We are very fortunate to have several passionate community groups who are dedicated to enhancing and protecting the environment in Woolwich. The efforts of these community members are an integral part of advancing climate action across the entire Township. And we are very grateful for their continued effort! To learn more about these groups, visit:
Climate Action
Climate Action in Woolwich
Woolwich, like many communities around the globe, is witnessing the tangible effects of climate change, which are manifesting in various ways such as rising temperatures and more extreme weather events. These changes are not just statistics on a chart; they translate into real-world consequences that affect ecosystems, economies, and public health. However, the collective effort of individuals and communities can lead to meaningful progress. Simple actions, when multiplied across a community, can significantly reduce the overall carbon footprint. By choosing to support local businesses, sharing rides, and being mindful of consumption and waste, every person contributes to a larger movement towards sustainability. It's a powerful reminder that change often begins with the smallest of steps, and when these steps are taken together, they can lead to a greener, more sustainable future for all.
What have we already done?
- Declared a Climate Emergency
- Added Environment-focused Committees of Council (WEAC, TWEEC)
- Council endorsed the TransformWR Strategy, which commits us, along with the 7 other municipalities in Waterloo Region to reduce our collective GHG emissions 50% by 2030 and 80% by 2050
- Created an internal Green Team to help employees adopt more sustainable habits
- Installed electric vehicle charging stations in St. Jacobs and at the Woolwich Memorial Center (find those and other charging locations in Woolwich on PlugShare.
- Phasing out gas powered tools and replacing them with battery operated (electric) tools
- In 2022 the Township completed an audit of its facilities to determine deficiencies and plan for future GHG reductions.
- 2024 Heat pump installations include: Breslau Community Centre, Park Manor daycare facility, Woolwich Youth Soccer Office, Conestogo Community Centre, Heidelberg Community Centre, with more to come in 2025!
- Council endorsed the Elmira Green Infrastructure Report in 2018, which is a 20-year plan to "green" Elmira with a focus on utilizing "Green Infrastructure" to increase the canopy to cover in Elmira.
- Update and publish the Woolwich Township Energy Conservation and Demand Management (CDM) Plan every 5 years in accordance with the Electricity Act 1998.
- Annually report our corporate energy consumption and GHG emissions to Sustainable Waterloo Region and The Ministry of the Environment and Climate Action.
- 33,000 Trees and Counting
What are we working on?
- A detailed Climate Action Strategy which outlines how we will do our part to reach the TransformWR targets
- A detailed Climate Action Implementation Plan, which will outline when we will undertake specific projects, how much it will cost, and how much it will reduce our emissions
- Creating an annual GHG emissions inventory to track our progress towards meeting our targets
- Developing Green Building Standards for Waterloo Region to help guide decision making regarding future developments in Woolwich
- The Township of Woolwich has recently hired a Climate Action & Sustainability Coordinator, who is working across all departments to embed climate action into our plans and programs. In the coming months, we will be releasing some more information on upcoming projects and initiatives. Stay tuned!
Keep an eye on EngageWR for more information about climate action news, upcoming events, and community engagement opportunities!
New Recycling Program in Elmira
As part of our commitment to minimize our impact on the planet, the Township of Woolwich has launched a new recycling program at the Woolwich Memorial Centre in Elmira. The aim of this program is to divert as much waste from landfills as possible, and promote circularity within our community.
We have partnered with TerraCycle to create a simple and convenient way for residents to recycle their hard-to-recycle items. TerraCycle will then take those items and transform them into new products through their innovative recycling process. You can learn more about the process by visiting TerraCycle.
We are currently collecting the following items at the WMC:
- Writing instruments (pens, pencils, highlighters, etc.)
- McCafe Coffee Capsules and their packaging
- Air and home care products and their packaging
You can find more information on which items are accepted/not-accepted as part of this program on the signage posted above the recycling bins at the WMC.
For more information, email Anna Harrison.
Anna Harrison
Climate Action & Sustainability Coordinator
24 Church Street West
P.O. Box 158
Elmira ON, N3B 2Z6
519-514-6072
Email
Sign up to Woolwich News!
Stay up to date on Township activities, events, programs and operations by subscribing to News and Public Notices.