Barbara Harrington
City/Township Council · Cambridge Ward 6
Back to candidatesClimate & Sustainability
How should municipalities and the Region incorporate climate and sustainability into policy, including development and infrastructure decisions?select up to 3 per part
A. Perspective on climate change
- Climate change is an urgent and defining crisis of our time; reducing greenhouse gas emissions should be a primary consideration across municipal decision-making
- Climate change needs action and local governments can contribute in a few areas, but this is an issue better addressed at provincial and federal levels, Our local and regional governments need to renew coordinated action towards implementing the Transform Waterloo Region strategy
B. Building and development standards
- Where possible, require or incentivize energy efficiency standards in new development, beyond current provincial minimums, Require green infrastructure as part of development approvals (e.g. stormwater management, tree canopy, permeable surfaces)
C. Infrastructure and capital planning
- Require climate risk and lifecycle cost analysis in major capital decisions
- Require climate change mitigation and adaptation impact assessments for large growth decisions (greenfield expansions, settlement boundary changes)
- Require an assessment of impacts on aquifer recharge
Describe one concrete policy, incentive, or decision you would prioritize to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Where possible, explain how it balances environmental goals with fiscal responsibility.candidate's own words
I know we've already transitioned part of our fleet to lower admission vehicles in Cambridge, but for a new municipal or affordable housing buildings why not have solar panels, geothermal heating there are a lot of different ways to help with the cost of affordable or supportive housing establishments to reduce their overhead costs. We could also retrofit some of the other municipal buildings or regional buildings to have solar energy.