Rethinking Renfrew’s Climate Action Plan: Maggie Braun Urges Local Solutions
On January 15, 2025, Maggie Braun, representing KICLEI Canada and over 300 residents who signed a petition opposing Renfrew County's proposed Climate Action Plan, presented concerns to the Renfrew County Council. The presentation highlighted the financial, legal, and environmental challenges of adopting ICLEI’s five-milestone framework.
The primary objective was to urge the Council to pause and reconsider this costly, externally driven plan and instead explore practical, community-focused solutions that align with Renfrew County’s unique economic and environmental strengths.
Why This Matters
Council Responsibility: Under Ontario law, Council Members are accountable for making decisions that reflect the community’s best interests—not consultants or external organizations.
Voluntary Participation: Climate action plans are not legally required. Ontario municipalities have the freedom to pursue policies that best fit their communities.
High Costs: Implementing this plan could cost between $13.1 million and $191 million—an unsustainable burden for a rural county.
Local Alternatives: Renfrew County’s forests and farmland naturally absorb more carbon than the region emits. Investing in regenerative agriculture and conservation projects would be more effective and affordable.
Notable Attendance and Community Support
It was notable that MP Cheryl Gallant was in attendance—a Member of Parliament who did not support the Paris Agreement. Her presence underscored the importance of this discussion for Renfrew County and across the nation. The council chambers were filled with residents who respectfully supported the recommendations presented. This strong community turnout reflected the growing concern about the impacts of the proposed Climate Action Plan on municipal finances and local autonomy.
Council Takes Action
Following the presentation, Renfrew County Council requested a localized report, engaging staff and GIS departments to provide data for calculating the county’s actual emissions and carbon sequestration. This is a significant step toward developing solutions tailored to the local environment and serves as an example of how local advocates can assist councils in navigating the next steps forward.
Let’s Focus on Local Needs
Redirecting funds from costly climate programs to pressing local issues will better serve residents:
Housing
Energy Security
Economic Development
Public Safety
Government Accountability
Watch the Full Presentation
📺 Watch the full presentation and learn more about why Renfrew County should prioritize local solutions over global frameworks.
For more information, visit KICLEI.ca.
Maggie Braun
Founder, KICLEI Canada
info@kiclei.ca