20,000 additional trees planted by 2030.
Priority Sectors and Goals
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.
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.
Below are the identified ResiLienT Loyalist Township Climate Action Plan target 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.
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.
Expand the natural trail network and acquire land to increase public access to nature.
Encourage and support local farmers to adopt sustainable land use practices and promote agritourism in Loyalist Township.
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.
Convert solid waste and sewage biosolids into a resource.
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.
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.
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 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.
Contact Us
Loyalist Township
Box 70, 263 Main Street
Odessa, Ontario K0H 2H0
Tel: 613-386-7351
info@loyalist.ca
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