The Town of Georgina has released its first Climate Action Plan. It outlines the top climate risks for the corporation and broader community, and the priority actions to take in the next five years. These actions will help Georgina adapt to current and future risks of climate change, protect Lake Simcoe, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“The completion of the Climate Action Plan marks an important achievement for the Town of Georgina,” said Mayor Margaret Quirk. “Climate change is not a distant threat – its impacts are already being felt right here in our own backyard, from extreme weather events and hotter summers to milder winters and heavier rainfalls. As Lake Simcoe is at the centre of our community identity and well-being, it’s essential that we continue to steward it for future generations.”
Hundreds of residents, staff and community partners contributed to the development of the Climate Action Plan so that it reflects the realities and priorities in Georgina.
Key findings:
- Top climate hazards: Extreme heat (days over 30 degrees Celsius), Lake Simcoe nutrient loading (mainly salt and phosphorus), warmer and rainier winters, and extreme one-day storms will be the top climate hazards in Georgina by 2050. They are expected to impact certain people and parts of the community, such as vulnerable populations, agriculture, wetlands, and summer recreation and tourism.
- Greenhouse gas emissions: Most corporate greenhouse gas emissions come from buildings such as community centres and the majority of community-wide greenhouse gas emissions come from transportation such as commuting.
- Priority actions: The Town identified approximately 40 new or enhanced actions to address these priority objectives, such as increasing shade at beaches and parks, ensuring tree species planted are climate resilient, creating educational campaigns to promote responsible practices, performing energy efficiency assessments and retrofits on buildings with the greatest emissions, and advocating for electric vehicle readiness in the Ontario Building Code.
- Community spotlights: There is significant work already being done throughout the Town departments and by its community partners to tackle these priorities, such as through creating the Lake Simcoe Conservation Preserve, demonstrating leadership in youth education by ClearWater Futures Foundation, and more. This plan builds on the work already being done by the Town and community.
“As a long-time advocate for Lake Simcoe, this plan reaffirms and strengthens our commitment to protecting the lake and the health of our community,” said Ward 3 Councillor Dave Neeson, Chair of the Georgina Environmental Advisory Committee. “Our residents and community partners have shown incredible leadership – whether it’s advocating for phosphorus and salt reduction in the lake or protecting our vital green spaces – and I want to thank everyone who has contributed to this important work.”
The actions will be integrated into the Town’s annual budget and business planning process over the next five years. As the Town continues to change and evolve, so will the plan, and the Town encourages residents and community partners to reach out with ideas and ways to get involved.
Learn more at georgina.ca/ClimateAction.