County of Peterborough: Transition of Sustainability Portfolio
Report: Support for the Transition of Sustainability Portfolio, Withdrawal from FCM ICLEI Partners for Climate Protection Program, and Direction for Consultant Engagement
Report: Support for the Transition of Sustainability Portfolio, Withdrawal from FCM ICLEI Partners for Climate Protection Program, and Direction for Consultant Engagement
Author: Margaret Hope Braun
Community Advocate for Local Sustainability
KICLEI Canada
Date: September 16, 2024
1. Introduction
This report provides comprehensive support for the recommendations outlined in the staff report titled "Transition of Sustainability Portfolio from PKED," authored by Sheridan Graham, CAO/Deputy Clerk/Deputy Treasurer. It further recommends the County’s withdrawal from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and ICLEI's Partners for Climate Protection (PCP) program, based on significant concerns identified in the "Recommendation to Withdraw for the FCM-ICLEI Partners for Climate Protection (PCP) Program" report by Margaret Hope Braun. Additionally, the report highlights the need to prioritize addressing nationwide crises—such as homelessness, housing affordability, mental health, drug addiction, and overall affordability—over long-term climate action plans. The report also draws attention to the potential conflicts of interest arising from ICLEI's funding sources, as detailed in the "ICLEI Funding Sources and Potential Conflicts of Interest" report, and sets forth guidelines for the consultant who will be engaged to update the County’s Sustainability Plans, ensuring a focus on local priorities, fiscal responsibility, and protection of other critical municipal objectives.
2. Background on the Partners for Climate Protection (PCP) Program
The Partners for Climate Protection (PCP) program is a key initiative within the United Nations framework aimed at addressing climate change at the municipal level in Canada. Administered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and funded by ICLEI Canada and the Government of Canada, the PCP program has been adopted by over 528 municipalities, impacting approximately 70% of Canadians.
Five Milestones of the PCP Program:
The PCP program guides municipalities through five milestones designed to address climate change:
Detailed Analysis of Energy Consumption and Waste: Municipalities must measure energy consumption across all sectors, including municipal lighting, water and wastewater facilities, and various fleet vehicles. Detailed audits are also required for waste management, including categorizing waste materials and calculating methane potential from landfills.
Setting Reduction Targets: Municipalities set reduction targets, often aiming to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
Developing and Implementing Local Action Plans: These plans typically involve purchasing electric vehicles, conducting energy audits, adopting green building standards, staff training, exploring renewable energy options, and more.
Repeating the Data Collection Process: This ongoing process involves continuous data collection and monitoring, often leading to climate emergency declarations to justify further expenditures.
Endorsing and Revising the Action Plan: As new data is collected, the action plan is revisited and revised, creating a cyclical process that can pressure councils to adopt costly green technologies and policies without thorough scrutiny.
Data Collection Requirements:
Municipal Sector: Includes detailed energy usage and emissions reporting for municipal properties, vehicles, and infrastructure.
Community Sector: Involves tracking emissions and energy consumption for residential, institutional, commercial, and industrial buildings, as well as transportation and public lighting.
The comprehensive nature of this data collection can create a significant administrative burden and introduce concerns about privacy, data security, and the potential for external influence over local governance.
3. Background on Regional Involvement in the PCP Program
The City of Peterborough joined the FCM ICLEI Partners for Climate Protection (PCP) program in December 2000, followed by the County of Peterborough and its eight townships in 2014 and 2015. The PCP program was initially adopted to align local climate action with broader national and international goals. However, as the County transitions its sustainability responsibilities from Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development (PKED) to in-house management, it is essential to reassess our continued participation in the PCP program to ensure alignment with local priorities and the unique needs of our communities.
4. Key Concerns with the PCP Program
The "Recommendation to Withdraw for the FCM-ICLEI Partners for Climate Protection (PCP) Program" report by Margaret Hope Braun outlines several key concerns with the PCP program, which are critical to consider as we evaluate our continued participation:
Geographic and Environmental Context: The PCP program's focus on CO₂ reduction does not fully account for the unique geographic and climatic challenges faced by Canadian municipalities, particularly those in cold, rural areas like ours. Policies that are impractical for our climate and geography may not address the most pressing environmental issues faced by our community.
Energy Security: The PCP program's push towards net-zero emissions and renewable energy may compromise the reliability and affordability of energy supplies in rural areas. Ensuring stable and diverse energy sources is crucial for economic stability and community well-being in our region.
Privacy and Data Security: The extensive data collection required by the PCP program infringes on the privacy of residents and staff, who may be unaware that their daily energy and waste habits are being meticulously recorded. Data managed by third-party companies like ICLEI raises concerns about data security and potential misuse, including risks of data breaches or exploitation for commercial purposes.
Financial Concerns: The PCP program's milestones often involve costly measures such as purchasing electric vehicles, conducting energy audits, and adopting green building standards. These requirements can place a significant financial burden on municipalities, adding a third level of taxation on residents and straining municipal budgets.
Governance and Autonomy: The PCP program represents a shift in the FCM’s mandate from local to international representation, introducing federal and international influences that may undermine local autonomy. The program's reliance on external guidelines, coupled with binding reduction targets, may erode democratic principles and limit the ability of local councils to respond flexibly to changing community needs.
Impact on Housing Affordability: High-cost mandates and green building standards can increase construction costs and delay development approval processes, exacerbating the housing crisis by making housing less affordable and accessible. Notably, only 0.2% of the Housing Accelerator Fund is being directed to rural municipalities, with the remainder going to urban areas for high-density housing, further disadvantaging rural communities.
Urban and Rural Dynamics: The PCP program’s urban-centric solutions do not adequately address the unique environmental and economic challenges faced by rural municipalities. Policies that reduce the tax base and services in smaller communities can fail to support holistic rural development, undermining community stability and economic vitality.
5. ICLEI Funding Sources and Potential Conflicts of Interest
As detailed in the "ICLEI Funding Sources and Potential Conflicts of Interest" report, the PCP program is funded by ICLEI, which receives financial support from major corporations such as Google, BlackRock, Vanguard, and Fidelity. These entities are deeply involved in large-scale land acquisition and investment practices that may not align with the interests of local communities. The influence of these corporations raises several concerns:
Corporate Interests in Policy Direction: The involvement of corporations like Google, BlackRock, Vanguard, and Fidelity in funding ICLEI introduces the risk of private sector interests influencing local government policies. These companies have substantial investments in data, technology, land acquisition, and sustainability sectors, which may lead to decisions that favor corporate interests over the unique needs of local communities.
Impact on Housing Market and Affordability: Investment firms like BlackRock and Vanguard are heavily involved in real estate, including multifamily housing and apartment complexes. This concentration of property ownership can drive up housing prices, making it more challenging for average individuals to afford homes. The focus on rental properties over homeownership can alter housing market dynamics, reducing opportunities for families to build equity through property ownership.
Market Influence and Competition: The extensive capital available to firms like BlackRock and Vanguard allows them to make substantial real estate investments, often outbidding individual buyers. This competitive edge can drive up property prices and limit the availability of affordable housing. Their investments shape market trends and policy decisions, potentially prioritizing profits over community needs.
Privacy and Data Concerns: Participation in programs like the PCP involves sharing extensive local data with ICLEI, which may then be accessible to corporate partners. This raises privacy concerns about how data is used and who has access to it. Local governments and residents might find their data utilized for profit-driven purposes that do not align with their interests or benefit their communities.
6. Nationwide Crisis and the Need for Reprioritization
In addition to the concerns listed above, the "Concerns Regarding UBCM’s Climate Action Priorities" report by Maggie Braun highlights the pressing nationwide crises that currently strain municipal resources. These crises include:
Homelessness: Many municipalities are struggling with the fallout from inadequate provincial support to address homelessness. This has resulted in significant financial burdens on local governments, as well as increased strain on sanitation, security, and emergency services.
Housing Affordability: Rising housing costs, coupled with mandates to increase housing supply, are straining municipal resources and infrastructure. Only 0.2% of the Housing Accelerator Fund is being directed to rural municipalities, with the remainder going to urban areas for high-density housing, further disadvantaging rural communities and exacerbating the housing crisis.
Mental Health: The mental health crisis is placing additional strain on municipal resources as local governments attempt to provide adequate support and services. The need for more mental health resources and crisis intervention services is urgent and cannot be deferred.
Drug Addiction: The ongoing opioid crisis and other substance abuse issues continue to stretch municipal resources thin, necessitating increased emergency services and community health interventions.
Overall Affordability: The combined impact of these crises is leading to a general decline in affordability for residents, further compounded by increased property taxes. The financial burden on residents may lead to a further strain on municipal budgets.
Given these immediate challenges, it is recommended that the County prioritize addressing these critical issues over long-term climate action plans. Resources currently allocated to the PCP program should be redirected to more pressing community needs, ensuring that the County can effectively address homelessness, housing affordability, mental health, drug addiction, and overall affordability.
7. Support for the Transition of the Sustainability Portfolio
The transition of the sustainability portfolio from PKED to the County presents a strategic opportunity to localize and refine our sustainability efforts. This shift will enable the County to:
Enhance Local Control and Relevance: By managing sustainability initiatives in-house, the County can tailor strategies to the specific needs of local communities, including Townships and First Nations, ensuring greater flexibility and responsiveness to local environmental challenges.
Focus on Practical, Local Sustainability Efforts: Reallocating the $40,000 budget toward updating Sustainability Plans demonstrates a commitment to revising and enhancing local strategies. These updated plans will address current needs and priorities, making them more actionable and relevant to County residents.
Offer Consulting Aid: In support of the consultant's efforts, I offer to assist on a pro bono basis, ensuring that the transition is both cost-effective and aligned with the County’s strategic objectives.
Maintain Fiscal Responsibility: Reallocating existing funds in a manner that supports sustainability without additional financial strain demonstrates a commitment to prudent financial management. This approach aligns with the County’s broader strategic objectives.
8. Proposal to Withdraw from FCM ICLEI Partners for Climate Protection Program
In light of the concerns outlined in the KICLEI Report, the ICLEI funding concerns, and the immediate crises highlighted in the UBCM report, it is recommended that the County withdraw from the FCM ICLEI PCP program. The rationale for this withdrawal includes:
Local Autonomy and Prioritization: The PCP program’s alignment with international agendas may not fully align with the specific needs of our rural and semi-urban communities. Withdrawing from the PCP program allows the County to focus on sustainability initiatives that are directly relevant and responsive to local conditions, ensuring that our efforts are aligned with the unique needs and values of our residents.
Emphasis on Practical Measures: The County’s sustainability strategy should prioritize reallocating resources to address pressing needs and implement practical, community-based environmental.
Commitment to Addressing Immediate Crises: The County should prioritize resolving critical issues such as homelessness, housing affordability, mental health, drug addiction, and overall affordability. Resources currently allocated to the PCP data collection program should be redirected to practical environmental stewardship initiatives and these pressing needs, ensuring that the County can effectively address the challenges facing our residents.
9. Direction for Consultant Engagement
To ensure that the County's sustainability initiatives are effective and aligned with local priorities, the consultant engaged to update the Sustainability Plans should adhere to the following guidelines:
9.1 Addressing Pressing Environmental Concerns through Practical Community Efforts
The consultant should prioritize practical environmental efforts that empower residents and communities to actively participate in local sustainability projects. These initiatives should focus on enhancing the quality of life, preserving local resources, and promoting community engagement, all without requiring massive data collection programs. Suggested projects include:
Community-Led Tree Planting and Green Spaces Development: Encourage residents to participate in tree planting events, create community gardens, and develop local parks. These initiatives improve air quality, enhance green spaces, and provide recreational areas for families.
Local Water Conservation Initiatives: Promote the adoption of rain barrels, xeriscaping (landscaping that reduces or eliminates the need for irrigation), and other water-saving techniques. Organize community workshops to educate residents on sustainable water usage practices that protect local water.
Pollinator Habitat Restoration: Engage residents in creating and maintaining pollinator-friendly habitats, such as flower gardens and bee hotels. These projects support local biodiversity and can be integrated into private gardens, schoolyards, and public spaces.
Waste Reduction and Recycling Programs: Implement community-driven waste reduction initiatives, including composting programs, recycling drives, and educational campaigns. Encourage residents to reduce single-use plastics and participate in local cleanup efforts, all of which can be effectively managed without collecting extensive personal data.
Energy Efficiency Workshops: Host workshops that educate homeowners on energy-saving practices, such as weatherproofing and energy-efficient lighting. Provide resources for residents to implement these changes in their homes, reducing energy consumption without the need for large-scale data collection or monitoring.
Local Food Production and Farmers’ Markets: Support the development of community gardens, urban agriculture, and farmers’ markets that provide fresh, local produce. These initiatives promote food security, reduce energy used for food transportation, and strengthen the local economy.
Community-Based Wildlife Conservation Projects: Engage residents in protecting local wildlife through citizen science projects, habitat restoration efforts, and educational programs.
Sustainable Transportation Options: Promote carpooling, bike-sharing programs, and the development of safe walking and biking paths that residents can choose to use voluntarily. However, given the rural context, it is acknowledged that reducing dependence on private vehicle use is not practical; instead, these options should serve as complementary transportation choices.
By focusing on these community-based projects, the County can foster environmental stewardship and sustainability in a way that respects individual rights and avoids restrictive policies on the use of land, water, and resources. Importantly, these initiatives can be implemented effectively without the need for massive data collection programs, ensuring privacy and reducing administrative burdens. These efforts empower residents to take an active role in preserving the local environment and contribute to a shared sense of community responsibility.
9.2 Surveying Residents to Identify Concerns and Priorities
The consultant should conduct a comprehensive survey of County residents to:
Identify key environmental concerns and priorities.
Gauge the importance of environmental issues relative to other municipal priorities.
Collect feedback on the effectiveness of current initiatives and gather suggestions for improvement.
This survey will guide the development of a Sustainability Plan that accurately reflects the community's needs and values, ensuring that the plan is both relevant and supported by the public.
9.3 Balancing Environmental Initiatives with Other Municipal Priorities
The County has several strategic priorities that must be balanced with sustainability initiatives. These priorities include:
Economic Development: Supporting local businesses, attracting investment, and creating jobs.
Infrastructure Maintenance: Ensuring that roads, bridges, and public facilities are safe and well-maintained.
Public Safety: Providing effective emergency services and maintaining public order.
Health and Social Services: Supporting healthcare, senior services, and community welfare programs.
Education and Recreation: Maintaining quality educational programs and recreational facilities.
Affordable Housing: Addressing housing needs and supporting community development.
The consultant must ensure that sustainability initiatives do not divert resources from these essential areas, nor exacerbate the host of crisis currently facing this generation and that any proposed actions are integrated with the County’s broader strategic goals.
9.4 Ensuring Fiscal Responsibility
The consultant should:
Provide a detailed cost-benefit analysis for each recommendation, emphasizing initiatives that offer high returns on investment.
Explore opportunities for leveraging existing resources, grants, and partnerships to fund sustainability efforts without additional strain on the County’s budget.
Recommend funding strategies that protect the County’s financial health, ensuring that sustainability initiatives are fiscally sustainable and do not compromise funding for other priorities.
9.5 Avoiding External Influence and Protecting Local Autonomy
The consultant should avoid collaboration with organizations like ICLEI or others that may have global agendas not fully aligned with the County’s needs. Land use decisions and future expenditures should be determined by the County, based on local data and community input, rather than being influenced by external organizations or global objectives that may not reflect local priorities.
10. Acknowledgment of Sustainable Peterborough’s Contributions
As the County transitions its sustainability responsibilities, it is important to formally recognize the significant contributions of Sustainable Peterborough (SP) and its stakeholders. A letter of thanks should be sent to all organizations and individuals involved with SP, acknowledging their dedication to advancing sustainability in the region.
11. Conclusion
The recommendations to transition the sustainability portfolio in-house, withdraw from the FCM ICLEI Partners for Climate Protection program, and provide clear direction for consultant engagement represent a strategic shift towards locally-driven sustainability efforts. By prioritizing local needs, fiscal responsibility, and practical environmental protection, the County can ensure that its sustainability initiatives are both effective and aligned with the values of its residents.
12. Recommendations:
That Report CAO 2024-19 "Transition of Sustainability Portfolio from PKED" be supported and adopted as presented.
That the County communicate its decision to withdraw from the FCM ICLEI Partners for Climate Protection program and redirect efforts towards local sustainability priorities.
That a consultant be engaged with clear instructions to:
Prioritize addressing pressing local environmental concerns.
Conduct a community survey to identify environmental concerns and their importance relative to other municipal priorities.
Balance sustainability initiatives with other critical municipal priorities, including economic development, infrastructure, public safety, health services, education, and affordable housing.
Provide a thorough financial analysis to ensure fiscal responsibility and sustainable funding strategies.
Avoid collaboration with ICLEI or similar entities, maintaining local control over land use and future expenditures.
That the County authorize the consultant to collaborate with Margaret Hope Braun ensuring alignment of the County’s Sustainability Plan with the County's strategic objectives.
That a letter be sent to all organizations and individuals involved with Sustainable Peterborough, thanking them for their contributions to advancing sustainability in the region.
Margaret Hope Braun
Community Advocate for Local Sustainability
KICLEI Canada
Resolution for the County of Peterborough Council
Resolution No.: [Insert Number]
Date: [Insert Date]
Subject: Acceptance of the Delegation and Report on the Transition of Sustainability Portfolio, Withdrawal from FCM ICLEI Partners for Climate Protection Program, and Consultant Engagement
Moved by: [Insert Name]
Seconded by: [Insert Name]
WHEREAS the County of Peterborough has reviewed the "Report on the Transition of Sustainability Portfolio, Withdrawal from FCM ICLEI Partners for Climate Protection Program, and Consultant Engagement" as presented; and
WHEREAS the County of Peterborough recognizes the need to prioritize local sustainability efforts that align with the unique needs and values of our communities, while addressing pressing issues such as homelessness, housing affordability, mental health, drug addiction, and overall affordability; and
WHEREAS the County of Peterborough values local autonomy, fiscal responsibility, and community-driven environmental initiatives that do not require extensive data collection or restrictive policies on land, water, and resource use.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
The County of Peterborough formally accepts the delegation and report as presented.
The County of Peterborough Council adopts the recommendations outlined in the report, including the withdrawal from the FCM ICLEI Partners for Climate Protection program and the redirection of efforts towards locally-driven sustainability initiatives.
The County of Peterborough directs the CAO and staff to communicate the decision to withdraw from the FCM ICLEI Partners for Climate Protection program to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and ICLEI Canada.
The County of Peterborough authorizes the engagement of a consultant to update the County’s Sustainability Plans following the guidelines provided in the report, ensuring that all initiatives align with the County’s strategic priorities and fiscal responsibilities.
The County of Peterborough encourage the consultant to engage with Margaret Hope Braun to support the alignment of the County’s Sustainability Plan with the County's strategic objectives.
The County of Peterborough expresses gratitude to Sustainable Peterborough and its stakeholders for their contributions and will issue letters of thanks to all involved parties.
Certified a true copy of Resolution No. [Insert Number] passed by the Council of the County of Peterborough at its regular meeting held on [Insert Date].
Municipal Clerk
Mayor/Warden
References
Braun, M. H. (2024). Recommendation to Withdraw from the FCM-ICLEI Partners for Climate Protection (PCP) Program. Prepared for Canadian Municipal Councils. [KICLEI Canada]. Available at: https://kiclei.substack.com/p/recommendation-to-withdraw-from-the
Braun, M. H. (2024). Concerns Regarding UBCM’s Climate Action Priorities. Prepared for Union of B.C. Municipalities, municipal and provincial representatives, and candidates. [KICLEI Canada]. Available at https://kiclei.substack.com/p/open-letter-and-report-concerns-regarding
Braun, M. H. (2024). ICLEI Funding Sources and Potential Conflicts of Interest. Prepared for Canadian Municipal Councils. [KICLEI Canada]. Available at: https://kiclei.substack.com/p/iclei-funding-sources-and-potential
Graham, S. (2024). Transition of Sustainability Portfolio from PKED. Staff Report for the County of Peterborough. Available at: https://peterboroughcounty.civicweb.net/FileStorage/786E296600D345C8A238C872167D7545-2024-09-18%20CAO%202024-19%20Transition%20of%20Sustainabilit.pdf
Finally, a town council with sanity in an insane carbon-freaked tyrannical world. Yes, we can steward the.planet Without trampling ourselves into communism for the corrupt with their money and power ttip.