During their meeting on Monday, Milton’s Town Council approved the proposed climate plan for 2020 and agreed to work towards their plan for 2021.
The 2020 plan includes the Town becoming a member of Partners for Climate Protection (PCP) which includes committing to their five milestones framework. One of those steps is to take on their emission target goals which is a 20% reduction in corporate emissions over a 10 year period and a 6% reduction in community emissions.
Town Councillor for Ward 2, John Challinor II, suggested that Milton consider making their own emissions targets rather than follow those set by the PCP or other municipalities.
Town Councillor for Ward 1, Kristina Tesser Derksen says she is always in agreement with her colleagues when they want to put a Milton-lens on anything they look at.
Councillor Tesser Derksen adds that we should give ourselves credit where credit is due, knowing that Milton can rise to the challenge.
She says she doesn’t want to necessarily rely too heavily on customizing things to the point where we’re under challenging ourselves.
Councillor Tesser Derksen also mentioned the possibility of locally implementing a single-use plastics by-law which could be coming down the line federally eventually.
She clarifies that if this by-law were to be implemented it would be brought in from a regional level.
During their meeting, Council discussed the possibility of taking on community groups to help Town staff monitor their environmental efforts.
Councillor Tesser Derksen says she’s happy to say she’s seen interest from the community.
Councillor Tesser Derksen adds that although she sees a dedicated staff member assuming this role in the future, there’s no reason why certain tasks for projects can’t be delegated to a community group.
She gives us an update on where the Town is at in hiring a sustainability manager.
Councillor Tesser Derksen says the position is still on the table and she won’t let the idea die.
Right now the Town is facing a significant amount of budget pressure due to COVID-19, which will result in them having to be mindful of their spending as we enter a recovery stage.
Councillor Tesser Derksen says she is heartened that at a time where everyone is coping with the pandemic, there is still a focus on our sustainability and developing a climate plan.
She encourages anyone who is interested in learning more to contact her, Town staff, or a community group like Sustainable Milton or the Halton Climate Collective.
For a full look at this document, click this link.
