Integrating Climate Change Adaptation into the Town of Ajax Official Plan (2011)

The Town of Ajax, Ontario, has experienced several climate change impacts including more variable weather, extreme wind events and an increase of invasive species. To prevent damage related to such events, and to build adaptive capacity within the municipality, the Town has incorporated climate adaptation and mitigation strategies into their Official Plan.

This case study reviews the Official Plan in some detail to provide insight into the process of mainstreaming climate change in a municipality. The case study further discusses the primary challenges the Town experienced throughout the process and concludes with lessons learned that can assist other municipalities in building climate change adaptation into municipal plans and strategies.