Wheatley, Thamesville, and parts of Wallaceburg will share a $385,000 grant to help mitigate the risk of climate change.
The Sustainable Neighbourhood Action Program (SNAP) is an initiative funded by Ontario's Ministry of the Environment, Conservation, and Parks (MECP) that looks to make existing, urban neighbourhoods greener, healthier, and more prepared for climate change.
"The Chatham-Kent SNAP project aligns with the themes of the Canada-Ontario Agreement on Great Lakes Water Quality and Ecosystem Health," said provincial Environment Minister Todd McCarthy. "These include protecting water quality, protecting habitats, enhancing regional resiliency to climate change, and engaging communities."
Gabriel Clarke, Chatham-Kent's Manager of Growth and Sustainability, explained that there was a rigorous evaluation process to choose the communities that would take part in the SNAP project.
"This included analyzing existing storm water infrastructure and planned infrastructure investments, tree canopy and urban heat island data, flood prone areas, and access to resources information," Clarke said. "Our analysis included every primary and secondary Urban Centre in Chatham-Kent."
The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) is partnering with the municipality to make the project happen.
Residents will be asked to collaborate with municipal staff to decide what kind of projects will work best for their communities and the LTVCA will step in to make those plans happen.
Projects can include planting native trees, plants, and flowers, installing rain gardens, naturalizing parks, yards, and school yards, composting programs, or disconnecting downspouts from the sewer system.
Conversations about each community's plans will happen in the coming months, with implementation expected next year.
"This two-year process will give the municipality enough time to get to know the residents and the project areas, to develop customized plans for each community, and to work with interested residents to take action in 2026," said Alyssa Broeders, LTVCA Urban Stewardship Technician.