Stephanie Goertz
City/Township Council · Wilmot
Back to candidatesClimate & Sustainability
- Climate change is an urgent and defining crisis of our time; reducing greenhouse gas emissions should be a primary consideration across municipal decision-making
- Commitments passed by previous councils, like the 50x30 pledge or declarations of climate emergencies, should guide current council decision making, Our local and regional governments need to renew coordinated action towards implementing the Transform Waterloo Region strategy
- Where possible, require or incentivize energy efficiency standards in new development, beyond current provincial minimums, Create financial incentives for low-carbon construction (e.g. development charge reductions, expedited approvals, density bonuses), Require green infrastructure as part of development approvals (e.g. stormwater management, tree canopy, permeable surfaces)
- 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 would prioritize implementing the High-Performance Development Initiatives proposed in Wilmot’s Community Official Plan. These would establish energy-performance measures for new developments going through site-plan and subdivision approval, using a tiered approach with mandatory and voluntary standards. We would not offer a financial incentive to do this but instead, where legally permitted, support planning flexibility for developments such as setbacks, lot coverage, parking, and landscaping requirements. As well, as priority processing and flexibility in design requirements. Developers have already been receiving many of these approvals without the requirements.
Would you like to provide any additional context for your views on sustainability?candidate's own words
My experience and views of sustainability come from over 10 years volunteering on the boards or organizing committees for 50by30WR, Food Systems Roundtable of Waterloo Region, Nith Valley Ecoboosters, Let's Tree Wilmot, Citizens for Safe Groundwater, Wilmot Horticultural Society, Gravel Watch Ontario, and Greens WR. As well as volunteering with Climate Caucus, Climate Interactive, and Faith Climate Justice. For me, sustainability is not a separate environmental issue.