Town continues progress on fighting climate change

At the April 25, 2022, Council meeting, the Town of Oakville released two significant reports showcasing the progress being made to address Town Council’s 2019 Climate Emergency declaration.

While staff have reported annually on climate and sustainability, the pandemic and rapid changes in the global and local climate crisis prompted an in-depth review of the town’s efforts in 2021. The first report, Climate Action: Progress and Directions Report, provided a high-level overview of this assessment, along with recommendations for three initiatives to increase engagement and accountability in the town’s climate efforts. While staff continue to roll-out various climate action projects across the organization, staff will also focus on:

The second report, Progress Report on Reduction of Energy Use and Carbon Emissions, focused on efforts to tackle the town’s corporate energy use and carbon emissions. As of 2021, the town is on track to meet and exceed its 2030 interim targets (20 per cent reduction in energy use and 30 per cent reduction in carbon emissions) with reductions of 24.7 per cent and 29.3 per cent respectively over a 2014 baseline.

The town is ready to take on new challenges with its mitigation efforts. In response to recommendations made in the report, Council approved the adoption of a Net Zero Carbon target for 2050 for all corporate activities, in alignment with the federal Pan-Canadian Framework. All corporate reporting for carbon emissions and energy use will be adjusted to use a 2015 baseline which will set an even higher bar for reductions.

Highlights of 2021 climate action initiatives:

The staff reports can be found on the April 25 Council Agenda Addendum, items 7.12 and 9.5.

“Together, these two reports document the strides made by the town to address the climate emergency and set the course to build on this success, be accountable and ensure Oakville is positioned to respond effectively to future challenges and opportunities. But, we can’t do this alone. Residents, businesses and all levels of government need to do their part to fight climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.” 

Mayor Rob Burton