It was difficult to write this year-end review for the Brampton Environmental Alliance. Not because we didn’t work very hard to make a difference but because several things conspired to make this a very challenging year, environmentally speaking.
Among the issues we faced: the Province prioritizing building Highway 413, and the efforts of the Emerald Energy From Waste company to expand its garbage burning operations in Brampton without appropriate environmental controls being in place. Of greater concern is the general apathy of the public towards environmental issues and the vitriolic response to public policies aimed at climate change mitigation, notably carbon pricing and rebates. The fact that we seemingly cannot have an adult conversation related to these important topics is deeply troubling.
Ontario Bill 212 will sadly result in more road violence deaths on unsafe streets. More than 34 cyclists from Brampton and Toronto gathered on Jan 25th to rally, ride and install a ghost bike to symbolize this prediction.
Earlier this month the Province announced a series of energy efficiency programs, some existing, some new, aimed at reducing electricity demand thus reducing the requirement to build new generation and transmission infrastructure. These programs are projected to cost taxpayers $10.9 billion over the next 12 years but are expected to yield $23.1 billion in electricity investment savings over 24 years for a net savings of $12.2 billion.
Not to start 2025 on a downer note but, the climate crisis is upon us. 2024 will likely be the warmest year on record, the first to surpass the 1.5 degree Celsius mark set by the Paris Accord as a “safe” threshold to avoid the worst effects of a changing climate. In Canada, 2024 was a year of unprecedented climate related property damage, over $7B worth.
That said, we must realize that, even if we could reduce carbon emissions from fossil fuels to zero today, the earth’s temperature would continue rising for many decades accompanied by increasing weather-related risks. While carbon emissions reduction efforts are still critical to maintaining a livable future, steps must be taken now to prepare for the increasing hazards due to anticipated weather extremes both now and in the future.
Working with community stakeholders, City of Brampton staff have prepared the “Climate Ready Brampton” plan to address anticipated climate impacts on the City’s infrastructure, economy and natural systems. This plan defines the blueprint for action that will better equip the City to manage the changes and increase resiliency to recover quickly from adverse climate impacts.
The development of the plan has gone through three phases over the past 2 years, Research, Investigation, and Development. During the Research phase, staff along with expert consultants reviewed how Brampton’s climate has changed over the past 75 years. During the investigation phase the team solicited external expertise along with stakeholder engagement to define future climate scenarios, assess climate risks, and identify prioritized climate adaptation actions. The plan also includes financial cost analysis of those actions compared to doing nothing. Finally, the plan outlines performance targets, collaborative implementation approaches, and a framework for monitoring and reporting.
The plan identifies 6 Goals, 5 Themes, 15 Objectives with 55 supporting actions.
Climate Ready Brampton Vision
“Brampton will be a climate leader fostering resilient, low-carbon, and adaptable communities, with thriving natural systems, climate-ready infrastructure, and a robust economy that advances equity, innovation, and quality of life both now and for future generations”.
Climate Ready Brampton Goals
Brampton is adaptable to predicted climate change impacts using best available science and climate data,
Climate action will prioritize the most vulnerable people, communities, and places in the City,
Climate resilience is the new normal where city staff, partners, neighbourhoods and generations work to protect each other,
Climate change preparation adaptation occurs within the context of a robust economy,
Climate resilience actions become more efficient and effective through collaboration and strong partnerships,
Progress is transparently reported against clear, measurable targets.
Climate Ready Brampton Themes and Objectives
Collaborative Leadership,
Brampton will be a leader in climate resilience
Municipal staff are prepared, informed and have all required tools
Protected and Connected People,
Equity-deserving groups are prioritized,
Moving around the city is safe and simple in all conditions,
People are prepared for climate disasters through emergency planning
Resilient Infrastructure and Buildings
Essential infrastructure is resilient
Community is safe in their daily life,
Buildings and homes are climate proof
Resilient and Healthy Natural Systems,
Naturalized spaces help protect Brampton from climate impacts
Natural systems are healthy and intact
Community Involvement and Communication
Brampton is prepared for climate emergencies
Emergency communications keep the community safe
The community is involved in climate action
The 55 actions are assigned to each of the objectives noted above. They cover different aspects from addressing climate risk, to protection and enhancement of forests and wetlands. Here a just a few examples:
Hiring a Climate Risk Officer,
Staff training on climate adaptation strategies and risk assessment,
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority has teamed with City of Brampton, the Federal Government’s Healthy Communities Initiative, United Way, and various community partners, including the BEA, to deliver projects in Bramalea’s K, E, and F sections. This is all part of the Bramalea Sustainable Neighbourhood Action Plan (SNAP). The Bramalea SNAP integrates local community interests and sustainability objectives under the overarching theme of working together for a green, healthy, and welcoming Bramalea neighbourhood. The Action Plan is made up of six themes, each with their own integrated initiatives:
This past week the Ontario government introduced legislation that will be incredibly damaging to Ontario’s environment. Bill 212 will fast track construction of highway 413 by removing the requirement for it to go through an environmental assessment. The bill will also will allow the province to override municipal planning departments and limit the installation or force the removal of bike lanes in Ontario’s cities and towns. While this bill may be brilliant politics, it is terrible public policy. Here’s why.
The Credit Valley Conservation Authority (CVC), celebrated the 5th anniversary of the Fletcher’s Creek Sustainable Neighbourhood Action Plan (SNAP), by hosting an event this past Saturday October 5th at Fred Klein Park. A beautiful fall day attracted residents to come out for a nature walk, an invasive species pull and a celebratory free lunch!
Injured Northern Saw-whet Owl with handlerInjured Red-tailed Hawk with handler
Rooted in Hope Training at Gore Meadows Community Centre
The Rooted in Hope 2023-24 project hosted its final event on Sunday April 21st. About a dozen and a half participants, one third seniors and two thirds secondary school students, enjoyed the bright sunshine yet below seasonal temperatures for the final tree monitoring training at Gore Meadows Community Centre.
On Saturday March 30th, the BEA participated in the Achēv Eco-Sphere environmental conference & job fair which was aimed at raising awareness about sustainability and eco-friendly practices.
The event featured engaging speakers including, Shafqat Ali, MP for Brampton Centre, Paloma D’Silva, a recently graduated environmental data management specialist from Mississauga, Miranda Bhaksh, founder of Community Climate Council and recently named one of the Top 30 Changemakers under 30. I was honoured to also be included on the list of guest presenters.
This past Thursday the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario submitted a joint application to the Federal Court to withdraw the federal environmental assessment for Highway 413. The withdrawal means that arguments about the legalities surrounding the Federal Impact Assessment Act will not be clarified by the courts. It also means there will be no opportunity for the court, (and thereby the public) to adjudicate the environmental impacts of building this highway.
“The federal government needs to urgently introduce legislation that updates the Impact Assessment Act and that re-designates the Highway 413 project under it. Revoking the designation before a new Impact Assessment Act is in place was irresponsible and unnecessary,” said Laura Bowman, Staff Lawyer, Ecojustice.