The Town of Milton Lays Out Climate Action Plan into 2024
The town of Milton, Ontario, proclaimed a climate emergency in 2019. As a result, the introduction of climate change work plans has become an annual task.
For 2023, the town’s committee and council believe they’re on the right track and will continue building on previous accomplishments, such as sustainable
Milton neighbourhoods, walkable communities, and more.
Read on to learn what the action plan will focus on and how it will help meet the aggressive national and global targets of net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050.
Urban Design, Planning, and Projects
Milton’s director of urban design and planning policy, David Twigg, says they apply a climate and sustainability lens to all projects and plans before approval. In doing this, the town can ensure that:
- Community members can make climate-responsible choices in accordance with the way the design intends
- The main goal continues to be climate mitigation, climate resiliency, climate adaptation, and sustainability
Walkable Communities are Important for Real Estate
Health officials started advocating for walkable communities in southern Ontario in the early 2000s. Milton has had great success with its urban designs and continues to incorporate walkable neighbourhoods in their plans, creating easy access to amenities. Encouraging people to use alternate modes of transportation like cycling or walking is not only a healthy choice but a wise investment that increases property values by reducing:
- Noise levels
- Traffic
- Speeds
- Accidents
- Pollution
- Greenhouse gases
The action plan aims to have more sustainable communities that decrease the adverse environmental impact. Twigg said they are working on establishing a transit-oriented Milton community with the GO station being the focal point.
Expect construction of approximately 4,000 new homes immediately surrounding the GO station with walkable, complete communities, positively impacting
Milton’s property values and more accessibility for residents.
Carbon Sequestration and Biodiversity Conservation
An essential feature of the climate action plan is the introduction of new natural flow channels which will stream across the landscape along with more wetland habitats. This strategy creates biodiversity conservation opportunities and reduces and sequesters carbon emissions all at the same time.
Renewable Energy and Electrification
The introduction of a pilot program to convert mid-life buses from diesel to electric (a first for Canada) is in the works for early 2024, as well as developing an electrification strategy for the remaining fleet over the next 15 years.
The Climate Action Plan also discusses implementing an urban forestry management strategy with tree planting programs involving the community, refreshing the plans on renewable energy for public and corporate applications, and the neighbourhood’s involvement with community-based activities and partnerships.
Milton’s Accomplishments and Ongoing Efforts
The town of Milton already has some significant accomplishments and ongoing efforts to boast about:
- The Sherwood Community Centre’s solar panel installation is up and running and can produce enough electricity to run the entire building.
- Seven of the eight ice pads in Milton operate with renewable energy.
- The expansion of the community garden in Sunny Mount Park.
- Community tree planting efforts are now up to 1,657 trees thanks to partnerships with local groups, like Sustainable Milton, community events throughout Milton neighbourhoods, and the town’s annual tree planting program.
Recommendations From Sustainable Milton
Wendy Roberts is the Vice-Chair of Sustainable Milton, and she, among others, is convinced that there is still more we can do. Here’s what they recommend:
- Setting ambitious GHG reduction targets
- Transparent use of the sustainability lens with proof of its efficacy
- Hiring a climate change sustainability manager in 2023
- Ensuring funding availability to establish a community education campaign and engagement strategy
- Offering ongoing programs teaching residents how to reduce greenhouse gas as a community member
Everyone must do their part for Ontario, and all of Canada, to reach its net-zero target by 2050. And Milton is well on its way to achieving this goal. As we put our processes in place and people adjust to a better, healthier lifestyle, this goal only becomes easier to accomplish.
Looking For a Great Place to Live? Let’s Chat
The new 2023 action plan encourages the development of efficient neighbourhoods in Milton to optimize the land and resources, leading to less adverse environmental impact and more sustainable communities. More and more people are moving to Milton for the many benefits it offers, and now, we have even more to love:
- Less traffic
- Less noise
- Less pollution
- Improved health
- More greenspace and nature
- Higher property values
Finding “the one” has never been easier. Contact Flowers Team Real Estate — voted Milton’s favourite real estate team for the last nine years in a row. We have the talent, expertise, and commitment to get you the desired results and unforgettable home-buying experience you deserve.
Flowers Team News
