Bracebridge — Councillor — Oakley Ward / Ward 5
1. What actions have you personally taken to support a greener, more sustainable climate?
We live 24 kilometers from town, we have reduced the number of trips taken to get supplies, food, necessities to reduce the carbon footprint (price of gasoline has also helped) We have also lowered the thermostat setting in winter as well as reduced the a/c use by allowing the house to get warmer before using it. We are also avid recyclers and find many ways to re-use what we can.
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 would like to see the municipality get involved to promote the use of solar power to reduce the need for fossil fuels maybe find tax assistance for owners who do reduce the reliance on fossil fuels. This could also be applied to housing going forward this would also make the housing more appealing to future residents and tourism. Land use must be balanced with forest restoration Muskoka has abundant forestry operations these operations need to replace what is used more rigorously after all, the trees give us our oxygen while removing the carbon dioxide. I want to hear what the people who live in our municipality and neighbourhoods are thinking, the ideas may very well contain sustainable solutions.
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 first action would be to promote environmental protection, all living things need an environment to live in, failure is not an option, I want to know that my grand children will be able to live long healthy and prosperous lives. We could also promote more days to dispose of toxic products-waste, to avoid people “hiding” it in the garbage pickup, or tossing it in the forests!
Thank you for the opportunity I hope you find merit in some of my thoughts and hope you will promote people to get out and vote!