The Town of East Gwillimbury has adopted a new environmental strategy to support and protect its natural environment while building a more diverse, resilient and sustainable town.
The Thinking Green strategy was a collaborative and community-driven initiative that began with the thoughts, ideas and visions of residents, according to a town news release.
Feedback, concerns and suggestions received about the environment were incorporated, with input from town council and staff, the environmental advisory committee, local authorities, and the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation, to develop 45 actions to support the municipality’s commitment to fostering a healthier community.
The strategy is made up of five thematic areas, all of which address climate change. Four areas reflect a holistic view of the environment, and the fifth area, empowerment, reflects community action as the key element that enables, interacts and impacts all the other themes.
To ensure climate change gets focus and analysis, mitigation to climate change will be planned in the corporate and community energy plan, and adaptation in the climate adaptation plan, the town stated.
The strategy’s thematic areas are:
- Water: Initiatives that impact water quality and conservation.
- Land: Forests, gardens, parks, land use, planning, buildings, and practices such as waste production and diversion, and recycling.
- Biodiversity: Living organisms, plants, and animals that are part of the natural landscape, and the protection of wildlife.
- Air: Air quality, greenhouse emissions, air pollutants, and active transportation.
- Empowerment: Embrace and support internal and external education, events, and action for all thematic areas.
“Protecting the environment is everyone’s responsibility,” says Mayor Virginia Hackson. “The approval of the Thinking Green environmental strategy is our commitment that we will do the work to ensure East Gwillimbury is environmentally responsible and resilient for future generations.”
Residents will continue to be engaged through community events, campaigns and information shared on town communications channels.
To view the strategy, upcoming events and tips, visit www.eastgwillimbury.ca/environment.
