Tay Township joins federal program committing to act on climate change
Tay, Ontario: Tay Township joins a network of over 300 Canadian municipal governments that have made public commitments to reducing greenhouse gases (GHG) and act on climate change. Municipalities have a key role to play in both mitigating and adapting to climate change. Local governments influence up to half of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions through land use management and planning. The PCP program empowers municipalities to integrate climate change issues into their decisions and to identify strategic opportunities to reduce emissions, improve quality of life and grow local economies.
Working collaboratively with Sustainable Severn Sound (SSS), the Township’s recent PCP membership supports the development of a Local Climate Change Action Plan. Other municipalities in the area that have joined the program include the Town of Penetanguishene and the Townships of Tiny, Severn and Georgian Bay.
The Township has a strong reputation for promoting environmental programs and initiatives. Tay’s annual ‘Bike Day’ occurring on June 16, 2018 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., encourages active transportation within the community while reducing GHG emissions and contributing to cleaner air and a healthier environment.
Based on a five-milestone framework, the PCP program guides members in creating GHG inventories, setting realistic and achievable GHG reduction targets, developing local action plans, and implementing plans using specific, measurable actions to reduce emissions. Jenny Gerbasi, FCM president, says “local action in communities across Canada is driving change on a national scale. Together, we’re making real progress toward Canada’s climate and sustainability goals.” SSS has already begun work on milestones one, two and three with a regional local climate change action plan being released this summer, and subsequent municipal action plans to follow.
To recognize the ongoing efforts of its partner municipalities, Sustainable Severn Sound invites everyone to attend a free Local Climate Change Action Plan kick-off BBQ on June 21 at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, located at 16164 Highway 12 East. Rain or shine, doors will open at 5:00 p.m. with remarks beginning at 6:00 p.m. To reduce our carbon footprint, SSS will source local food and offer both non-vegetarian & vegetarian options. Cold refreshments will be served, and for those that are 19+, Sainte-Marie among the Hurons offers a wide variety of beverages in their licenced restaurant. If you are interested in attending, please register. Hope to see you there!
About Sustainable Severn Sound
Sustainable Severn Sound (SSS) champions the integration of sustainability principles within its partner municipalities and their communities through information sharing, education and events to enhance sustainability awareness and increase the adoption of sustainable practices. SSS is supported by seven of the municipalities in the Severn Sound area (Towns of Midland and Penetanguishene, Townships of Georgian Bay, Severn, Oro-Medonte, Tiny and Tay). This project also receives in-kind support from the North Simcoe Community Futures Development Corporation (NSCFDC), the Severn Sound Environmental Association (SSEA), the Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU), and is proudly supported in part by the County of Simcoe.
About OTF
An agency of the Government of Ontario, the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is one of Canada’s largest granting foundations. With a budget of over $136 million, OTF awards grants to some 1,000 projects every year to build healthy and vibrant Ontario communities.
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Contact
Victoria Ervick
Sustainable Severn Sound
Phone: 705-526-1371 x111
Email: victoria@sustainablesevernsound.ca