ResiLienT Loyalist Township Climate Action Plan:
At the October 23rd, 2017 session of Council, Loyalist Township enrolled into the Federation of Canadian Municipalities' Partners for Climate Protection (PCP) program, joining over 350 municipalities across Canada that have committed to undertaking local action on climate change. As part of the Five Milestone PCP program, our community built the ResiLienT Loyalist Township Climate Action Plan. ResiLienT Loyalist Township is a set of strategies intended to guide community efforts for reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), improve our health, grow our local economy, and increase social equity. On February 8th, 2021 Council unanimously passed the motion to accept the ResiLienT Loyalist Township Climate Action Plan to act as a road map for local action and keep climate action as a priority for decisions.
The ResiLienT Loyalist Township Climate Action Plan contains goals and strategies for both the Loyalist Township corporate and community reductions. With a corporate GHG reduction target of a 49% reduction in GHG emissions below 2016 levels by 2031 & a community GHG reduction target of 25% below 2017 levels by 2031 was approved by Council in November 2020.
The goals and actions presented in this plan stemmed from engaging with residents, stakeholders, and Township staff alike, and were developed with a commitment to respect taxpayer dollars while maintaining or exceeding existing levels of services. This feedback, combined with research and technical analyses, was used to develop thirty-three goals and actions across six priority sectors.
Read the ResiLienT Loyalist Township
Climate Action Plan:
Click here to download the ResiLienT Loyalist Township Climate Action Plan.
Priority Sectors and Goals
Sustainable Land Use
Meet the current and future needs of the Loyalist Community while incorporating practices that will protect the environment and support local agriculture.
| Plant 20,000 Trees |
| 20,000 additional trees planted by 2030. |
| Rewild Township-owned Land |
| Pilot projects to replace turf areas in municipal parks or right-of-way with native plants. |
| Incorporate LID into Stormwater Management Practices |
| Incorporate Low Impact Development concepts into stormwater management activities. |
| Develop a Pollinator Protection Strategy |
| Develop a pollinator protection strategy and create pollinator friendly areas across the Township. |
| Promote Access to Nature |
| Expand the natural trail network and acquire land to increase public access to nature. |
| Support Local Agriculture |
| Encourage and support local farmers to adopt sustainable land use practices and promote agritourism in Loyalist Township. |
| Promote Local Foods |
| Encourage Community Sustained Agriculture programs and facilitate the creation of community gardens. |
| Create Resilient, Low Carbon Communities |
| Encourage the development of complete communities through mixed land use and a diversity of residential types. |
Waste Reduction
Divert waste away from landfill and promote a circular economy.
| Divert Residential Waste Away from Landfills |
| Implement a residential organic waste diversion program. |
| Support SME Waste Reduction Efforts |
| Support local businesses to reduce waste generated as part of their operations. |
| Turn Waste into a Resource |
| Convert solid waste and sewage biosolids into a resource. |
| Reduce Methane Emissions |
| Reduce methane emissions from landfills. |
Transportation
Provide residents with enhanced transit services and promote the uptake of low-carbon fuels in vehicles, all while maintaining expected levels of service.
| Enhance Transit Services |
| Develop and implement a suitable plan public transit plan. |
| Increase the Active Transportation Network |
| Enhance the active transit network within Loyalist Township. |
| Facilitate the adoption of EVs in the community |
| Encourage purchase of electric vehicles by installing public, pay per-use charging infrastructure across Township. |
| Optimize Use of Municipal Vehicles |
| Investigate inter-departmental vehicle sharing opportunities and promote eco-driving techniques. |
| Electrify the Municipal Fleet |
| Convert gasoline-powered vehicles and equipment to electric alternatives as part of lifecycle activities. |
| Replace Heavy-Duty Vehicles with Zero Emissions Alternatives |
| Convert heavy-duty vehicles to zero-emissions alternatives as technology becomes available. |
Buildings
Increase the energy efficiency of existing residential, commercial, and municipal buildings, and promote the construction of new buildings designed to exceed existing energy standards.
| Reduce Residential Energy Usage |
| Reduce residential energy usage by developing energy retrofit programs and promoting available incentives. |
| Increase Commercial and Institutional Energy Efficiency |
| Increase the energy efficiency of local business operations. |
| Develop Green Building Standards for New Construction |
| Partner will local developers to develop voluntary green building standards and incentivize their adoption. |
| Reduce Energy Usage in Municipal Facilities |
| Reduce the usage of energy in municipal facilities through changes in building operations and upgrades. |
| Incorporate Renewable Energy Infrastructure into Municipal Facilities |
| Incorporate renewable energy infrastructure into municipal facilities as part of lifecycle activities, where an when appropriate. |
Water and Wastewater
Reduce residential water usage and the amount of energy required to treat, distribute, or collect water and wastewater.
| Reduce Water Losses in the Distribution System |
| Reduce the amount of water losses in the potable water distribution system. |
| Reduce I&I in the Collection System |
| Reduce the amount of inflow and infiltration in the sewer collection system. |
| Reduce per Capita Water Usage |
| Reduce per capita residential water usage rates in serviced areas to below 200 L / day |
| Increase the Efficiency of Mechanical Systems |
| Increase the efficiency of mechanical systems at water and sewer facilities as part of life cycle activities. |
| Capture and Reuse Waste Energy |
| Capture and reuse waste energy in sewage treatment facilities. |
Other
Undertake initiatives which may not have a direct and quantifiable impact on GHG emissions in Loyalist, but that will contribute to a culture of climate action while promoting community resiliency and financial sustainability.
| Incorporate Sustainability into Corporate Procurement |
| Incorporate sustainability into corporate procurement practices by evaluating the entire lifecycle costs of goods and services. |
| Coordinate the Purchase of Goods and Services with Local Organizations |
| Assist with the bulk purchase of sustainable goods and services to allow local organizations to benefit from bulk pricing. |
| Incorporate Sustainable Practices in Construction Activities |
| Update the Township construction design guidelines and encourage the reuse of materials generated on construction sites. |
| Partner with Local Industries and Academic Institutions |
| Partner with local industry and academic institutions to explore innovative ways of delivering services. |
| Strengthen Community Relationships |
| Create a culture of sustainability and civic engagement. |
Some of the initiatives discussed in this plan will require a significant amount of public feedback and the development of robust funding strategies, while others rely technologies that are just starting to emerge on the market. As such, they will gradually be implemented over the 10-year period covered by this document, as appropriate
The ResiLienT Loyalist Township Climate Action Plan represents the municipality’s first steps towards local climate action. The target sectors and goals were developed based on feedback garnered throughout various engagement sessions and reflect corporate and community priorities. If properly implemented, this plan will contribute to a culture of Climate Action in Loyalist and act as a steppingstone towards more ambitious targets in the future, especially when considering the federal target of Net-Zero emissions by 2050.
Community Supporters of ResiLienT Loyalist Township:
A high degree of collaboration between the municipality and the community was required to put this plan together. Its implementation, and eventual success, will be contingent on maintaining the momentum that has developed over the course of this project. The following local businesses, organizations, and community-based groups provided a letter of support endorsing this project, and indicated their organization’s interest in taking an active role on climate action:
- LaFarge Canada
- Topsy Farms
- L&A Stewardship Council
- Bath Museum
- Sustainable Kingston
- Limestone District School Board
- National Farms Union Local 316
- MacKinnon Brothers Brewing Co.
- Ontario Power Generation
- Cataraqui Conservation
If you represent a local business, organization, or community-based group and would like to write a letter of support for ResiLienT Loyalist Township, please do not hesitate to reach out to climateaction@loyalist.ca should you wish to endorse this project or if you have any questions.
Loyalist Township’s Award-Winning Climate Action Project: Amherstview Water Pollution Control Plant Constructed Wetland
Loyalist Township received a Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ 2020 Sustainable Communities Award for exceptional work in the Water category for the Amherstview Water Pollution Control Plant Constructed Wetland. A constructed wetland was incorporated into the Amherstview Water Pollution Control Plant in 2018. The system provides tertiary treatment to wastewater in a passive, net-zero energy manner and the plants act as a carbon sink.
Next Steps & Ways to Get Involved:
Stay tuned for ways that you can get involved by signing up for the ResiLienT Loyalist Township email list by reaching out to climateaction@loyalist.ca. During the implementation of this plan, we will be looking for community members to volunteer, sit on advisory groups, provide additional feedback, and contribute in different ways.
ResiLienT Loyalist Township Energy and Water Conservation Incentives Webinar Recording:
On October 21, 2021 Loyalist Township staff hosted an Energy and Water Conservation Incentives webinar, in partnership with Red Squirrel Conservation Services. Township staff reviewed the Township's new Water Conservation Incentive Program, and Red Squirrel Conservation Services explained how you can qualify for a Canada Greener Homes Grant of up to $5,600.
You can watch a recording of the Webinar on the Township's YouTube channel.
Industrial, Commercial, Institutional and Retrofit Opportunities:
Save on Energy - Retrofit Program |
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The Save on Energy Retrofit program is designed to help Ontario businesses save energy, reduce costs and increase productivity. This province-wide initiative offers financial incentives for equipment upgrades that reduce facility electricity consumption. Eligibility Requirements: Retrofit incentives are available to owners or lessees* of:
*If you lease, you must have the owner’s consent or authorization to participate. Projects eligible for the Retrofit program are generally those that provide sustainable, measurable and verifiable reductions in peak electricity demand and electricity consumption.
Incentives are available for a variety of products and technologies to continue to help businesses save on energy costs and increase their competitiveness.
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Save On Energy - Small Business Lighting Program |
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See your business in a new light with up to $2,000 in incentives towards eligible energy-efficient lighting upgrades. Eligibility Requirements:
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Save on Energy - Energy Manager Program |
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Energy managers have the strategic and technical expertise to recommend the energy-saving equipment and technologies that are right for your business. They also have the skills to implement an energy management strategy for your business – working directly with your operations team, vendors and service providers, and managing financial incentives that support project success and benefit your company’s bottom line. Eligibility Requirements: The February 28th application window is now closed. Submitted applications are currently under review and decisions for funding will be issued in April. Link: Energy Manager program | Business and Industry incentives | Save on Energy |
Save on Energy - Energy Performance Program |
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The Energy Performance Program (EPP) rewards customers who are able to make behavioural and operational changes that support capital investment projects, enabling them to grow their energy savings over a number of years. Three years of annual pay-for-performance incentives are available for multi-site and single-site facilities for applications approved by December 31, 2024.
Eligibility Requirements: Participants must:
Link: Energy Performance Program | Business and Industry incentives | Save on Energy |
Enbridge - Commercial Custom Retrofit Program |
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An Enbridge Gas Energy Solutions Advisor will work with you, free of charge, to identify energy efficiency opportunities that save natural gas and in return save you money. If you implement any of our recommendations, we will cover up to 50% of the project cost. Eligibility Requirements: Contact Enbridge Gas to confirm your eligibility. Incentives are only made available to customers where Enbridge Gas energy-efficiency offer(s) have impacted the customer’s decision to proceed with the improvement(s). Incentive cannot exceed 50% of the project cost and $100,000 per project. Must provide proof of purchase matched to installation address. Valid in Enbridge Gas franchise area (Ontario) only, between Jan. 1, 2021 and Nov. 30, 2021. Minimum boiler efficiency to qualify for the Commercial Custom Retrofit incentive program is 85%. Link: Commercial Custom Retrofit Program - Enbridge Smart Savings |
Enbridge - Industrial Custom Solutions and Incentives Program |
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A dedicated Enbridge Gas Energy Solutions Advisor (ESA) will work with you to develop a solution that meets your unique energy, budget and cost savings objectives. You can also qualify for a range of incentives for audits and implementing energy efficiency projects. Eligibility Requirements: See website for incentive structure. Industrial Custom Programs: Incentives apply to Enbridge Gas industrial customers in the Enbridge Gas Distribution rate zone for measures implemented and commissioned between Jan. 1 and Nov. 15 of the current calendar year. Projects must be pre-approved by Enbridge Gas. Volumetric savings are based either on Enbridge Gas approved engineering calculations or Enbridge Gas validated performance metrics. Enbridge Gas makes no warranty or guarantee regarding the estimated savings of any energy-efficiency measure. Replacements of existing energy-efficient equipment do not qualify. High-volume projects will be reviewed on a per-project basis. All applications are reviewed by Enbridge Gas and require verification of eligibility, proof of purchase and installation. Incentives cannot exceed 50 percent of the project’s cost and are only made available to customers where Enbridge Gas energy-efficiency offer(s) have impacted the customer’s decision to proceed with the improvement(s). HST is not applicable and will not be added to incentive payments. Programs are subject to change or cancellation without notice at any time. Link: Industrial Custom Solutions and Incentives Program - Enbridge Smart Savings |
Enbridge - Savings by Design |
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The Savings by Design program was developed to help builders improve energy and environmental performance in new construction projects. The program is available to Ontario builders in the Enbridge Gas franchise area. There’s no cost to participate. Eligibility Requirements:
Buildings participating in other incentive programs such as High Performance New Construction (HPNC) are still eligible to participate. |
Enbridge - Fixed Incentive Energy Program |
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Enbridge Gas offers incentives to help offset the cost of installing energy efficient natural gas equipment in new and existing buildings. Cut down your heating costs and qualify for financial incentives by installing any of the following energy efficient technologies. Ie. Air curtains, condensing make-up air units, demand control kitchen ventilation (DCKV), demand control ventilation (DCV), destratification fans, dock door seals, heat recovery ventilator (HRV) and energy recovery ventilator (ERV), ozone laundry system. Eligibility Requirements:Check link to check eligibility. Link: |
Enbridge - Comprehensive Energy Management (CEM) Program |
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To properly manage energy, you must first understand exactly how you are using it. Our Comprehensive Energy Management Program provides you with financial incentives, free technical tools and services to identify key energy drivers and make energy visible across all aspects of your organization. A dedicated Enbridge Gas Energy Solutions Advisors (ESA) will work with you to:
Participants can qualify for very attractive financial incentives:
Eligibility Requirements:
Programs are subject to change or cancellation without notice at any time. Link: Comprehensive Energy Management Program - Enbridge Smart Savings |
Enbridge - RunitRight Program |
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Through the Enbridge Gas RunitRight program, you can find low or no cost operational improvements that will reduce your energy usage and save you money. You can also earn up to $10,000 towards eligible costs. Participants have experienced as much as 5% in energy savings for little to no upfront cost. Eligibility Requirements:
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Enbridge - Engineering Feasibility Studies Incentives |
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We help fund studies to identify and quantify potential energy-saving measures on natural gas-consuming equipment and gas-related heating systems or facilities. Studies analyze an existing building to determine the changes that will increase your overall energy efficiency. Commercial customers: 50% up to $4,000. Industrial customers: 50% up to $10,000. Eligibility Requirements:Copy of study including:
Copy of 3rd party survey provider invoice or summary of costs for internal labour used. Link: Engineering feasibility studies and Steam trap studies - Business - Union Gas |
Enbridge - Process Improvement Studies Incentives |
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We help fund studies to improve processes in your business. Studies identify ways to optimize the energy use of a specific piece of natural gas process or Combined Heat & Power (CHP) equipment as part of your company's overall operations and practices. Industrial customers: 66% up to $20,000. Eligibility Requirements: Copy of study including:
Copy of 3rd party survey provider invoice or summary of costs for internal labour used. |
Enbridge - Equipment & Process Optimization |
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We help fund measures and equipment that will reduce your natural gas consumption. Implement an energy-saving measure or install high-efficiency equipment. Both new and retrofit applications are eligible. Eligibility Requirements: Contact Enbridge Gas to confirm your eligibility. Incentives are only made available to customers where Enbridge Gas energy-efficiency offer(s) have impacted the customer’s decision to proceed with the improvement(s). Incentive cannot exceed 50% of the project cost and $100,000 per project. Must provide proof of purchase matched to installation address. Valid in Enbridge Gas franchise area (Ontario) only, between Jan. 1, 2021 and Nov. 30, 2021. Minimum boiler efficiency to qualify for the Commercial Custom Retrofit incentive program is 85%. Link: Equipment & Process Optimization - Business - Union Gas |
Enbridge - Meters |
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We help fund measures and equipment that reduce your natural gas consumption. Install a natural gas, steam or hot-water meter to measure or monitor energy usage. Industrial customers: 50% of meter cost up to $5,000 (maximum five meters per site, per year). Eligibility Requirements: Apply at the link. |
Enbridge - Runsmart Building Optimization |
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We provide an incentive to customers for the successful implementation of low-cost and no-cost energy-saving measures that optimize a building's energy use. Optimization improves your building's overall performance by identifying building-maintenance and operational-efficiency improvements. 5% to below 10% of natural gas saved: $0.20/m3
Eligibility Requirements: Apply at the link. |
Related Links:
Climate Risk Institute (CRI) |
Ontario |
Canada |
Federation of Canadian Municipalities |
Project Drawdown |
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change |
Related Loyalist Township Links:
Loyalist Township Strategic Plan |
| Strategic Plan |
October 28, 2019 Loyalist Township - Corporate GHG Reduction Targets |
| Report to Council |
June 22, 2020 Climate Action Plan Update |
| Report to Council |
August 24, 2020 Climate Action Plan Update |
| Report to Council |
October 7, 2020 - Climate Action Public Engagement Feedback Session |
| Recording of the session |
November 9, 2020 - Climate Action Plan - Community GHG Reduction Targets |
| Report to Council |
February 8, 2021 - Climate Action Plan Unanimous Adoption |
| Report to Council |
Loyalist Township - Energy Reporting and Conservation and Demand Management Plans |
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Ontario Regulation 507/18 (Broader Public Sector: Energy Reporting and Conservation and Demand Management Plans) requires broader public sector organizations, such as municipalities, to submit annual energy reports to the Ministry of Energy, Northern Development and Mines on energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions. |
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