Electric buses, Zambonis will help Oakville fight climate change

Oakville has adopted a concrete plan to help continue to be a leader in climate action.

The Town of Oakville is continuing its work to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, protect the community and town assets against extreme weather events, and plan for a greener future via the 2024 Climate Emergency Declaration Progress Report.

“Responding to the climate crisis is a shared priority of council, town staff and our residents,” said Mayor Rob Burton. “Council and I are excited about what has been accomplished to date, and for the initiatives underway and planned for Oakville.”

Key highlights of the report, which was received at this week’s council meeting, include:

• Introducing electric buses into Oakville Transit’s fleet
• Achieving Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Gold Certification at the Oakville Trafalgar Community Centre
• Completion of a district energy feasibility study for the Hospital District to look at innovative and environmentally sustainable ways of heating/cooling buildings
• Improving town alignment with the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures framework by 15 per cent, demonstrating the town’s commitment to being transparent and accountable on climate-related issues
• Simplifying zoning rules for rooftop solar panels and permit fees for green installations
• Increased focus on community education, promotion and outreach related to the town’s climate action initiatives, including the ‘Choose Electric Yard Tools’ over gas-powered alternatives campaign, and the launch of the interactive Climate Action Initiatives Map and Climate Action House
• Introducing electric ice resurfacers at town arenas and studies to identify low-carbon retrofit opportunities at community centres

Council also received two related reports. The 2024 Community Energy Strategy Implementation Update report relates to facilitating community partnerships to improve energy efficiency, reduce GHG emissions and enhance the local economy.

The Energy and Emissions of Town-Owned Buildings 5-Year Plan report relates to improving energy efficiency, the reduction and elimination of carbon dioxide emissions in new buildings and retrofits, and exploring cost-effective renewable energy.

Staff have been directed to provide annual updates on the progress of climate actions the town is undertaking as part of the climate emergency declared by council in 2019.

In 2022, Council adopted a net zero carbon target by 2050 for all town facilities and services.

You can view a copy of the 2024 Climate Emergency Declaration Progress Report on the town website.