Georgian Bay Township — Councillor — Ward 1, Acclaimed
1. What actions have you personally taken to support a greener, more sustainable climate?
Actions that I have taken personally include using a plug-in hybrid vehicle. This has greatly reduced our fossil fuel consumption. And while it hasn’t eliminated our fossil fuel use for driving between Toronto and Georgian Bay Township, it has reduced it significantly – especially for daily vehicle use. Our next step is to replace our vehicle in 2023 with a fully electric vehicle.
In addition, we have tried to eliminate single use plastics and have tried to work towards reusable containers and bottles as much as possible.
Currently, we are pursuing an efficiency audit in our home to fine ways to improve our efficiency and use of sustainable materials for future maintenance projects.
2. What opportunities for climate leadership at the municipal level (e.g. greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs)) would you champion in one or more of these areas: Buildings | Housing | Land use (sprawl) | Transportation | Other
At the municipal level, I believe there are opportunities to make projects a priority for greener transportation options for the region. This would include additional electric car charging stations, options for local public or shared transit options coordinated with regional train/bus routes.
There are also programs to consider to reduce waste at rural properties and to increase waste reduction through vermicomposting, charity bottle collections, and public awareness programs.
3. A long-term problem requires a long-term solution. What is your 100-year plan? If elected, what would be your first action?
My long term plan would see a fully green power grid (hydro, solar , wind, etc) enhanced with off-grid housing initiatives to support an electrified vehicle future through the region. This would be combined with sustainable housing growth and a natural environment that is more tolerant of the stress future climate changes will place on our trees and plants.
As my first action, I will be pursing how the Township can host additional car charging stations in town centres in MacTier and Honey Harbour. This will help raise visibility of green vehicle viability in the region and may also encourage Green Day trip/tourism to the area.