On September 11, 2019, Halton Regional Council unanimously approved a notice of motion to join municipalities across Canada in declaring a climate emergency. The motion deepens Halton’s commitment to protecting and improving the resilience of the economy, environment and community.
“This declaration highlights the urgency of our ongoing efforts to address climate change and identifies even more opportunities for action,” said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr. “By working with other levels of government, the conservation authorities, community partners and residents, we can continue to ensure that we are prepared to respond to the climate emergency.”
As part of this resolution, staff will submit a report to Regional Council in the spring of 2020 that includes:
- proposed short- and long-term climate change goals for the organization;
- an outline of how Halton will work towards achieving the remaining four milestones of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Partners for Climate Protection program;
- an outline of opportunities to manage growth and development to address climate considerations through an update to the Regional Official Plan;
- the development of corporate sustainability and climate change policies for Regional infrastructure and operations;
- the identification of related performance metrics, timelines for achieving major milestones and a strategy to report on progress; and
- partnering with the Local Municipalities and community organizations working to engage residents and inform community action on climate change.
The Local Councils for the City of Burlington, Town of Halton Hills, Town of Milton and Town of Oakville declared climate emergencies earlier this year.
Halton Region’s 2019–2022 Strategic Business Plan identified Environmental Sustainability and Climate Change as one of its five themes. The objectives in this area of focus detail specific actions the Region will take over the next four years to improve infrastructure resilience, protect the natural environment and reduce Halton’s carbon footprint. To learn more, please visit halton.ca.