Name
Mapping the Path to Climate Resilience: The Whitby SNAP Pilot
Description
The Sustainable Neighbourhood Action Program (SNAP) is a community-driven initiative to help municipalities achieve climate resilience and environmental sustainability. Focused on stormwater management, energy conservation, water conservation, and natural heritage protection, SNAP brings together diverse stakeholders to tackle climate change. The Whitby SNAP Pilot, launched with the Town of Whitby and Durham Region, is a critical part of local climate action, aligning with climate change adaptation and mitigation plans. Leveraging GIS tools, we assess environmental factors such as mapping and analyzing natural assets. GIS helps identify high-value areas, assess ecosystem services, and support sustainable development decisions. We integrate socioeconomic data to create tailored plans for the West Lynde neighborhood, helping us better understand its needs and craft effective interventions. Historical maps from 1954, 1967, 1975, and 1991 are digitized to track land-use changes, providing valuable decision-making context. A key strength of GIS in the Whitby SNAP Pilot is its ability to visually communicate complex data. Through static maps, residents can understand environmental changes, visualize current conditions, and identify areas in need of intervention. These maps not only serve as analytical tools but also as visual resources that foster a stronger community connection to climate action. This poster will provide an overview of SNAP and demonstrate how GIS and maps are integral to both the analytical and communicative aspects of the Whitby SNAP Pilot. By showcasing how maps engage the community and facilitate informed decisions, this session will highlight the importance of geographic data in collective climate resilience efforts.
Location Name
Canal (CB) 2104
Session Type
Poster
Abstract ID
CCA129
Speaker Name
Yegane Vahidi
Speaker Organization
Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority