Community Energy and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reduction Plan
Consultation has concluded
Thank you for your interest in the Community Energy and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reduction Plan!
What is a Community Energy and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reduction Plan?
Energy is part of our daily lives – it powers our homes and appliances, fuels our local businesses, and moves us around the City. Access to efficient and reliable energy plays a key role in our economy and our quality of life. While energy will continue to play a key role in our future, our relationship with it needs to change. Reducing our reliance on fossil fuels is essential to mitigating climate change, and will improve the health of our residents, our local economy, and the environment.
In 2019, Barrie City Council declared a climate emergency and directed city staff to create a Climate Change Mitigation Plan to reach Barrie’s corporate GHG emissions target of net-zero by the year 2050.
Developing our community’s Energy and GHG Emission Reduction Plan was the next logical step in Barrie’s climate action journey. This plan will help the community better understand current energy consumption, identify energy efficiency opportunities, and help meet the community’s climate priorities.
Together, we can collectively re-imagine the way we travel, work and play to maximize the positive benefits to our environment, health, economy – making Barrie a better place to live for everyone.
Barrie's Current Energy Consumption and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
- As a whole, we used over 20 million GJ of energy. This equates to about 132 GJ per person.
- Our energy use produced over a million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent – almost seven tonnes per person.
- We spent over $596 million on energy (most of which left our local economy).
- The average person spent $3,860 on annual energy costs.
- Our homes, buildings and travel use the most energy, generate the most emissions and energy costs.
- In terms of transportation, private vehicleuse is responsible for the largest use of energy and emissions.
- Without action, our energy use will increase by 36% and our emissions will increase by 40% by 2050.
- Associated energy costs could increase by as much as 60%.
Without further climate action, Barrie’s energy use is estimated to increase by 36% by 2050, and GHG emissions are expected to increase by 40% by 2050, compared to 2018 levels.
The Barrie community aims to reduce overall GHG emissions 45% below 2018 levels by 2030 and to become net-zero by 2050.
Plan Framework
Our plan contains a vision and principles, Big Moves with associated goals and strategies, and guidance for implementation. The following section provides an overview of the key elements of the plan's framework.
Vision
The Barrie community is taking an integrated, ambitious and action-oriented approach to climate action providing positive environmental, social, economic and health outcomes for all.
Principles
- There are economic benefits in pursuing climate action at the local level.
- Recognize and promote the inextricable link between the natural and built environments, climate change and our communities' health and wellbeing, and foster the health co-benefits of climate action.
- Pursue innovative solutions and an evidence-based approach to climate action.
- Educate and inspire residents and businesses to make positive environmental change, building on the City's leadership.
- Develop strategies that are equitable and enhance the quality of life for all residents.
- Benchmark against best practices and look for continuous improvement.
- Enable positive environmental actions amongst Barrie's residents.
Advance Barrie's climate and energy goals in partnership with residents, organizations and businesses.
Big Moves, Goals, Strategies
Our plan outlines four 'Big Moves' - buildings, transportation, circular economy, natural environment and land use. Each Big Move includes a goal and supporting strategies, as outlined below.
Community & Stakeholder Engagement
A Stakeholder Advisory Group (SAG) met regularly throughout the plan's development and advised on all key elements – from vision and overall direction to emissions reduction targets and plan implementation. The SAG included representation from various stakeholders, including members from local utilities, school boards, Conservation Authorities, staff and Council, post-secondary institutions, the development industry, health care and the health unit, local business, and local environmental groups.
The team is currently conducting additional stakeholder engagement conversations – including local businesses and youth. A final opportunity for public comment will be made available before the Plan is submitted to Council in March 2022.
A virtual Public Engagement Meeting was held on April 22, 2021. View the presentation and read the meeting summary.
We Need Your Help!
There is much work to be done to make our Plan a reality. Significant effort and collaboration are needed from all community members, including businesses, institutions, residents, and the City of Barrie. Shifting our community away from fossil fuels will require us to rethink and transform how we live, work and play. We all have a part to play to ensure the success of this Plan and the wellbeing of future generations. The Plan outlines key implementation components, including governance, financing, engagement and communications, potential partners and immediate actions.