Muskoka Lakes Township — Mayor

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

Since 2018 I have served on the Board of Directors of the Friends of the Muskoka Watershed, the last two years as the Board Chair. My specific responsibilities in this role include corporate governance, Board Member and donor recruitment and, as a retired lawyer, I am often called upon to review contracts, funding proposals and corporate administrative matters. I also have participated regularly in FOTMW’s ASHMuskoka ash drives held monthly at the Rosewarne transfer station in Bracebridge.

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

Land use (sprawl): Watershed quality, as affected by waterfront development policies in the Township of Muskoka Lakes is an area of considerable concern for many of us on Council as well as many of our constituents. My relationship with FOTMW has given me some helpful insight into the relationship between the health of both terrestrial and water ecosystems and the need to prescribe and enforce strong policies to protect the environment from the adverse impacts of such things as overdevelopment and excessive tree clearing and site alteration.

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

My 100-year plan is set out in my campaign website: www.peterkelley.ca , in the action plan for the issue titled “Environment First”. It may not be my first action but early in the term I certainly will call for advice and guidance from various groups and individuals much more knowledgeable than I am about creating a 100-year plan to protect the environment, including several of the “scientist” directors on the FOTMW Board, the Muskoka Watershed Council and others.