By Johanne Vallée, Member of the DCA Board

Last May, the Québec government adopted a law providing for the involvement of
municipalities in the identification of climate risks and mitigation measures.
In Wentworth, members of our community got involved with the municipality to
conduct this exercise.

A first working group has identified the risks. A second has
taken over and is working on mitigation measures for each of the risks. This work
will be completed in the spring.

The MRC Argenteuil is also involved. This work has allowed us to learn that the Argenteuil MRC will be the first to suffer from climate change because it is the southernmost RCM among the RCMs that cover the Laurentians. This will result in thunderstorms, strong winds, heavy rains, wildfires, floods, and more.

Reducing and mitigating risks
Fortunately, there are measures to mitigate the consequences of these weather events that rely on a community that is mobilized and committed to reducing the risks arising from climate change. Thus, in parallel with the work that continues in
the municipalities, “civil security” committees are being set up for each of our 4 lakes to create mutual aid networks. Lois Finch is the pioneer of this movement, creating the first civil security collaborative network involving all residents of Black Lake. Boyd Lake is following this great initiative and soon Clear and Curran lakes will also have their own network.

Encouraging mutual aid
The objective of these networks is to ensure mutual aid between the inhabitants
of each of the lakes and to break the isolation of vulnerable people. Let’s
remember the late spring of 2016 when a derecho uprooted trees that blocked
roads, caused breakdowns and destroyed homes. We felt all kinds of anxieties.
Does my phone work if I need to call for help? Can I leave my house? Who has electricity
to charge my cell phone battery, to get water? Who has a generator? Who can
help me clear a tree that is preventing me from leaving? In short, these civil
security committees will anticipate potential problems and try to implement
solutions with the help of residents.

The Dunany Board of Directors discussed this initiative, as well as the work being
done by the MRC and the municipalities. The Board supports it and sees it as a
great way to raise awareness and mobilize the community to reduce the risks
and unfortunate consequences of climate change.

So don’t be surprised if neighbours at your lake contact you to discuss these
solutions and see how you can help.