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Resilient Grey
Climate change is not a distant threat - it is here now. Warmer, wetter, and wilder weather is already affecting our infrastructure, economy, health, and natural environment. But together, we can make our community more resilient.
Grey County is developing a community-wide climate change adaptation plan. This plan will identify how climate change is impacting our region, which infrastructure and services will be most impacted, and prioritize actions to mitigate impacts and increase community resilience. Climate change mitigation aims to slow climate impacts by reducing greenhouse gas pollution, like "playing offense". Climate adaptation aims to adjust how we do things, so the impacts will be less disruptive to our everyday lives, like "playing defense".
Thank you to everyone who participated in our recent public engagement!
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How is Grey County's climate changing?
Residents across Grey County are already experiencing the impacts of a changing climate. Climate projections show significant local changes by the year 2080.
- Warmer temperatures: Average annual temperatures could rise from 6.7°C to 11.4°C. The number of very hot days (above 30°C) is expected to increase from 5 to 38 days per year.
- Milder winters: Very cold days (below -15°C) will decline significantly, from 22 days to 2 days per year.
- More rain and snow: Annual rainfall and snowfall are projected to increase from 998 mm to 1128 mm, with the biggest increases in winter.
- Heavier storms: More days with heavy rainfall (over 10 mm), increasing from 28 to 34 days per year.
- Longer growing season: The number of frost-free days is expected to increase from 164 days to 212 days.
- More drought risk: Longer periods without rain, increasing the risk of drought, soil erosion, and nutrient loss.
For more information about what Grey County's future climate will be like and how it will affect our community, take a look at the following infographics and reports:
Work Completed So Far
Since August 2024, Grey County staff have been working with a multi-stakeholder Climate Adaptation Working Group - with representation from municipalities, conservation authorities, agricultural organizations, social service organizations, and Indigenous groups to identify and prioritize key climate impacts.
How You Can Get Involved
We can’t do this alone. We need to hear from you to make sure this plan reflects what’s most important. Your input will help confirm key findings from our research so far and make sure the plan addresses the priorities that matter most to you. Check out the Climate Personas Infographic to learn about how extreme weather could impact different people in our community.
Our first opportunity to participate has now concluded. Grey County staff are now reviewing the public feedback and working on the draft plan.
Sign up for the County’s climate action newsletter to stay informed about this project and similar initiatives!
Additional Information
Grey County's Climate Adaptation Planning Process:
- Overview of the Climate Adaptation Planning Process
- Climate Adaptation Working Group Terms of Reference
- Council Report CAOR-CW-11-25 Climate Adaptation Plan Update
- Council Report
- Ontario Climate Change Impact Assessment
Grey County's Climate Projections & Impacts:
- Priority Impacts Infographic
- Climate Projections Summary Infographic
- Climate Projections Detailed Infographic
- Grey County Climate Science Report
Get Involved in the Process:
Grey County
Situated two hours north of Toronto, Grey County offers beauty you can’t get in the city.
- 595 9th Ave East Owen Sound, Ontario N4K 3E3
- (519) 376-2205 | 1-800-567-4739