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www.insideHALTON.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, June 29, 2012 · 8 Your Halton Connection July 2012 www.halton.ca Taking action on climate change by Regional Chair Gary Carr Halton Region is working hard to minimize the impacts of poor air quality and climate change. Requirements to address climate change are included in our Regional Official Plan, which will help us plan Sustainable Communities, manage change and the effects of growth on the region's social, economic and natural environment. These policies can be applied to land use decisions to help us create walkable and transit-friendly communities. If we work together, we can change attitudes towards public transit and active modes of transportation such as walking and cycling. Making small changes can reduce our combined impact on air quality and our climate. Did you know that about 30 per cent of car trips in Halton are less than five kilometres? Throughout Halton, there are many safe multi-use paths and some dedicated on-road bicycle lanes. Riding a bicycle for errands or commuting reduces the number of cars on our roads. Learn more at www.halton.ca/cycling and be sure to request a copy of Cycling in Halton, our cycling map. Halton Region is taking action to reduce our own fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Since 2002, we have been using a BioDiesel blend fuel for our fleets at all of our Halton fuelling locations. Through right sizing and down sizing fleet reviews, we have added four hybrid vehicles to our fleet. We've also replaced 17 six or eight-cylinder vehicles with more energy-efficient four cylinder engine vehicles. According to the province's Air Quality in Ontario 2010 Report, air quality has improved significantly over the past couple of years. This is in part owing to Ontario's air quality initiatives such as the phase-out of coal-fired generating stations and other provincial initiatives, along with a reduction in transboundary influences from pollutants emitted in other jurisdictions, (such as the United States), which account, on average, for about half of Ontario's smog. It is also because of the efforts of local government and businesses and the actions of residents who are now participating in car pools, riding bikes, walking or taking public transit to work or school, recycling, using energy efficient appliances and planting trees. Let's continue to work together to improve our air quality, slow climate change, and support a prosperous and sustainable future in Halton Region. Together we can ensure that Halton remains a great place to live, work, raise a family and retire. What is climate change? What causes climate change? What does climate change mean for Halton? What can we do today? Through Halton's air monitoring and modelling program, one of the first municipal programs in Ontario, we are increasing our understanding of how air quality varies across Halton, how different sources contribute and the impact of different policies and actions. Our air quality and health promotion program aims to educate and encourage action to protect health and improve air quality. I invite you to take a look at our website where you will find reports, educational materials and videos. We have also published two children's books, A Farewell to Featherwagons and Wings and Thingamajigs. Aimed at children ages four to eight and their parents, the books explain, through story, the health impacts associated with air quality and climate change, and suggest actions we can take to improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gases and protect health. Both books are available at local libraries and online (in several languages) at www.halton.ca/ featherwagons and www.halton.ca/thingamajigs. www.halton.ca/airquality Halton Region Meeting Schedule July 2 July 3, 9:30 a.m. July 4, 9:30 a.m. July 4, 1:30 p.m. July 9, 9:30 a.m. July 11, 9:30 a.m. www.halton.ca