Help create a more sustainable Vaughan
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Get involved in the City’s Municipal Energy Plan Revision for a chance to win great prizes
What actions should the City of Vaughan and its community members take to increase energy efficiency, reduce emissions and mitigate climate change? Have your say by getting involved in the City’s Municipal Energy Plan Revision. The Municipal Energy Plan is a strategic document and action framework that outlines how the City can transition to a low-carbon community and become more sustainable. There are multiple ways to join the conversation – including by attending virtual community workshops and completing an online survey for a chance to win a Recreation Vaughan three-month Fitness Membership or single-use Activity Pass!
What actions should the City of Vaughan and its community members take to increase energy efficiency, reduce emissions and mitigate climate change? Have your say by getting involved in the City’s Municipal Energy Plan Revision. The Municipal Energy Plan is a strategic document and action framework that outlines how the City can transition to a low-carbon community and become more sustainable. There are multiple ways to join the conversation – including by attending virtual community workshops and completing an online survey for a chance to win a Recreation Vaughan three-month Fitness Membership or single-use Activity Pass!
The 2016 Municipal Energy Plan is being updated to put Vaughan Council’s 2019 Climate Emergency Declaration (PDF) into action by:
- setting out a pathway to reduce per capita greenhouse gas emissions by about half by 2030, and to reach the target of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, while respecting the needs of those who live and work in Vaughan.
- considering the role of the City in driving and supporting action.
- identifying how citizens, businesses and stakeholders can participate in transitioning Vaughan to a low-carbon community.
- helping to inform the Official Plan Review that is currently underway.
During the revision process, the City will focus on identifying actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase energy efficiency and increase renewable energy assets. Opportunities to make these changes will be explored in all sectors across the city, including buildings, transportation and energy supply to transition to a low-carbon community. It will also be rooted in a science-based approach that puts Vaughan in alignment with internationally recognized targets and pathways for limiting global warming and reducing the impacts of climate change.
How can I get involved?
Have your say by completing a survey available through vaughan.ca/MEP until Sunday, June 5. The survey will collect input on proposed actions the City and Vaughan residents can take to increase energy efficiency and reduce emissions. Take the survey for your chance to win one of two three-month Fitness Memberships or one of two single-use Activity Passes.
The three-month Fitness Membership is valid at all Vaughan community centres and is valued at up to $209.42. It includes access to:
- fitness classes (both in-person and virtual)
- aquafitness classes
- recreational swimming
- recreational sports
- recreational skating
- shinny hockey
- squash courts
- saunas
- the indoor track
With the membership, one guest day a month is also offered.
The single-use Activity Pass is valid at all Vaughan community centres and is valued at up to $14.55. It enables one free visit to participate in one of the following activities: an aquafitness class, the fitness centre, a recreational skate, a recreational sport or a recreational swim.
Please be advised recreational programming may vary by community centre.
No purchase is necessary to participate in the survey and enter the contest. However, eligibility criteria are as follows:
- Individuals must be 13 years of age or older to enter; signed parental consent is mandatory for youth ages 13 to 17 to use the three-month Fitness Pass.
- Individuals must not be employed by the City of Vaughan.
- A basic skill-testing question is required.
- Each eligible person is entitled to only one entry.
In addition to the survey, individuals can also register to attend two live virtual community workshops being held for participants to share their feedback through a series of facilitated engagement activities. Details are as follows:
Community Workshop #1
Date: Wednesday, June 1
Time: 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Zoom – link will be provided
Register for this community workshop.
Community Workshop #2
Date: Thursday, July 21
Time: 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Zoom – link will be provided
Register for this community workshop.
Why does the City need a Municipal Energy Plan?
Vaughan is one of Canada’s fastest-growing municipalities – a trend that is expected to continue over the coming decades. The Federal government has committed to reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions no later than 2050. The City of Vaughan, as the most local form of government, can significantly influence how energy is used or conserved in the community. The Municipal Energy Plan Revision will consider the City’s role in climate action and develop implementation strategies that are appropriate for Vaughan, including financing options, incentives, policy approaches, by-laws, partnerships, and governance structures.
The Municipal Energy Plan Revision further supports the City’s commitment to environmental stewardship by protecting the environment and fostering a sustainable future – all priorities outlined in the 2018-2022 Term of Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan. Alongside Vaughan’s many environmental initiatives, such as Green Directions Vaughan, and the Sustainability Metrics program, the updated Municipal Energy Plan will help preserve and protect the environment for years to come.