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Climate Action

Newsletter

Sign up for our Climate Action newsletter to hear about upcoming events, available incentives and resources, and stay connected with everything climate action in Woolwich.

Climate Action in Woolwich

Woolwich, like many communities around the globe, is witnessing the tangible effects of climate change, which are manifesting in various ways such as rising temperatures and more extreme weather events. These changes are not just statistics on a chart; they translate into real-world consequences that affect ecosystems, economies, and public health. However, the collective effort of individuals and communities can lead to meaningful progress. Simple actions, when multiplied across a community, can significantly reduce the overall carbon footprint. By choosing to support local businesses, sharing rides, and being mindful of consumption and waste, every person contributes to a larger movement towards sustainability. It's a powerful reminder that change often begins with the smallest of steps, and when these steps are taken together, they can lead to a greener, more sustainable future for all.

What have we already done?

Declared a Climate Emergency
Added Environment-focused Committees of Council (WEAC, TWEEC)
Council endorsed the TransformWR Strategy, which commits us, along with the 7 other municipalities in Waterloo Region to reduce our collective GHG emissions 50% by 2030 and 80% by 2050
Created an internal Green Team to help employees adopt more sustainable habits
Installed electric vehicle charging stations in St. Jacobs and at the Woolwich Memorial Center (find those and other charging locations in Woolwich on PlugShare.
Phasing out gas powered tools and replacing them with battery operated (electric) tools
In 2022 the Township completed an audit of its facilities to determine deficiencies and plan for future GHG reductions.
2024 Heat pump installations include: Breslau Community Centre, Park Manor daycare facility, Woolwich Youth Soccer Office, Conestogo Community Centre, Heidelberg Community Centre, with more to come in 2025!
Council endorsed the Elmira Green Infrastructure Report in 2018, which is a 20-year plan to "green" Elmira with a focus on utilizing "Green Infrastructure" to increase the canopy to cover in Elmira.
Update and publish the Woolwich Township Energy Conservation and Demand Management (CDM) Plan every 5 years in accordance with the Electricity Act 1998.
Annually report our corporate energy consumption and GHG emissions to Sustainable Waterloo Region and The Ministry of the Environment and Climate Action.
33,000 Trees and Counting

What are we working on?

A detailed Climate Action Strategy which outlines how we will do our part to reach the TransformWR targets
A detailed Climate Action Implementation Plan, which will outline when we will undertake specific projects, how much it will cost, and how much it will reduce our emissions
Creating an annual GHG emissions inventory to track our progress towards meeting our targets
Developing Green Building Standards for Waterloo Region to help guide decision making regarding future developments in Woolwich
The Township of Woolwich has recently hired a Climate Action & Sustainability Coordinator, who is working across all departments to embed climate action into our plans and programs. In the coming months, we will be releasing some more information on upcoming projects and initiatives. Stay tuned!

As part of our commitment to minimize our impact on the planet, the Township of Woolwich has launched a new recycling program at the Woolwich Memorial Centre in Elmira. The aim of this program is to divert as much waste from landfills as possible, and promote circularity within our community.

Keep an eye on EngageWR for more information about climate action news, upcoming events, and community engagement opportunities!

View Engage Woolwich

Recycling Programs

New Recycling Program in Elmira

We have partnered with TerraCycle to create a simple and convenient way for residents to recycle their hard-to-recycle items. TerraCycle will then take those items and transform them into new products through their innovative recycling process. You can learn more about the process by visiting TerraCycle.

We are currently collecting the following items at the WMC:

Writing instruments (pens, pencils, highlighters, etc.)

Please note that the recycling bin has moved and is now located behind the administration desk at the WMC. Please hand your items over to the staff for recycling.

For more information, email Climate Action & Sustainability Coordinator.

E-Waste Recycling Program

As part of our ongoing commitment to being a healthier and more circular community, the Township of Woolwich has partnered with the Electronic Products Recycling Association (EPRA) – an industry-led, not-for-profit organization that operates regulated recycling programs across Canada. The Township is using their Recycle My Electronics program to ensure that end-of-life electronics are handled in a safe, secure and environmentally friendly manner.

You can now drop off your damaged or unwanted electronics in the designated bin at Woolwich Townhall at 24 Church St. W in Elmira. A list of accepted items can be found on the sign above the bin, on social media, and on our website. We plan to expand this program to other communities within Woolwich, such as Breslau and St. Jacob's, in the near future. Please reach out to our Climate Action & Sustainability Coordinator if you have any questions.

Environmental Stewardship in Woolwich

We are very fortunate to have several passionate community groups who are dedicated to enhancing and protecting the environment in Woolwich. The efforts of these community members are an integral part of advancing climate action across the entire Township. And we are very grateful for their continued effort! To learn more about these groups, visit:

Resources & Events

Events

View Climate Action Events on the Township Community Events calendar.

Talk to an Engineer: Are Solar Panels Right For Your Home? - Saturday, June 21st 10:30am - 12:00pm (WMC)

Resources

Climate Action Resources

Household Resources

Heat Pump Contractors in Waterloo Region
EnerGuide Home Evaluations
Project Neutral
Reducing Water Use in Your Home Contact the Region of Waterloo for a free home water audit.
How to Sort Your Waste at Home The Region of Waterloo shows you how to sort your waste at home
Protecting Your Home from Flooding, Wildfires, Extreme Heat, Nature

Resources for Businesses

Save on Energy from local utilities
Incentives and programs for local businesses to conserve energy and use energy efficiently.
A list of local contractors, businesses and services

Resources for Agriculture

Tackling the Farm Crisis and Climate Crisis learn more about the National Farmers Union Climate Change Campaign and opportunities for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture.
Calculate your carbon footprint
Canadian dairy carbon-neutral guidebook
Canadian Agri-Business Growth Guide
Canadian Organic Growers Offers training and resources to raise awareness and assist farmers and gardeners in adopting sustainable and commercially viable, organic product methods.
Farmers for Climate Solutions

Transportation

Electric Vehicles

Sustainable Transportation in Woolwich

Woolwich Cycling/Walking Routes
Grand River Intercity Transportation
Elmira Community Bus Service
Car Share – Find out how to participate in a Car Share program near you.
Travelwise - Learn about carpooling opportunities.
GRT Fares & Passes – Grand River Transit offers a variety of fares and passes.

Anna Harrison
Climate Action & Sustainability Coordinator
24 Church Street West
P.O. Box 158
Elmira ON, N3B 2Z6
519-514-6072
Email