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Plan to TransformWR into a low carbon community going to councils starting May 31

By: Samantha Tremmel

May 27, 2021 – The TransformWR community climate action strategy will be brought to all 8 municipal councils beginning on May 31. TransformWR is our community’s plan to solve climate change while moving our community towards an equitable, prosperous, resilient, low carbon future. 

The plan is the work of ClimateActionWR, a collaborative program supported by local municipalities and led by non-profit organizations Reep Green Solutions and Sustainable Waterloo Region. It outlines a long term strategy to reduce our emissions by 80% by the year 2050, and the immediate steps we need to take to make it happen.

“We are so proud of the work that has been done here,” said Mary Jane Patterson, Executive Director of Reep Green Solutions. “This strategy and plan have brought together the vision given to us by the community, through an extensive consultation and outreach process, as well as the technical expertise of climate change experts. It is a strong, ambitious plan that can be immediately actioned by all parts of our community.”

TransformWR was developed in partnership with all 8 municipalities: The Cities of Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo, the Townships of North Dumfries, Wellesley, Wilmot, and Woolwich, and the Region of Waterloo. It was designed to be the guiding document that outlines the work that needs to be done by municipal governments, businesses, community organizations, and residents of Waterloo region. It outlines how we’ll need to reduce vehicle travel, switch to zero emission vehicles, transition businesses and homes off fossil fuels, shift toward a circular economy, and grow our local food system, all while increasing equity, prosperity, and resiliency for all.  

“What we heard from the community about what they want this future to look like takes our breath away,” said Tova Davidson, Executive Director of Sustainable Waterloo Region. “Waterloo region’s people and business community understand that what we are working towards is not just about the environment. A sustainable future means we are healthier, more connected, more prosperous, and have a brighter future for all citizens. That is why the plan integrates equity and justice into this transition to a low carbon future.” 

Beginning on May 31 and continuing through June 22, TransformWR will be brought to the eight municipal councils for its endorsement. The schedule is: 

“This is the last step before we move toward implementation, which will require collaboration and action from everyone across our community,” said Samantha Tremmel, ClimateActionWR Plan Manager. “We can absolutely solve climate change, by taking action right here in Waterloo region. And TransformWR shows how we’re going to do it.”

All eight municipalities in Waterloo Region endorsed the community’s target to reduce emissions by 80% by the year 2050. TransformWR is the strategy to achieve this target. 

About ClimateActionWR:

ClimateActionWR is a collaboration between local organizations, community members, and municipalities in Waterloo region, focused on climate change mitigation, led by Sustainable Waterloo Region and Reep Green Solutions. It coordinates the activities of our community’s climate action plans with a current greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction target of 80% GHG reduction by 2050.

About Reep Green Solutions:
Reep Green Solutions is an environmental charity based in the Waterloo Region committed to helping people live sustainably. Reep offers home energy, waste reduction, water conservation and healthy yards services.

About Sustainable Waterloo Region:

Sustainable Waterloo Region is an environmental non-profit organization that catalyzes transformation to sustainable systems of energy, mobility and buildings to build a cleaner, more diverse economy. The SWR network of organizations participate in our programs to achieve environmental and economic benefits. By building networks, setting a common direction for results, and publicly reporting on progress, we are working to maximize both the individual and collective successes of organizations in Waterloo region.