Mitigating Health Effects of Climate Change

Background:

The origins of this project started in West Toronto's Weston–Mount Dennis neighbourhood where the West Toronto Ontario Health Team's (WTOHT's) Partners for Better Care Council (PBCC) organized a community Open House event back in June 2023. The Open House connected community members to the WTOHT and other local services and service providers in West Toronto. During this event, attendees expressed concerns about the poor air quality caused by wildfires in eastern Canada, leading to uncertainty about safety and a reluctance to go out.

What is this initiative about?

With temperatures projected to continue rising and a growing threat of wildfires each summer, the WTOHT and its Partners for Better Care Council are working together with the community to address the health effects of urban climate change in our West Toronto. From preventing heat stroke and respiratory illness exacerbations to supporting the community in finding a place to cool down or get clean air, this work begins in the community.

What are we doing?

The first initiative, the Community Hackathon for Mitigating the Health Effects of Climate Change, was launched in October in partnership with Humber College. The Keeping Cool Club, a group of friends from Humber College, emerged as winners and our collaboration with the team aims to target neighborhoods most at risk due to climate change challenges. With a focus on young people, often overlooked in such initiatives, the project seeks to provide a safe space for them to express and understand their concerns about the climate crisis. Additionally, it aims to educate them on coping practices and improving their mental and physical health during extreme weather events caused by climate change.

Here's the plan:

This initiative will be piloted in the South Parkdale neighbourhood. With a substantial youth and young adult population, our presence will bridge community gaps and foster a connected, and enhanced local support system.