Part 1: Climate Planning, Heat Preparedness, and Wetland Protection Discussions — 06/02/2026

The County’s Environmental Advisory Committee met on June 2, 2026 under the chairmanship of Councillor Kate MacNaughton, with much of the discussion focused on how climate considerations can become a more formal part of municipal decision-making.

The meeting featured updates on a proposed Climate Impact Lens, discussions about extreme heat preparedness, potential energy retrofit funding opportunities, and ongoing concerns around wetland protection and site alteration policies.

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A New Climate Impact Lens Takes Shape

The largest discussion of the meeting centered on a proposed Climate Impact Lens Template, presented by municipal staff member Albert Jing.

The tool is intended to help staff consider climate impacts when preparing reports, projects, and recommendations for Council. Rather than introducing a fully developed framework immediately, Jing explained that staff are proposing a phased approach.

The first phase would introduce a basic screening process asking whether a project has climate impacts. Future phases would align the tool with the County’s forthcoming Climate Action Plan, integrate climate considerations into project planning, and eventually support monitoring and reporting on climate-related actions.

The proposed framework would allow staff to identify whether a project relates to: climate adaptation, climate mitigation, direct greenhouse gas impacts, and no significant climate impact.

Jing emphasized that the goal is to begin incorporating climate thinking into municipal processes now rather than waiting until the Climate Action Plan is completed.

Committee members generally welcomed the approach, viewing it as a practical way to ensure future climate planning becomes part of everyday municipal operations rather than remaining a stand-alone document. Discussion also touched on how future versions of the tool could address issues such as climate equity, budgeting, and long-term implementation.

The committee ultimately supported receiving the presentation and moving the initiative forward.

Heat Preparedness and Cooling Access Come Into Focus

Another significant conversation focused on extreme heat preparedness and how municipalities can better protect vulnerable residents during increasingly hot summers.

MacNaughton introduced the topic by referencing discussions around heat management policies, including approaches used in other municipalities such as Kingston. The discussion explored both emergency response measures and longer-term solutions.

Several members highlighted concerns about residents living in rental housing without access to adequate cooling. The conversation examined the challenges municipalities face when trying to require air conditioning in rental buildings, particularly because installation costs can potentially be passed on to tenants under provincial legislation.

Madison Schuler, representing Southeast Public Health, explained that many municipalities are currently grappling with the issue and noted that public health agencies can assist communities in developing formal heat response plans. Such plans can establish triggers for opening cooling centres, issuing public notices, and activating other emergency measures during heat events.

The committee also discussed potential longer-term solutions, including the possibility of exploring financing programs that could help landlords install heat pumps or other cooling technologies.

Rather than advancing a formal recommendation immediately, members agreed to continue examining the issue and explore opportunities for collaboration with Southeast Public Health.

Exploring Energy Retrofit Funding Opportunities

Committee members also received an update regarding recent discussions with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Green Municipal Fund.

The conversation focused on funding opportunities for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Members learned that larger countywide concepts may be difficult to pursue under current funding rules and that future applications may need to focus on smaller clusters of municipal facilities.

Examples discussed included municipal works garages, arenas, and nearby facilities that could potentially share renewable energy infrastructure.

The committee heard that funding programs generally require projects to benefit multiple buildings and demonstrate clear financial and operational benefits. Members indicated they will continue identifying possible sites that could fit those requirements.

Wetland Protection Remains an Ongoing Concern

Community member Kathy Coltis led a discussion about wetland protection and the potential role of a future site alteration bylaw.

Coltis raised questions about why the County has not yet adopted such a bylaw and whether additional tools may be needed to protect wetlands and sensitive environmental features. She noted that many of the region’s wetlands include a mix of Crown land and private property, creating unique challenges for long-term protection.

Committee members discussed previous conversations around site alteration bylaws and noted that enforcement concerns have historically been one of the major challenges. Discussion also touched on existing setback requirements and the roles played by Quinte Conservation and municipal planning regulations.

Rather than reaching a conclusion, the committee agreed the topic warrants further review and expressed interest in receiving additional information from municipal planning staff at a future meeting.

Looking Ahead

As the committee approaches the end of its current meeting schedule, much of the discussion reflected a broader theme: moving from planning toward implementation.

Whether discussing climate reporting tools, heat preparedness measures, energy retrofit opportunities, or wetland protection, members repeatedly returned to the question of how environmental goals can be translated into practical municipal actions.

Many of those conversations are expected to continue when the committee reconvenes in July.

Key Takeaways

1. Climate considerations may soon become part of routine municipal decision-making through a new Climate Impact Lens that staff are beginning to implement.

   
   

2. Extreme heat preparedness is becoming a growing priority, with discussions underway about cooling access, emergency response measures, and support for vulnerable residents.

   
   

3. Wetland protection and site alteration policies remain active topics, with committee members seeking more information about possible future tools to protect environmentally sensitive areas.

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Disclaimer: This article is based on a meeting with an approximate duration of 1:36:17. Due to the length of the meeting, our team was not able to independently review the full recording in its entirety. As a result, we relied on software-generated transcription, automated summarization, and automated recognition of speakers and participants, which may not be entirely accurate. All transcriptions, summaries, and related content are prepared by our team in good faith and on a reasonable best-efforts basis. The content is provided for general informational purposes only and is intended to support public understanding of the topics discussed. While reasonable efforts have been made to present the information accurately, automated processes may result in errors, omissions, or unintended misinterpretations. This article does not constitute an official, certified, or verbatim record of the meeting, and it should not be relied upon as such. Readers are encouraged to consult original source materials, official minutes, or recordings where available for confirmation or clarification. Questions, requests for clarification, or suggested corrections may be submitted to hello@pecconnect.ca for review and consideration.