Mayor Bevilacqua recognizes students’ action on environment

June 7, 2019 2:00 p.m.
City of Vaughan
​Mayor’s Resolution confirms ongoing commitment to address climate change
 
Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua issued the following statement after a presentation by local elementary school students on climate change:
 
“I want to thank the students of Thornhill Woods Public School and their teacher, Ms. Brianne Whyte, for visiting Vaughan City Hall and delivering a very well-thought-out presentation to Council at our Committee of the Whole meeting on June 4.
 
“To witness young people coming together to encourage positive and meaningful action from their community is truly inspiring. This is how engaged and thoughtful societies are built. 
 
“It was also an opportunity to remind our citizens that Vaughan is a green city, and with the ongoing commitment of our youth to this noble cause, that momentum will continue.
 
“While our City is always looking at ways to innovate and improve, we are proud of our record on environmental stewardship.
 
“Almost one year ago, we opened the city’s largest open greenspace – North Maple Regional Park. It spans 900 acres and is equipped with two FIFA-certified artificial turf soccer fields. We will also be hosting our signature Canada Day Concert there this summer.
 
“As part of the City’s tree replacement plan, more than 21,000 trees have been planted, further enriching the character and sustainability of our community.
 
“From 2013 to 2017, we reduced greenhouse gas emissions from City operations, including buildings, fleet and outdoor lighting, by 20 per cent and energy efficiency retrofits are continuing.
 
“Since 2010, more than 127,000 citizens have participated in the 20-Minute Makeover across Vaughan, and on March 30, the City once again marked Earth Hour, during which energy consumption in the city was reduced by an outstanding 4.2 per cent.
 
“These initiatives and many others are having a positive impact. However, we know there is more work to do, which is why I introduced a Member’s Resolution which received unanimous support from Council, that directs the City of Vaughan to declare a climate emergency for the purposes of naming and deepening our commitment to protect our economy, environment and community from the impacts of climate change.
 
“To be clear, the Member’s Resolution makes the distinction that declaring a climate emergency is not an emergency under the City’s Emergency Response Plan.
 
“The commitments in the Member’s Resolution demonstrate that it is not a mere symbolic gesture, as it directs action be taken by working in collaboration with stakeholders and partners, like the engaged group of students from Thornhill Woods Public School. 
 
“Our priorities will remain focused on issues that matter most to our residents as we continue driving forward with our city-building efforts.”
 
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