Q7: The Town of Caledon has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions       from their operations and to helping members of community do the same. What is your vision for a community energy plan?

Regional Council Candidates:

Donna Cragg

"Build on the Green Community reputation, have a staff that is expert on alternative sources of heating and energy such as ground source, wind and solar and strive to become the municipality that uses the lowest amount of fossil fuels of any municipality in Canada."

"Assist business, industry and homeowners with programs that have a solid cost benefit analysis over time.  Reduce/reuse and recycle  - develop communities that support walking and biking as alternative forms of transportation.  Integrate services so that residents don't have to drive everywhere. Strive to become a leader by identifying areas to be as knowledgeable, "green friendly" and encouraging as possible in waste management alternatives, fuel alternatives and energy choices.  Work with Community Groups to develop new programs that are aimed at furthering this goal."

Dave Tatla

No reply.

Allan Thompson

"Society has made significant changes in their thinking and consciousness level and I think that as a collective community we are on the right track.  One project that I believe is doable and would provide the benefits that we are seeking would be to start re-introducing tree lines along our roadsides.  Trees are proven to be one of the most effective ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and I believe that with partnerships, this could be doable.  There are various government programs that making funding sources available to environmental initiatives and we should investigate what funding opportunities are available and seek out partners to help action this plan.  Much of the land within the Town of Caledon has been recently designated under the provincial government’s Greenbelt legislation and the provincial government, through the Greenbelt Foundation, have committed funds to help strengthen the greenbelt.  Funds may be available from that source.  With buy in from our community and in partnership with other funding sources, I think this would be a positive, proactive community project that would have long-term environmental benefits for our community."

Area Council Candidates:

Gord McClure

No reply

Stephen Townsend

"I must admit this is an area I have spent a lot of time thinking about and worrying over.  Given the world continues in the name of progress, I think we have an obligation to leave the world for the next generation in at least a better state than we inherited it.  So, my community energy plan would include the following.

"Caledon must develop a greenhouse gas emissions policy / strategy.  Going to Bullfrog Power was an excellent first step, but what is Caledon’s overall strategy and how will Caledon know it is on plan and meeting its goals?  Areas of possible inclusion in the strategy are:

a)     Town of Caledon operational initiatives – identify areas where the Town itself could revise its operations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

b)     Caledon smart planning – consideration given to impact on environment, transportation planned wisely to accommodate traffic volume and create desired traffic patterns, thereby reducing traffic jams – idling vehicles, the impact of future development will be in support of reduced greenhouse gas emissions."