7,500 m² of mineral surface.

Adapting farms for the future

The Agriclimat project  seeks to analyze climate change impacts on agro-outputs throughout Québec. It will also facilitate the implementation of adaptation measures to enable agricultural producers to pursue their essential work despite climate challenges.

Sainte-Flavie, in the Lower St. Lawrence region, has been forced to demolish or relocate a number of homes built along the coast in order to protect residents. Faced with rising water levels and the increased risk of flooding caused by climate change, beach replenishment is being carried out to protect the town centre.

Protecting coastal environments

Sainte-Flavie, in the Lower St. Lawrence region, has been forced to demolish or relocate a number of homes built along the coast in order to protect residents. Faced with rising water levels and the increased risk of flooding caused by climate change, beach replenishment is being carried out to protect the town centre.

Bolstering adaptation to permafrost thaw

Permafrost is soil that remains frozen for at least two consecutive years. In Québec, permafrost is found in Nunavik  north of the 55^th parallel. Climate change affects the permafrost by melting the ice that it contains, which can damage houses, roads and infrastructure built on the permafrost. The Chaire de recherche en partenariat sur le pergélisol au Nunavik at Université Laval is developing knowledge to facilitate the construction of facilities that are resilient and sustainable against a backdrop of climate change.