Better preparing communities in the Northeast for extreme heat

Vitalité Health Network’s Public Health is working with communities and various partners in the Northeast to better understand the risks associated with extreme heat and to strengthen the resilience of communities in Restigouche, Chaleur, and the Acadian Peninsula.

An important first step has been taken with the completion of a vulnerability assessment, which makes it possible to better identify the populations and sectors most at risk and to guide future interventions.

Community engagement sessions will now allow us to continue working toward developing a regional plan to adapt to extreme heat. The plan will outline concrete measures tailored to local conditions, including the creation of cooling areas, the greening of municipal lands, the development of community green spaces, and the adaptation of infrastructure.

The project involves, among others, municipalities, Indigenous communities, the New Brunswick Community College, and several specialized partners. This collaboration aims to better protect the most vulnerable populations and strengthen community resilience to the health impacts of climate change.