Muskoka Lakes Township — Councillor — Ward A /Ward 1
1. What actions have you personally taken to support a greener, more sustainable climate?
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
3. A long-term problem requires a long-term solution. What is your 100-year plan? If elected, what would be your first action?
Thank you for the questions…in my role as Budget Chair these past 4 years at TML, it has become brutally obvious(and painful) to realize how little funds the Township is left with after sending major tax dollars up to the District and Education entities, a remaining balance of only 20% for localized municipal needs. This leaves little room to invest in new and sophisticated power systems in our vehicles and facilities to wean off fossil fuels. It is why TML must be supportive of District and Provincial initiatives to discover alternative and less environmentally harmful supply sources. I do believe we must think in the affirmative to always consider internal methods to do better..should be ingrained to our processes and thinking. (I commit to this)
Personally, I utilize vehicles with smaller engines and higher economy, not having made the quantum leap to electric as yet(vehicles too new to financially make sense to switch out). We compost all food products and are mindful of electricity usage and propane consumption. Mindful of building temperatures, thermostats are turned up/down to suit the conditions where windows are open for ventilation in lieu of air conditioning and sweaters/blankets are recommended in the cooler months.