Report on Climate and Sustainability Programs in the Region of Niagara
Total Annual Cost Range: $18.1 million - $62.8 million
Report on Climate and Sustainability Programs in the Region of Niagara
Overview
This report provides an overview of the Region of Niagara's climate and sustainability programs, initiatives, and partnerships. It is important to note that this report does not include programs and initiatives undertaken by individual municipalities within the Region of Niagara. Including these would significantly increase the cost estimates. Additionally, funding for these programs likely outweigh funding for the immediate needs of the community and urban crisis issues, potentially impacting resources available for essential services and urgent local concerns.
Programs and Initiatives
Energy Conservation and Demand Management Plan (2019-2023)
Objective: Reduce electricity use by 8% and natural gas use by 4.4% by 2023.
Estimated Cost: $500,000 - $2 million
Niagara Official Plan
Objective: Incorporate climate-related objectives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase resiliency.
Estimated Cost: $500,000 - $3 million
Niagara Falls Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades
Objective: Upgrade boilers to reduce carbon emissions by roughly 350 tonnes.
Estimated Cost: $500,000 - $2 million
Climate Change Summit and Partnerships
Objective: Form partnerships, share data, and take action on climate change and greenhouse gas emissions.
Estimated Cost: $50,000 - $200,000 annually
Corporate Climate Change Working Group
Objective: Develop and implement climate change projects, programs, policies, and initiatives.
Estimated Cost: $100,000 - $500,000 annually
Partners for Climate Protection Five-Step Milestone Framework
Objective: Reduce emissions and create a corporate greenhouse gas emission inventory.
Estimated Cost: $50,000 - $150,000 annually
Niagara Climate Change Action Network
Objective: Collaborate with local utilities, businesses, and institutions for climate action and sustainability.
Estimated Cost: $100,000 - $300,000 annually
Niagara Climate Change Municipal Community of Practice
Objective: Work on climate resilience, adaptation, and green infrastructure.
Estimated Cost: $100,000 - $500,000 annually
Green Municipal Fund (GMF) Projects
Objective: Support sustainability initiatives such as energy efficiency, waste reduction, and green infrastructure.
Estimated Cost: $50,000 to several million dollars, funded through federal grants and local investments.
Sustainable Transportation Strategy
Objective: Promote public transit, cycling, and walking to reduce vehicle emissions.
Estimated Cost: $500,000 - $5 million annually
Urban Forest Management Plan
Objective: Increase urban tree canopy, improve air quality, and enhance green spaces.
Estimated Cost: $100,000 - $1 million per year
Renewable Energy Projects
Objective: Develop solar, wind, and other renewable energy sources within the region.
Estimated Cost: $1 million - $10 million initial investment
Waste Diversion and Recycling Programs
Objective: Reduce landfill waste through comprehensive recycling and composting initiatives.
Estimated Cost: $500,000 - $3 million annually
Water Conservation and Management Initiatives
Objective: Promote efficient water use, protect water quality, and manage stormwater.
Estimated Cost: $200,000 - $2 million annually
Community Energy Planning
Objective: Develop local energy plans to reduce consumption and enhance energy security.
Estimated Cost: $100,000 - $500,000 annually
Climate Education and Outreach Programs
Objective: Increase public awareness and engagement in climate action.
Estimated Cost: $50,000 - $300,000 annually
Green Building Standards and Incentives
Objective: Promote energy-efficient building practices through incentives and regulations.
Estimated Cost: $100,000 - $1 million annually
Climate Emergency Declaration Initiatives
Objective: Develop policies and actions following the declaration of a climate emergency.
Estimated Cost: Variable, based on specific initiatives
Sustainable Housing Projects
Objective: Develop and promote sustainable housing solutions.
Estimated Cost: $1 million - $5 million annually
Biodiversity and Green Infrastructure Projects
Objective: Enhance local biodiversity and implement green infrastructure solutions.
Estimated Cost: $200,000 - $2 million annually
Certifications and Memberships
Canada Green Building Council (2022)
Objective: Promote sustainable and resilient building practices.
Estimated Cost: $5,000 - $20,000 annually
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certifications
Niagara Regional Police Service 1 Division Building (2021)
Objective: Achieve 40% less water use and 13.6% less energy use.
Estimated Cost: $50,000 - $200,000
Merrittville Emergency Medical Services Base (2017)
Objective: Achieve 30% less water use and 42% less energy use.
Estimated Cost: $50,000 - $200,000
Provincial Offences Court Facility (2017)
Objective: Achieve 40% less water use and 30% less energy use.
Estimated Cost: $50,000 - $200,000
Niagara Regional Housing Building (2015)
Objective: Achieve 30% less water use and 48% less energy use.
Estimated Cost: $50,000 - $200,000
Campbell East Building, Niagara Region Headquarters
Objective: Achieve 30% less water use and 32% less energy use.
Estimated Cost: $50,000 - $200,000
Partners for Climate Protection (2009)
Objective: Be part of a nationwide movement of municipalities for local climate action.
Estimated Cost: $5,000 - $15,000 annually
Partnerships and Collaborations
Niagara Adapts
Objective: Collaborate on climate adaptation strategies tailored to local needs.
Estimated Cost: $100,000 - $500,000 annually
Niagara College's Environmental and Horticultural Programs
Objective: Provide education and training in sustainable practices.
Estimated Cost: Variable, funded through tuition fees and grants
Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) Initiatives
Objective: Protect and manage natural resources.
Estimated Cost: Variable, funded through municipal contributions and grants
EcoSchools Canada Certification for Local Schools
Objective: Encourage schools to adopt sustainable practices.
Estimated Cost: $50,000 - $100,000 annually
Niagara Region Environmental Awards
Objective: Recognize and encourage environmental stewardship.
Estimated Cost: $10,000 - $50,000 annually
Local Business Sustainability Programs
Objective: Support businesses in adopting sustainable practices.
Estimated Cost: $50,000 - $200,000 annually
Corporate Feasibility Study (FCM-GMF)
Objective: Achieve 50% GHG reductions in recreational and cultural facilities within 10 years.
Estimated Cost: $200,000 - $500,000
Land Care Niagara
Objective: Foster sustainable land resource management.
Estimated Cost: $100,000 - $300,000 annually
Niagara Sustainability Initiative
Objective: Promote sustainability through partnerships, grants, and events.
Estimated Cost: $50,000 - $200,000 annually
Niagara Environmental Network
Objective: Connect and support local environmental organizations.
Estimated Cost: Variable, funded through grants and donations
Total Estimated Cost
Total Annual Cost Range: $18.1 million - $62.8 million (based on the high-end estimates for all programs and initiatives)
Reference Section
Niagara Region Energy Conservation and Demand Management Plan (2019-2023)
Niagara Official Plan
Niagara Falls Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade Plans
Climate Change Summit and Partnership Records
Corporate Climate Change Working Group Documents
Partners for Climate Protection Framework Documentation
Niagara Climate Change Action Network Information
Niagara Climate Change Municipal Community of Practice Reports
Canada Green Building Council Membership Details
LEED Certification Documentation
Niagara Adapts Collaboration Agreement
2024 Budget Allocation Reports
Niagara Sustainability Initiative Funding Reports
Land Care Niagara Program Descriptions
Corporate Feasibility Study Documentation
Niagara College Program Brochures
Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority Project Reports
EcoSchools Canada Certification Information
Niagara Region Environmental Awards Records
Local Business Sustainability Program Descriptions
Green Municipal Fund (GMF) Project Records
Sustainable Transportation Strategy Plans
Urban Forest Management Plan Documents
Renewable Energy Project Proposals
Waste Diversion and Recycling Program Reports
Water Conservation and Management Initiative Plans
Community Energy Planning Documents
Climate Education and Outreach Program Materials
Green Building Standards and Incentives Information
Climate Emergency Declaration Policy Records
Sustainable Housing Project Plans
Biodiversity and Green Infrastructure Project Reports
Niagara Environmental Network Directory
Disclaimer
This report is an independent assessment of the Region of Niagara's climate and sustainability programs. While every effort has been made to provide accurate and comprehensive information, we recommend that regional staff conduct a complete and detailed report to ensure all costs and initiatives are fully accounted for and up-to-date. Including programs and initiatives from individual municipalities within the Region of Niagara would significantly increase the cost estimates. Additionally, funding for these programs is likely to outweigh funding for the immediate needs of the community and urban crisis issues, potentially impacting resources available for essential services and urgent local concerns.
Including 2018 to 2023...in those 6 years, my Thorold Municipal Tax Bill increased by 100%.
That's an average of 16.6% per year...when the inflation rate for 4 of those years 2018 to 2021
was under 4%!! Most of the increased tax rate was in the Regional Gov't taxes!!
While citizens are expected to fork over millions, billions and eventually at least 4.5 TRILLION to the globalist "gods" of the climate, many experts challenge their seamless narrative:
"the Global Warming Policy Foundation (GWPF) has disputed claims of increasing climate disasters.
Organizations such as the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), and the International Red Cross (IFRC) have reported a rise in climate-related disasters. However, the GWPF has argued that these reports are misleading, suggesting that technological advancements since the 1970s have led to increased disaster reporting rather than an actual rise in disasters.
The new study by Italian scientists Gianluca Alimonti and Luigi Mariani in Environmental Hazards claimed a declining trend in the number of natural and climate-related disasters in the 21st century."