Climate Action

Climate change is a critical global problem that requires urgent action.

In just one generation, we’ve seen the effects of climate change in Grey County through increased flooding, extreme heat, snowstorms and other severe weather events. Our community is projected to grow to nearly 125,000 residents by 2046 – more people means more emissions-producing actions and the potential for increasing climate change impacts.

Climate change report cover showing an aerial shot of the beaver valley in full fall colours

Going Green in Grey

Grey County has declared a climate emergency and adopted Going Green in Grey: Climate Change Action Plan 2022-2050.

Full Climate Change Action Plan

The Climate Change Action Plan addresses the activities in our community that contribute to climate change as well as focusing on sustainability concerns more generally, and the co-benefits to our community that will be realized through transitioning Grey County into a low-carbon future.

Going Green in Grey includes 21 community actions across seven themes; Nature-based Solutions & Agriculture, Waste, Transportation, Buildings & Development, Energy, Climate Adaptation and Outreach & Engagement.

Grey County Greenhouse Gas Reduction Targets
Year	Community Target	Corporate Target
2026	15%	20%
2030	30%	40%
2035	50%	55%
2040	60%	70%
2045	75%	Net-Zero
2050	Net-Zero

Public Engagement

Going Green in Grey was developed in consultation with stakeholders from a variety of sectors as well as the general public. Hundreds of residents and stakeholders shared their time, ideas and expertise. Grey County would like to gratefully acknowledge everyone who participated in its development. The Plan’s development was guided by the Climate Change Taskforce, supported by internal and external working groups, and informed by the Local Municipal Climate Change Community of Practice.

All feedback was summarized and analyzed into a ‘What We Heard’ report. It was presented to the Climate Change Taskforce in December 2021. Minutes and materials are available here.

Many Benefits of a Climate Change Action Plan

Going Green in Grey was developed in consultation with stakeholders from a variety of sectors as well as the general public. Hundreds of residents and stakeholders shared their time, ideas and expertise. Grey County would like to gratefully acknowledge everyone who participated in its development. The Plan’s development was guided by the Climate Change Taskforce, supported by internal and external working groups, and informed by the Local Municipal Climate Change Community of Practice.

All feedback was summarized and analyzed into a ‘What We Heard’ report. It was presented to the Climate Change Taskforce in December 2021. Minutes and materials are available here.

The Process

The planning process follows the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and ICLEI Canada’s Partners for Climate Protection five-milestone framework.

Milestone 1 – Create a baseline emissions inventory and forecast.

Milestone 2 – Set emissions reductions targets.

Milestone 3 – Develop and local action plan.

Milestone 4 – Implement the local action plan.

Milestone 5 – Monitor progress and report results.

Reports

Contact

For more information about the Grey County Climate Change Action Plan, contact Rebecca Danard, manager of climate change initiatives, at rebecca.danard [at] grey.ca.