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Climate Action

What is Climate Change?

Climate change is the gradual global increase in temperature that impacts various elements of the climate differently depending on where you live. This change is caused by the increase in various gases, referred to as greenhouse gases (GHGs), being released into the atmosphere, primarily carbon dioxide from the burning of fossil fuels such as oil, gasoline, natural gas, coal, etc.

The impacts from climate change are happening in Woolwich. They include increased extreme rain events, increased hot days and hot nights and longer heat waves, poorer air quality, increased winter precipitation and shorter warmer winter seasons.

Collectively as a community, and as individuals, we need to focus on reducing our carbon emissions and move toward a carbon neutral future by 2050. This means reducing our emissions as much as possible, and putting in place means of absorbing carbon (such as trees) to offset those emissions.

To see the daily average reading for atmospheric Carbon on the planet click on the red Carbon Counter Button!

Check out yesterday's
Carbon Count

Video: First of 22,000 Trees to be Planted

Check out our Climate Action Events!

Climate Action Events

Striving to Net Zero- Talk to an Owner

Hear Grant's Story!

An outdoor/ environmental educator
Training by Al Gore
His steps to a low carbon, 1940's home
Latest science and solutions

Registration is recommended. Walk-ins are welcome.

Thursday October 12, 2023
7-8:30pm

Woolwich Memorial Centre (24 Snyder Avenue South, Elmira)

Woolwich Tree Giveaway

As part of the Woolwich Township Greening initiative, the Township and Trees for Woolwich are working to increase tree cover across the Township. To support this initiative, there will be two tree giveaway events this fall.

Wednesday October 18th from 4:30-6:30pm
Saturday October 21st from 8:00-11:00am

600 trees will be available each day, while supplies last

Pick up location: Woolwich Memorial Centre, 24 Snyder Avenue South Elmira
please enter the north parking lot off Park Street

For more information visit the Woolwich Healthy Communities website.

Home Energy Grants and Incentives

Join us to learn about Home Efficiency Rebate Plus program, and everything an Energy Evaluation can do for your home.

Thursday November 16th
7-8:30pm
Woolwich Memorial Centre (24 Snyder Avenue South, Elmira)

Climate Actions Taken by the Township

Supporting Greening Activities Towards a Healthy Environment

planting a tree

The Township of Woolwich Environmental Enhancement Committee (TWEEC) is a volunteer committee supported by
- Woolwich Township and Woolwich Healthy Communities
Trees for Woolwich

A volunteer sub-group of TWEEC. More than 70,000 trees have been planted in the Township since the group’s inception in 2011.

Incorporating Greening into Township Planning

The Elmira Green Infrastructure Report - Endorsed by Council in 2018 this 20-year plan to "green" Elmira addresses "Green Infrastructure" with a focus on increasing the canopy cover in Elmira (2018-2028)
2019 Design Guidelines - Greening design components include; incorporating active transportation modes and addressing appropriate density consistent with the Township's growth management strategy
Township of Woolwich Strategic Plan - For several years Healthy Communities has been an area for focus in the plan addressing active transportation and sustainability of natural environment and resources (ongoing)
Improved Building Code - Woolwich council passed a motion calling for increasing the minimum energy performance standards for new buildings (April 2022)
Woolwich Township Conservation and Demand Management (CDM) Plan 2020-2024: in accordance with the Electricity Act 1998, as a public agency, Woolwich Township is required to record and make public annual energy consumption and update the CDM every 5 years. The Township annually reports its corporate energy consumption and GHG emissions to Sustainable Waterloo Region and The Ministry of the Environment and Climate Action.
Township of Woolwich Reports, Studies and Plans

Declaring a Climate Emergency

In 2019 Woolwich Township declared a Climate Emergency stating that Canada has disproportionately contributed to the climate and ecological crisis, and that emergency mobilization on an unprecedented scale will be required. Township of Woolwich Council Meeting.

Corporate Initiatives

Green Team - This staff team meets regularly to review, discuss and implement various corporate green initiatives

Electric Vehicles - The first EV was added to the Township Fleet in 2021 with more to come!
Battery Operated Power Tools - The Township has been replacing gas powered tools with battery operated tools
Greenhouse Reduction Pathway Feasibility Study: In 2022 the Township completed an audit of its facilities to determine deficiencies and plan for future GHG reductions.

Waterloo Region Climate Projects

Climate Action Waterloo Region Collaborative was formed in 2019 and includes the 8 Waterloo Region municipalities, Sustainable Waterloo Region, Climate Action Waterloo Region and REEP Green solutions
Transform Waterloo Region - This strategy document was developed by the Collaborative and endorsed by all 8 Waterloo region municipalities in 2021. The strategy includes 6 Transformative Changes along with 78 associated actions to meet GHG reduction targets (50% by 2030 and 80% by 2050) to address climate action in Waterloo region.
Woolwich Climate Action Implementation Plan - Township staff are drafting a plan using the actions identified in Transform Waterloo Region to reduce Woolwich's GHG emissions
Climate Action Information Hub - This website acts as an information hub for Climate Action. New resources will be posted as available. These resources will assist residents in whatever climate action endeavours seem right for you and your family. More resources will be added as we move forward.
Transform Waterloo Region

Do you know of a great resource that is not listed? Send an email to Ann Roberts