Plan to cut emissions 80% by 2050 endorsed by Waterloo regional councillors

Waterloo region's committee of the whole has unanimously endorsed a climate change mitigation strategy that aims to reduce local greenhouse gas emissions by 80 per cent of 2010 levels by 2050.

The strategy, called Transform WR, recommends six "transformative changes" to get there. Theyrange from taking organic matter out of landfills to eliminating the use of fossil fuels for space heating and cooling.

"It feels like a historic moment," said Mary Jane Pattersonof the environmental non-profit group Reep Green solutions.

Reepand Sustainable Waterloo Regionco-ledthe development of the strategy.

Patterson noted it has now been endorsed by all eight area Ontario municipalities.

"I think it's really unique to have us all working together on a single strategy," she said.

The motion passed by committee Tuesdayalsodirected municipal staff to update existing plans,and develop new ones,to implement the strategy, and to work with "local partners" on implementing and monitoring progress on emissions goals.It said the region will advocate to higher levels of government for their support in hitting the emissiontargets.

"This community has exhibited continually for many years leadership, going back to when the blue box debuted in the city of Kitchener decades ago," said Mayor Berry Vrbanovic, who represents Kitcheneras regional councillor.

"I think it's incumbent on us to show the same leadership as we go into the next step forward."

Implementation will be subject to financial analysis and budgetary approval, which islanguage added after some councillors said they were concerned about giving the green light to a plan without knowing how much it would cost.

"We certainly need to do whatever we can to combat climate change, there's no doubt about that," said Coun. Sean Strickland.

"My concern is leadership at what cost,and leadership but not a blank cheque."

More bike rides, less waste

The six "transformative changes" outlined in the Transform WR strategy propose that by 2050:

• Most trips are taken using active transportation, with the support of a robust public transit system.
• Remaining personal and commercial vehicles are zero emissions vehicles.
• Businesses and homes no longer use fossil fuels for space heating and cooling, and water heating.
• Waterloo Region uses less, wastes lessand no longer disposes organic matter in landfills.
• Waterloo Region has a thriving local food system built on local farming and food processing that feeds much of our community.
• Waterloo Region has leveraged GHG reductions to increase equity, prosperity, and resiliency for all.

An interim goal of reducing emissions in the region by 50 per cent by 2030 was also set by council, following a motion from Coun. Elizabeth Clarke.

The plan still needs to be ratified by regional council.