Science is proving that climate change is affecting the frequency, duration, and intensity of many climate-related hazards and disasters occurring around the world, including Ottawa. In Canada, 2023 was the warmest summer in 76 years, dating back to the start of national record-keeping in 1948. Canadians in cities, including Ottawa, suffered with some of the worst air quality on Earth. Ottawa experienced five tornadoes, including an EF1 storm on July 13, that struck Barrhaven. In April, Ottawa had nine hours of continuous freezing rain. Many were still without power after two days. There were numerous vehicle accidents; sidewalks were coated with treacherous ice and Ottawa’s light-rail transit went down leaving dozens of commuters waiting hours to be evacuated. These events, at times, overwhelmed the city’s emergency services. The city is now requesting their communities act in a larger support role to such events. Blackburn Hamlet has been chosen as one of the first communities for this new concept.

On the evening of February 26, at the Community Hall, the BCA will be holding a community event to highlight the Blackburn Hamlet’s Emergency Preparedness Plan (EPP). This event is a joint effort between the City of Ottawa’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and the BCA and will include representation from community stakeholders, such as police, fire, medical, and businesses.

A more detailed review of the night will be provided in the upcoming Banar. Queries should be directed to Don Kelly at safety@blackburnhamlet.ca.