A university-based initiative, with support from the Public Health Agency of Canada, has developed a free map-based tool that provides an overview of environmental equity in more than 150 local governments in Canada. The HealthyPlan tool is a publicly-available resource that shows where vulnerable populations are experiencing below average environmental conditions.
Among other things, this tool allows users to identify heat islands, which are areas experiencing higher temperatures. These are typically neighbourhoods where infrastructure absorbs and re-emits the sun’s heat more than in areas with natural landscapes. While still in the early stages of development, the tool can be used by local governments to enhance targeted heat plans.
Earlier this year, the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund added a new funding stream for Extreme Heat Risk Mapping, Assessment, and Planning. The intent of this stream is to support eligible applicants in ensuring they have accurate knowledge of the risks associated with extreme heat and how these risks will change over time, and to develop effective response plans and strategies to prepare, mitigate and adapt to those risks. Please note, the application deadline for this stream has passed.