CLEARVIEW BEGINS WORK ON TACKLING CLIMATE CRISIS

TOWNSHIP TO CREATE CLIMATE ACTION TEAM, SURVEY COMMUNITY ON HOW TO BALANCE ENVIRONMENT AND ECONOMY

Clearview Township has taken the first step toward tackling climate change.

In a unanimous vote at its June 13 meeting, council approved a recommendation that recognizes "a climate crisis exists" and sets the municipality on a course to create a committee focused on the issue.

In May, council had previously approved a motion declaring a climate crisis, directing chief administrative officer John Ferguson to outline next steps on how the township could reduce carbon emissions and weave the issue of climate change into the municipality's strategic plan review.

Ferguson's recommendation, approved on June 13, also directs him to initiate a community engagement discussion with service clubs, business organizations and the township's community hall boards, and schedule a workshop with council and staff on community economic development.

Ferguson said the recommendation represents direction he has received from council under his performance review, as well as the climate change emergency motion that had been presented by Ward 2 Coun. Doug McKechnie.

"We have to do some work in the community to get people looking at our community from a similar lens and establish what they feel will be the gaps in that process, and the future needs," he said. "It's an extensive process. I'd like to discuss with the community first what the process would look like, (and) it will give council a chance to determine how they'd like to proceed."

In an email to Simcoe.com, McKechnie said he wanted to make sure local environmental groups are included in the process, and said Ferguson had assured him they will be.

"On the face of it, I'm in favour. I look forward to the workshop to get a better understanding before fully committing to it," he said. "I am hopeful that the workshop will be open to the public for comments on how it will affect our commitments to the environment and the climate crisis going forward."

"Ultimately, we're making sure we're using the environment in the way that it needs to be used and protected, but also understanding that we have an economy, and we have to be able to use aspects of our environment in a conscientious manner and still create local economic activity," Ferguson said. "We don't have a lot of control

Doug McKechnie photo over the global circumstances ... what can we do locally to make sure our community is strong from an economic perspective."

Suzanne Wesetvik, a local resident who had pressed the township to undertake action on climate change, saw the motion as a "great first step."

Wesetvik noted it would be ideal if the policy followed the original motion request and ensured the Climate Action Committee is "comprised of climateconscious citizens who can help provide valuable suggestions for action."

"If the township really focuses in on developing climate adaptation and mitigation strategies, with input from a well-read climate action committee, a well-directed township staff and well-informed citizens and businesses, the township can develop into a climate leader," she said. "There are many municipalities doing great work on this already, as Coun. McKechnie has noted, and Clearview can learn and benefit from their experiences.

"I hope to see the township involved with developing public awareness and promoting science-driven solutions."