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12. Many Ontario municipalities have studied their 'carbon footprint' and created a plan to address climate change at the local level, but Owen Sound has lagged behind. What measures would you propose to reduce CO2 emissions and to adapt to climate change impacts? Would you vote for a study to identify practical options?

 

MAYOR

 

Ian Boddy
The policy review by the provincial government has created some uncertainty. We do not know what the legislation or our options will be. We need to know what programs and regulations will be implemented by the provincial government.

 

Ray Botten
I am not interested (at this time) in our CO2 emissions. It will be more advantages for us together if we start to tackle the most relevant need. ...and that is taking care of our needy NOW!!!

 

Nancy-Lee Rosamond

Yes I would, depending on the price of course. There are steps we could take without the cost of a study that comes up with recommendations that may never be implemented. First we should put into place mandatory CO2 emissions testing for vehicles. Cycling lanes could also help reduce our carbon footprint as well as benefit our local cycling shops. Cycling paths along our beautiful harbour could increase local tourism as well.

Owen Sound could incorporate Lucid energy into a water system.

http://lucidenergy.com/

 

 

DEPUTY MAYOR

 

Brian O'Leary
I know there are municipalities that have developed sustainability plans or strategies. We have very positive environmental policies in our strategic plan and our official plan, but I would definitely be open to how a sustainability plan for Owen Sound may go further to address climate change.

 

Paul Patille
Before we proceed with any suggestions on how to attack climate change, we need to determine
our carbon footprint first and how does it compare to comparable cities the size of Owen Sound.
Once we know how we fare against the national average, then I would vote to identify any practical options.

 

COUNCILLORS

 

Carol Merton
Council has the responsibility to ensure that the decisions made for programs, businesses and projects consider environmental impact, including the "carbon footprint". We can start by assessing the City's current footprint. Then we must move forward with clear goals to reduce the impact on the environment of City activities and policies. We owe this to our children, our grandchildren and the generations yet to come.

 

John Tamming
I have given this very little thought and have no ideas other than those which I suspect are trite (grassed roofs, encourage biking, etc). Happy to listen and learn.

 

Marion Koepke
Climate change is certainly not something that I am well versed in. I am not aware that Owen Sound has an extensive amount of CO2 emission happening from our industries presently. I would need to study this topic more to be able to intelligently comment further. If staff identified a severe need to study practical options and can validate their need for a study I would at that time, delve further into the topic, taking into consideration what the cost of a study would be.

 

Gail McCartney
This is not an area I know a lot about. I think I would support any initiative to get more information.

 

Travis Dodd
One of the most important factors to reducing our carbon footprint would be to increase the usage of our public transportation service as well as the construction of bicycle lanes throughout our corridors to make it safer for individuals to use alternate modes of transportation.
I believe we need to continue retrofitting our municipal facilities to be more energy efficient with LED conversions, promotion of green roofs and creating more pedestrian friendly areas that also promotes a safe and healthy lifestyle. I would also support a study that could identify further options to help reduce our carbon footprint.

 

Brock Hamley
Owen Sound is fortunate to be home to some incredibly diverse environmental features, including the waterfront, conservation areas and numerous parks. As a community, we have a responsibility to ensure that future generations have the ability to enjoy these spaces as much as we do, and I believe that we can be good environmental stewards without digging into people's pockets.

 

Steven Hencze
Get the auto testing here .. I have no idea why we do not need to do it ? the city should be utilizing more green energy programs ... roof top gardens ... testing on local factories .. awards for cutting back on CO2 ... more education to the population who does not believe or understand .. When I lived in Ancaster .. I got the farmers to watch videos at the local legion to help educate them oN C02

 

Richard Thomas
In many cases, lower tier municipalities have implemented carbon emission plans in conjunction with upper levels of government, which typically drive such projects. Some of the strategies employed include an anti-idling by-law, which Owen Sound already has.

Changes to public transit is another common tactic. In 2014, City Council signed an eight-year transit agreement, basically tying our hands in terms of any immediate changes. When the agreement is up, I would definitely consider including 'greener' options in the request for proposal that will be issued.

We have also approved several solar energy projects on unused municipal land—though, thanks to the Ford government, those programs are now in doubt. We have made significant strides in energy efficiency, including converting the lighting in our public facilities to LED lighting. As well, all of Owen Sound streetlights have been converted to energy saving LED's as the result of a program initiated in 2014. I would support a study to look at additional actions that can be taken to help us reduce our own impact on climate change.

 

Bill Twaddle

The city should always be open to ways to reduce the impact of climate change. Every municipal decision should include an evaluation of its environmental opportunities and should be implemented with the most overall beneficial impact. Continuing to develop safer bike lanes, walking trails and alternate transportation routes; opting for the most energy-efficient methods, materials and equipment in all projects, and encouraging the private sector (again through the CIP) should be priorities.

 

Riel Warrilow
Yes, I would be supportive of a study to identify practical solutions to mitigate climate change. We would benefit economically as well, the innovative companies that we are hoping to draw to Owen Sound value cities that are environmentally friendly and bold, it demonstrates that we're serious and long-term goal oriented.

 

Jacquie Furtner
I would like to see what other municipalities are doing and how successful they are with their changes and what solutions they have come up with. Depending on what we are capable of doing at a municipal level and what the cost of a study and implementation would be, I would support it.

 

Denae Moores
No. I would vote against a study to tell us what research has already provided us. Provincial and federal leadership will drive policy. For example, on a micro scale locally the implementation of more bike lanes will assist in the reduction of our City's footprint.

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