WHEREAS climate change is currently responsible for billions of dollars in property damage worldwide through rising sea levels, poor air quality, intense wildfires, heat events, unpredictable droughts and heavy rains;
WHEREAS international science and research supports that massive reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the next decade is required to avoid devastating economic, societal, and environmental loss;
WHEREAS many cities that declared climate change a state of emergency, have established a goal of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 80% by 2050, as per The Paris Agreement;
WHEREAS the City of Brampton’s Community Energy and Emissions Reduction Plan is recommending to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 50% from 2016 levels by 2040, and to establish a pathway to reduce emissions by at least 80% by 2050;
WHEREAS on June 6, 2019 Brampton Council officially declared a Climate Emergency for the purpose of aiming, framing, and deepening the City of Brampton’s commitment to the protection of our ecosystems and community from climate change;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
1. That the staff presentation and report re: Brampton’s Community Energy and Emissions Reduction Plan (CEERP), to the Committee of Council Meeting of September 23, 2020, be received.
2. That the Community Energy and Emission Reduction Plan and its Priority Projects be endorsed by Council;
3. The City of Brampton commit staff resources and capital funding towards the immediate development and implementation of the Community Energy and Emissions Reduction Plan’s six priority projects, which include:
• Ensuring the City of Brampton policies and programs align with supporting the CEERP Objectives and Targets;
• Establishing a system to deliver standardized retrofits to Brampton homeowners;
• Updating the Transportation Master Plan (TMP) that prioritizes safer, healthier and more environmentally efficient movement of people which also reflects complete streets and the integrated nature of mobility and built form;
• Integrating District Energy Systems in appropriate locations within Brampton;
• Developing Integrated Energy Master Plans for public facilities and private development; and
• Establishing a community organization to lead the development and implementation of select priority projects.
4. That the following interim and total targets be approved:
a. to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 30% from 2016 levels by 2030;
b. to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 50% from 2016 levels by 2040, and
c. to establish a pathway to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by at least 80% by 2050; and
5. That staff be directed to update the Official Plan, as part of the Brampton 2040 Official Plan Review, to reflect the principles, goals, strategic directions and targets of the Community Energy and Emissions Reduction Plan; and,
6. That a copy of the City of Brampton’s Community Energy and Emissions Reduction Plan and approved targets be provided to the Region of Peel, City of Mississauga, Town of Caledon, Sheridan College, Federation of Canadian Municipalities, Association of Municipalities of Ontario, Ministry of the Environment, Conservation & Parks, Ministry Energy, Northern Development & Mines, TRCA, CVC, Peel District School Board, Dufferin Peel Catholic District School Board, and all local Brampton MPs and MPPs.
A recorded vote was requested and the motion carried unanimously, as follows: