Caledon Passes Its Most Ambitious Community Climate Change Action Plan

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April 28, 2021 – Caledon Town Council passed the Resilient Caledon Community Climate Change Action Plan at last night’s Council meeting. This better prepares the Town for the local impacts of climate change and has a greenhouse gas reduction target that aligns with the global science community. The Plan aims to achieve a 36% reduction below 2016 greenhouse gas (GHG) emission levels by 2030, and net zero GHG emissions by 2050.

“I’m proud that we have passed this Plan, and especially during Earth Month,” said Mayor Allan Thompson. “Considering that Council had declared a climate emergency in January 2020, this means that the Town and community members together can collectively work towards a common goal of reducing GHG emissions.”

About the plan

The Resilient Caledon Plan contains over 60 actions and tasks that the Town will implement over the next 10 years, including but not limited to:

  • Agriculture and Natural Systems: Supporting local food and protection of agriculture and natural systems.
  • Smart Growth: All new development in Caledon will be designed to minimize emissions and be protected from climate impacts.
  • Sustainable Communities: Caledon residents will be educated on how to prepare for climate impacts and reduce their GHG emissions.
  • Low Carbon Transportation: Supporting the transition to electric vehicles and alternative modes of transportation for the Town and broader community.
  • Resilient Infrastructure and Energy: Transitioning to low-carbon energy sources, and core infrastructure (such as roads and bridges) to be developed to withstand major weather events.

Additionally, the Town will continue to reduce emissions from its own operations resulting in cleaner air, and energy cost savings.

What you can do

The success of this plan will be a combined effort from residents, schools, businesses, other agencies and levels of government. The most impactful actions that are recommended to reduce your personal emissions are:

  • When replacing your vehicle, consider a hybrid or electric option. Did you know you could receive up to $5000 off your purchase on behalf of the Government of Canada?
  • Make your home or business more energy efficient by improving insulation, installing a smart thermostat, replacing your air conditioning or furnace with an energy efficient option, a heat pump or renewable energy. Check with your utility provider if there are any energy incentives!
  • If you are a local non-profit or school, apply for a Green Fund project.
  • Eat local food and produce, and make effort to reduce food waste.
  • Plant native trees and gardens on your property. Learn more about the Town’s Tree Seedling Program.
  • Participate in Town and local community group events and stay informed on climate change.

Learn more about the Resilient Caledon Plan and additional steps you can take to help the Town achieve its environmental goals: caledon.ca/climatechange.

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Catherine McLean
Director, Customer Service and Communications
905.584.2272 x. 4146 | catherine.mclean@caledon.ca