Lake of Bays Township — Councillor — Ridout Ward, Acclaimed

1.     What actions have you personally taken to support a greener, more sustainable climate?

The care of the natural world has always been a guiding principle in my life. While making my living through outdoor education I always championed thoughtful care of the natural environment. This stewardship challenge continues within our Township, the District of Muskoka and beyond.

I live in a small energy efficient home and am interested in a minimal consumption lifestyle. I am a small scale farmer and am very interested in promoting locally produced food.

2.     What opportunities for climate leadership at the municipal level (e.g. greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs)) would you champion in one or more of these areas: Buildings | Housing | Land use (sprawl) | Transportation | Other

The Township has been proactively working on reducing its carbon footprint. Examples include upgrading HVAC systems, replacing lighting, exploring electric vehicles and most recently the impressive move to replace the Community Centre ice plant with a Geothermal system. Additional areas for consideration could include: solar installations, re-exploring micro hydro, more electric vehicles/equipment, green building (carbon sequestering) fee reduction program, promotion/encouragement of “quiet” water sports, supporting local food production to reduce long-distance transport.

3.     A long-term problem requires a long-term solution. What is your 100-year plan? If elected, what would be your first action?

I look forward to working with the community exploring science-based education ideas that will shift approaches and attitudes, change lifestyle expectations and will ultimately have a positive impact on climate change.