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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPUB-019-25Staff Report If this information is required in an alternate accessible format, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator at 905-623-3379 ext. 2131. Report To: General Government Committee Date of Meeting: December 1, 2025 Report Number: PUB-019-25 Authored by: Natalie Ratnasingam, Project Manager, Climate Response and Sustainability Submitted By: Mariano Perini, A/Deputy CAO, Public Services Reviewed By: Mary-Anne Dempster, CAO By-law Number: Resolution Number: File Number: Report Subject: Corporate Climate Action Plan, 2025 Update Recommendation: 1.That Report PUB-019-25, and any related delegations or communication items, be received for information. GG-188-25 Municipality of Clarington Page 2 Report PUB-019-25 Report Overview 1. Background Previous Decisions 1.1 On March 2, 2020, the Municipality of Clarington declared a climate emergency, highlighting its commitment to protecting the community and ecosystems from climate change by reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (Resolution: GG-083-20). 1.2 In March 2021, Council endorsed the Clarington Corporate Climate Action Plan (CCAP) (Resolution: C-085-21). The CCAP contains 116 actions to respond to the impacts of climate change and establishes corporate GHG emissions reductions targets. The CCAP sets a target of 35% reduction from baseline 2018 GHG emissions by 2030, and to achieve net-zero by 2050. 1.3 In December 2023, Council approved the Green Fleet and Equipment Policy (Resolution: C-159-23), replacing the Electric Vehicle Action Plan (EVAP) with a more flexible approach to fleet electrification. 2. CCAP Update 2025 Accomplishments 2.1 In collaboration with Clarington Library, Museums and Archives (CLMA), new e-waste collection bins have been installed at three locations: Bowmanville Library, Courtice Library and Newcastle Library. The bins will allow the community to more easily dispose of their end-of-life electronics in a safe and responsible way, expanding our waste diversion programs and promoting recycling. 2.2 In 2025, the Municipality installed 13 new EV charging stations including its first Level 3 fast charger at Diane Hamre Recreation Complex. These chargers were partly funded by Ontario’s EV ChargeON Program and Natural Resource Canada’s Zero Emissions Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP). 2.3 Staff attended the Durham Greener Buildings Evening of Recognition where several Broader Public Sector (BPS) organizations from across the Region are recognized for their achievements in energy efficiency, emissions reduction, and sustainability leadership. This year, the Municipality received the Leadership and Sustainability Impact Award for the sustainable features included in the design of the Clarington Operations Depot, Emergency Fire Station, and Training Facility (CODEFS). Municipality of Clarington Page 3 Report PUB-019-25 2.4 In November, staff presented the results of the GHG Reduction Pathway Feasibility Study to Council. Staff recommended that Pathway 1, the “minimum performance” scenario with a 20-year timeline, be approved as the preferred Pathway to reducing GHG emissions from corporate facilities. Staff will begin reviewing opportunities to implement the identified Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs) as feasible and continue to identify external funding opportunities to offset the cost to the Municipality. 2.5 The table below summarizes the work being done by staff to advance the actions identified in the CCAP. Action CCAP Action Number Status Municipality of Clarington Page 4 Report PUB-019-25 2026 Priorities 2.6 In June 2025, the Province passed Bill 17 (the Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act, 2025), introducing changes to various Acts, including the Planning Act, Building Code Act, and Development Charges Act, that impact how municipalities can implement green development standards. These amendments limit the Municipality’s ability to mandate certain sustainable design measures through planning approvals. As a result, Staff are making the necessary adjustments to the Green Development Framework’s scope, timeline, and implementation strategy to ensure alignment with the new provincial requirements. 2.7 Staff are working on Clarington’s first Community Climate Risk Assessment and Adaptation Plan. The project will identify climate risks and vulnerabilities specific to the Clarington community, set adaptation goals and objectives, develop actions, and create a strategy to monitor and report on progress. The Plan will meaningfully consider Reconciliation and DEI principles to ensure all residents have been represented and ensure equitable access to resources. 2.8 Staff are preparing a grant application to update the 2018 Urban Forestry Strategy. The funding would support a new tree inventory and canopy assessment which will inform canopy targets and a future urban forest management plan. 2.9 Staff will be working on an update to the CCAP. This will involve an updated GHG inventory, revised strategies to meet our targets, and a timeline for implementation of action items. The new Plan will provide the Municipality with a clear, actionable framework to anticipate and address the impacts of climate change and ensure we remain on track to meet our climate goals. 3. Financial Considerations 3.1 Projects related to the implementation of the CCAP will be funded by the Climate Change Professional Fees account, the capital/operating budget of the applicable department, and/or the Climate Action Plan/Climate Resilience Reserve Funds, as appropriate. 3.2 As grants become available, Staff will continue to prepare applications to offset costs where possible. In 2025, Staff have successfully applied for and received $205,000 to offset the cost of the Municipality’s sustainability initiatives. 4. Strategic Plan G.4.2. Be a leader is anticipating and addressing the impacts of climate change. Municipality of Clarington Page 5 Report PUB-019-25 5. Climate Change The work summarized in this report supports the Municipality’s work to reduce GHG emissions from corporate activities and to improve the overall climate resiliency of our community. 6. Concurrence Not Applicable. 7. Conclusion It is respectfully recommended that Council receive this report for information. Staff Contact: Natalie Ratnasingam, Project Manager, Climate Response and Sustainability, 905-623-3379 x. 2429 or nratnasingam@clarington.net. Attachments: Not Applicable Interested Parties: There are no interested parties to be notified of Council's decision.