Climate Action

Woolwich has partnered with Rainbarrel.ca to offer discounted rain barrels now through the end of June. Rain barrels help conserve water, reduce runoff, and keep your gardens thriving all summer long.

Order your rain barrel online and make a simple, sustainable upgrade at home.

Contact Anna Harrison for any questions.

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 AND the Breslau Community Centre at 100 Andover Dr. in Breslau. A list of accepted items can be found on the sign above the bin, on social media, and on our website. Please only donate small electronics and appliances that fit into the bin. Please reach out to our Climate Action & Sustainability Coordinator if you have any questions.

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:

• Woolwich Healthy Communities
• Township of Woolwich Environmental Enhancement Committee (TWEEC)
• Woolwich Environmental Advisory Committee (WEAC)

Events

Upcoming Events:

May 6th - Going Electric: What you need to know about Heat Pumps

• 6:30-7:30pm at the WMC (Community Centre Room)
• Heat pumps are becoming increasingly popular but is it the right fit for your home? If so, what types of heat pump options are out there on the market? Hear answers to these important questions, other important things to consider, and how to effectively communicate with contractors to make sure you are getting the best option for your home. Also get tips on available rebates.
• Register for Going Electric: What you need to know about Heat Pumps

June 10th - Going Electric: Solar Power Generation

• 6:30 - 7:30pm Location TBD
• Solar panel technology has advanced rapidly over the last few years but is it worth it to install them? The truth is: “it depends”. In this workshop learn about whether solar panels make sense for your home and how long it may take to recoup that initial investment. And hear tips about selecting the right contractor for you.
• Register for Going Electric: Solar Power Generation

Information, resources and available grants/incentives for homeowners, builders, business owners, and farmers.

Resources for Residents

• Home Retrofit Incentives: Get incentives for heat pumps, windows and doors, solar, and more.
• Induction Stove Bulk Buy Program: Get up to $300 off an induction stove!
• Backyard Tree Planting Program: Add trees to your yard at a subsidized cost through this program offered by Reep Green Solutions.
• Heat Pump Contractors: A list of Heat Pump Contractors that service the Waterloo Region.
• Reducing Water Use in Your Home: Contact the Region of Waterloo for a free home water audit.
• Climate-Ready Homes: How to protect yourself and your home from flooding, wildfires, and extreme heat.

Resources for Builders

• ENERGY STAR® for New Homes: Incentives available to build high-performing homes that enhance comfort and help reduce environmental impact. Limited time offer.
• Net Zero Ready Homes: Provides new construction builders and developers free access to industry experts, energy modelling and incentives to help design and build a NZER discovery home to market to prospective homebuyers.
• Enbridge Savings by Design Program: Get help at the early stages of design, with free design expertise and financial incentives to build sustainable, high-performance single-family homes and buildings

Resources for Businesses

• Save on Energy Retrofit Program: Incentives to upgrade equipment that will lower energy costs, improve productivity and support your business’s sustainability goals.
• Save On Energy Small Business Program: Eligible small businesses can now receive up to $3,000 in free lighting incentives!
• Commercial & Industrial Energy Conservation Program & Incentives to support Municipal, Commercial, Industrial, Institutional, and Multi-Unit Residential Buildings (MURBs) fixed and custom incentives projects
• A list of local contractors, businesses and services

Resources for Agriculture

• Grand River Priority Watersheds Phosphorus Reduction Program: New grant funding available to help farmers reduce phosphorus runoff in the Grand River watershed
• Dairy Farmers of Canada’s Best Management Practices Guide to Mitigate Emissions on Dairy Farms
• 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: National farmer and rancher led coalition that advances pragmatic solutions to support farmers and ranchers in making the transition to low emissions, high resilience approaches to agriculture.

Resources for Sustainable Transportation

• Plugshare App – Find an EV charger near you
• Car Share – Find out how to participate in a Car Share program near you.
• Woolwich Cycling/Walking Routes
• Grand River Intercity Transportation
• GRT Fares & Passes – Grand River Transit offers a variety of fares and passes.
• Elmira Community Bus Service

1. Conservation and Demand Management Plan 2024-2029
2. Elmira green Infrastructure Report
3. TransformWR Strategy

We are very excited to announce the launch of the Climate Smart Schools Micro Grant program! This program is intended to support student-led projects at Woolwich schools that will reduce community GHG emissions, enhance resiliency to climate change impacts, and empower youth to champion climate initiatives in their schools. Fostering strong environmental literacy among students allows them to understand and consider how human activities, ecological systems, and the changing climate are all connected. 

Example eligible projects include:
•    Tree/microforest planting
•    Pollinator garden construction and maintenance
•    Eco club projects, events, or school-wide challenges
•    Marketing/signage materials
•    Fees for speakers on various climate action topics
Please see the Climate Action Grants Policy for more details on what is and is not eligible as part of this grant program.

The application period for 2025 is October 8th to November 7th. Funding decisions will be made by the end of December, and grants will be awarded in January/February. Please see the Evaluation Rubric for more information on how each application will be assessed.  

If you have any questions about the grant program or your project, please reach out to our Climate Action & Sustainability Coordinator.

The 2025 application period is now closed. The 2026 program will open for applications in October.