Oakville continues to lead in climate action and plan for a greener future

The Town of Oakville is continuing its commitment to be a leader in climate action through its work to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, protect the community and town assets against extreme weather events, and plan for a greener future. 

Town staff presented the 2024 Climate Emergency Declaration Progress Report to Council on October 21, 2024, detailing some of the climate action initiatives completed so far this year and targeted for completion by the end of 2024. Council also received two related reports. The 2024 Community Energy Strategy Implementation Update report relates to facilitating community partnerships to improve energy efficiency, reduce GHG emissions and enhance the local economy. The Energy and Emissions of Town Owned Buildings 5-Year Plan report relates to improving energy efficiency, the reduction and elimination of carbon dioxide emissions in new buildings and retrofits, and exploring cost-effective renewable energy. 

Staff have been directed to provide annual updates on the progress of climate actions the town is undertaking as part of the climate emergency declared by Council on June 24, 2019. In 2022, Council adopted a net zero carbon target by 2050 for all town facilities and services.

Key highlights of the 2024 Climate Emergency Declaration Progress Report include:

• Introducing electric buses into Oakville Transit's fleet.
• Achieving Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certification at the Oakville Trafalgar Community Centre.
• Completion of a district energy feasibility study for the Hospital District to look at innovative and environmentally sustainable ways of heating/cooling buildings.
• Improving town alignment with the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) framework by 15 per cent, demonstrating the town’s commitment to being transparent and accountable on climate-related issues.
• Simplifying zoning rules for rooftop solar panels and permit fees for green installations.
• Increased focus on community education, promotion and outreach related to the town’s climate action initiatives, including the ‘Choose Electric Yard Tools’ over gas-powered alternatives campaign, and the launch of the interactive Climate Action Initiatives Map and Climate Action House.
• Introducing electric ice resurfacers at town arenas and studies to identify low-carbon retrofit opportunities at community centres.

View a copy of the 2024 Climate Emergency Declaration Progress Report on the Climate Action Plans and Reports page.

Quote

“Responding to the climate crisis is a shared priority of Council, town staff and our residents. Council and I are excited about what has been accomplished to date, and for the initiatives underway and planned for Oakville.”

– Mayor Rob Burton