Environment and Sustainability

Five pillars of sustainability guide each decision we make and the development of our Integrated Community Sustainability Plan:

1. economy
2. governance
3. natural environment
4. community
5. land use

Programs and initiatives that promote sustainability include two grant programs: Alternative Land Use Services (ALUS) for agricultural producers.

Natural environment

To protect our natural environment, we focus our work on six components:

1. Biodiversity - the variety of living things and helps keep our ecosystems dynamic, but intact over time.
2. Climate and air - important to human and environmental health. We work hard to limit our emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants.
3. Energy - required for life as we know it, but its production can take a toll on the environment.
4. Green building practices - can help the environment and impact any home owner's life.
5. Responsible recreation - on land and water is fun and rewarding.
6. Waterfront living - has both its rewards and its challenges. Let our Interactive Guide help you lower your impact on our waters.

Plans and reports

Governance strategies that Council uses to achieve a green community include: