Environment
Environmental responsability
Adaptation to climate change

Adaptation to climate change

In recent years, episodes of heavy rain and extreme heat have become increasingly frequent, causing damage to urban infrastructure and property in Saint-Lambert. Aware of this reality, the Ville de Saint-Lambert has decided to take action to better protect its residents and infrastructure.

To this end, we have commissioned a specialized firm to develop a climate change adaptation plan. This plan aims to better understand the areas most vulnerable to extreme heat and heavy rainfall, and then implement green developments adapted to our territory that will improve comfort, safety, and quality of life. These installations may take the form of sponge parks, tree planting, retention basins, rain gardens, etc.

Thanks to the OASIS program (part 1) of the Ministère de l'Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs (MELCCFP), we are receiving a grant covering 80% of the costs of this project, representing an investment of $250,000.

Oasis Program

This program helps municipalities protect themselves against the effects of climate change in urban areas, particularly heat waves and torrential rains, two increasingly frequent weather phenomena. These events can pose a risk to public health and be amplified by urban development. For example, asphalt parking lots contribute to the creation of heat islands in the summer and prevent rainwater infiltration, causing overflows, flooding, and damage to infrastructure.

The OASIS program therefore supports the implementation or improvement of green infrastructure, such as sponge parks, trees, and retention basins, to help counter these impacts.

A multi-part program

The development of an adaptation plan is part of component 1 of the program, which funds studies to understand the risks and identify appropriate solutions. Once this plan has been developed, we will then be able to submit a new grant application under part 2 to finance the concrete implementation of the proposed solutions. Part 3 supports the maintenance of this infrastructure, in particular through the development and adoption of a sustainability strategy.

This initiative is much more than just a study project: it is an investment in collective well-being and quality of life.

With heat waves becoming increasingly common during the summer, it is necessary to provide citizens with more cool spots. The proposed developments will also enable us to be better prepared for all types of precipitation and reduce the risk of flooding in our area.

By promoting a greener environment, this plan will help build a safer, more pleasant city that is better equipped to face the climate challenges of tomorrow.

Quelles sont les principales étapes du projet?

1) Climate risk analysis (fall 2025)

In fall 2025, the firm hired by the City conducted a detailed analysis of the risks associated with heat waves and heavy precipitation in the city.

2) Response planning (fall 2025 and winter 2026)

The analysis enabled the firm to identify priority areas for action and to plan development solutions that were incorporated into a structured climate change adaptation plan.

3) Public consultation (winter 2026)
Citizens will be invited to express their views on the actions planned in the priority areas.

The public consultation will take place on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 7 p.m., at the Multi-purpose Centre (81 Hooper Street).

Consultation schedule:
- Introduction, presentation of stakeholders, and definition of the Oasis program
- Presentation of the risk study
- Presentation of the targeted sites and potential resilient developments
- Workshops to evaluate the targeted sites and possible developments
- Feedback on the workshops and question and answer period
- Presentation of the next steps

4) Planning of work on the sites concerned (to be determined)

Following the consultation, City teams will develop plans and specifications for the implementation of the selected developments at the sites concerned and plan the work. At this stage, it will be possible to submit a new grant application under part 2 of the Oasis program to finance the implementation of the developments. The projects will be carried out according to established priorities, budgets, and available resources.

5) Development of a maintenance plan (to be determined)

The final step is to develop a maintenance plan for the new infrastructure. Again, the City may apply for a grant under part 3 of the Oasis program.

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