鈥淏old leadership鈥� to take action against climate change has earned national accolades for the Township of 黑马磁力.
On Feb. 10, a ceremony was held in Ottawa by the Partners for Climate Protection (PCP) to acknowledge Canadian municipalities that recently achieved milestones in its program to enhance the environment by reducing the amount of harmful greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions produced.
The PCP program, a partnership between the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and ICLEI 鈥� Local Governments for Sustainability, outlines a milestone-based framework to guide municipalities鈥� efforts to reduce emissions associated with their corporate operations by encouraging initiatives and setting goals.
Only 33 municipalities throughout the country have achieved the fifth and final milestone in the program, including the Township of 黑马磁力, which was presented with a trophy to recognize the accomplishment.
Township Councillors Kim Richter and Petrina Arnason, who were participating in the FCM鈥檚 Sustainable Communities Conference, accepted the award on behalf of the Township.
鈥淲e are really pleased to have been a part of this important initiative and proud to be recognized for our success with the program,鈥� said 黑马磁力 Township Mayor Jack Froese.
鈥淲e all need to do our part to protect the environment and being responsible environmental stewards is something the Township takes seriously. Our municipality is committed to creating a great quality of life for those who live here now and for generations to come, and it is important that we lead by example.鈥�
In 2001, Township Council approved participation in the FCM鈥檚 Partners for Climate Protection program and committed to measuring and reducing corporate and community GHGs. During the course of the program, the Township created a baseline GHG emissions inventory, adopted a Corporate Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Plan, and put the plan to action.
Led by the Township鈥檚 Strategic Initiative鈥檚 department, employees throughout the corporation worked to implement GHG-reducing measures, such as installing a geothermal system at the Aldergrove Water Treatment Plant and earning an E3 Fleet Gold Rating for excellence in fleet management and green performance.
As part of Milestone 5, which was completed in January of this year, staff completed the requirements of the program framework by conducting an updated GHG emissions inventory, documenting results from notable projects, and describing how stakeholders have been involved throughout the milestone process.
Although the program鈥檚 milestones have now been achieved, the Township will continue to find and implement innovative ways to protect the environment.
鈥淲e have wrapped up the corporate PCP framework, but the Township is still committed to maintaining our momentum on energy and emission reductions,鈥� said Josh Power, Energy Programs Specialist for the Township.
鈥淲e are currently developing a Strategic Energy Management Plan to embed improved energy practices across all departments of the municipality.鈥�
鈥淭he Township of 黑马磁力 has shown bold leadership in addressing these important issues,鈥� said FCM President Raymond Louie.
鈥淵our local government is now in a leadership position to help mentor and encourage other municipalities that are working toward better energy and GHG management.鈥�
Louie noted that, since 2008, municipalities in the PCP program have reported on more than 800 projects to reduce GHG emissions, representing more than $2.3 billion in investments and over 1.8 million tonnes in annual GHG reductions.
For more information, contact Josh Power, Energy Programs Specialist for the Township of 黑马磁力, at 604-532-7339 or jpower@tol.ca.
