—- Municipal Candidate Survey —- Heidi Lorenz

Gravenhurst — Mayor

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

Not widely known, I am vegetarian.  Some people don’t understand the impact dietary choices have on climate change; cattle are the number one agriculture source of greenhouse gases worldwide. Reducing the number of weekly meatbased meals a family eats can have a significant impact on greenhouse gases. I am not suggesting anyone give up on their favourite dishes, however cutting back on consuming animal based products has proven to make a difference.

I am a HUGE thrifter, I love finding a new to me items at the local thrift stores and garage sales. A significant amount of my wardrobe and home furnishings have come to me second hand.  I am committed to reducing, reusing and recycling in my personal life.

The past term on Council I personally introduced the following ; which I believe have a direct positive effect on the environment; 

  • March 16,2021-Notice of Motion Implement Earth Day Clean Up
  • December 21,2021-Notice of Motion Balloon and Floating Lantern Bylaw 
  • November 19,2019- Motion to discontinue Snowmobile water cross on Gull Lake
     

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

I’ll go with other, 

Having been on Engineering and Public Works at the District has opened my eyes to Muskoka’s dismal landfill diversion rate. It is one of the worst in the province at 35%. When elected I plan to take several steps to improving it; a Town wide waste strategy to better manage waste at facilities and events. Two, implement a construction waste recycling system. A third, work at District to establish a pet waste diversion program. Lastly Fast Fashion producers should be held accountable for recycling their products.

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

Gravenhurst cannot do it alone, It must rely on Ontario’s Climate Change Strategy and Canada’s Climate Action plan. I will depend on science and proven best practices to lay the groundwork for achievable goals. Listening to the experts and engaging young people will be key to success. I obviously want to do all I can to preserve Earth for generations to come. The first action I will take is to take stock of our municipal facilities and fleet and find ways to cut back GHGs.