Caledon releases draft climate change plan, aims to become a net zero community by 2050

The Town of Caledon has released a draft of its updated Community Climate Change Action Plan (CCCAP), Resilient Caledon, and is asking for feedback from residents and stakeholders. The plan outlines actions that can be taken by all sectors and communities in Caledon, including the Town’s own policies, procedures and operations, to significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and adapt to climate impacts.

“The CCCAP is a community-wide effort and we’re looking forward to working with Town staff, residents, businesses, farmers, and community groups to make this vision a reality,” says Mayor Allan Thompson. “As a municipality, we are growing, and the climate change plan will help ensure that new development is happening in a sustainable way.  And, adopting a net zero target goes hand-in-hand with the responsible and progressive move by Council in declaring a climate change emergency early this year.”

This plan will be a roadmap for Caledon to achieve net zero GHG emissions by 2050, a target endorsed by Town Council on June 30, 2020. With the adoption of this target, Caledon is joining an increasing number of Ontario municipalities setting ambitious climate targets, in an effort to limit global average warming to no more than 1.5°C in order to avoid catastrophic climate change impacts.   

What can you do?

Some of the most important steps that residents, businesses, community groups and the Town can take to help reach the net zero target include, but are not limited to:

• Switching from gas to electric vehicles
• Walking, cycling or taking public transit where possible
• Retrofitting older buildings to be more energy efficient
• Constructing new zero carbon buildings
• Protecting and restoring natural features and farmland

These and many more actions are included in the Resilient Caledon Climate Change Plan, including actions to help prepare the Town and community for climate impacts like flooding.

How you can get involved

Residents are encouraged to review the draft CCCAP and provide feedback through an online survey or submit comments to staff. The final plan will be brought forward to Council for approval in December.

For more information, visit caledon.ca/climatechange. Contact environment@caledon.ca with questions or comments on the plan.

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Media Contact:

Strategic Initiatives | Communications | 905.584.2272 | communications@caledon.ca