Community Engagement on the Draft Climate Mitigation Plan

What is climate change? 

Climate change refers to long-term changes in global and regional climate patterns that result from the burning of fossil fuels (i.e.: gasoline, coal, oil) which release greenhouse gases (i.e.: carbon dioxide, methane), also known as GHGs, into the atmosphere.  Greenhouse gases trap heat from the sun and cause Earth’s temperatures to rise.  

Climate Action in the City of Owen Sound

The City of Owen Sound is committed to taking actions to address climate change across municipal operations and throughout the community.  To tackle climate change in our area, the City is developing a Climate Action Strategy that will guide the City in mitigating and adapting to the impacts of a changing climate.  The Strategy is comprised of two parts: the new Climate Mitigation Plan, referred to as Chapter 1 of the Strategy, and the existing Corporate Climate Change Adaptation Plan, referred to as Chapter 2. View the Draft Climate Mitigation Plan. 

This survey serves as an opportunity for community members to provide feedback on the City’s draft Climate Mitigation Plan.  The Climate Mitigation Plan includes a baseline greenhouse gas emissions inventory, emissions reduction targets, and several actions for the City to take to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.  

The City's community targets are aligned with those outlined in Grey County's Climate Change Action Plan.  This will enable the City to fully support the climate work being led by Grey County to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in our area.  The City has opted to set alternate corporate targets, which account for the City's fiscal constraints and will allow for emissions reduction actions to be captured into longer-term capital infrastructure budgeting.  These targets are ambitious but realistic, and will enable the City to meet the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act's goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.  The City's emissions reduction targets can be seen below:

The questions in this survey pertain specifically to the corporate actions laid out in the Climate Mitigation Plan.   As a member municipality of Grey County, Owen Sound is committed to supporting the community actions laid out in the County’s Climate Change Action Plan.   Implementation of the community actions will be led by Grey County and the City will continue to work closely with the County to determine our role as supporting partners in each action.

Facilitating community engagement – through this survey and through several other measures – is an important step in the development of Owen Sound’s Climate Mitigation Plan.  In taking action to address climate change, the City is creating a more prosperous, sustainable, and healthier future for residents by working to achieve climate solutions that are equitable, inclusive, and attainable.  Your participation is greatly appreciated.

The survey is open until May 28