Tammy Gaudun Gies
City/Township Council · Wilmot Ward 3
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, Require green infrastructure as part of development approvals (e.g. stormwater management, tree canopy, permeable surfaces), Prioritize measures that protect water, drainage, soil and agricultural land, recognizing that the environmental impacts of development can have long-term consequences for Wilmot’s farming community.
- 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 higher energy-efficiency standards for new municipal buildings and affordable housing, with the goal of reducing both greenhouse gas emissions and long-term operating costs. Where higher standards have an upfront cost, I would want decisions to be based on lifecycle costs and demonstrated energy savings rather than simply choosing the lowest construction price. Environmental improvements should be financially responsible and should not result in unreasonable costs being shifted onto existing residents and taxpayers.
Would you like to provide any additional context for your views on sustainability?candidate's own words
With significant growth being directed toward our communities, I believe sustainability needs to be part of how we decide what development belongs here and how it should happen. Future development should be planned with the long-term health of our farmland, groundwater, drainage systems and natural environment in mind, while also respecting the character and capacity of the communities that already exist. To me, sustainability also means being financially responsible. We should be making decisions that serve residents for decades, not creating infrastructure or environmental problems that future taxpayers will have to fix. Growth is coming, but we have an opportunity to make sure it is thoughtful, responsible and aligned with the community we want to leave to our children.