Regional council unanimously approves Transform WR

On Tuesday, regional councillors met for a committee of the whole meeting. During the meeting, councillors unanimously approved the Transform WR climate action strategy. 

The approval means Waterloo Region will join area municipalities in the region in endorsing the climate plan. 

The strategy is focused on cutting carbon emissions produced locally by 80 per cent below 2010 levels by 2050, as well as a short-term goal of 30 per cent by 2030. 

While several councillors were worried about the costs related to this strategy, others suggested the price of inaction may cost the region more in the long term. 

“More importantly, I think it's the economics for the health and well-being of how we live a healthy and sustainable lifestyle, and design our communities that recognize the importance of climate action,” said Jim Erb, regional councillor for Waterloo. 

Meantime, Regional Councillor for Kitchener Tom Galloway who chaired the committee of the whole agreed, and said the region must look at the impacts of inaction. 

“How much bigger are we going to have to make storm ponds, how much more flood protection is going to have to provide for the Grand River Valley and many other things that are going to be very expensive.” 

The strategy also aims to create a shift in energy use in Waterloo Region and provides six transformative changes that must happen by 2050, such as a thriving local food system built on local farming and food processing. 

For more information, CLICK HERE.