Take Action Burlington

Happy New Year! As John Lennon and Yoko Ono sang, “Another year over, a new one just begun.” So, we thought this is a good time to highlight the 37 Take Action Burlington blog posts published in 2023, our highest ever since we started the blog in 2015!

With City Council declaring a climate emergency in 2019 and approving three climate plans, (Corporate Energy and Emissions Management Plan in 2019, Climate Action Plan in 2020, and Climate Resilient Burlington: A Plan for Adapting to Our Warmer, Wetter and Wilder Weather in 2022) the blog posts often relate to taking action on climate.

Climate Mitigation: Transitioning Away From the Use of Fossil Fuels

• In 2023, the City of Burlington launched the Better Homes Burlington (BHB) pilot program with up to $10,000 in interest free loans for a maximum of 20 households to install a heat pump. Applications are still being accepted until early February 2024 as available. Part of this program also includes an important customer service component to help residents navigate the available programs related to residential energy efficiency. Many posts referred to the BHB program as well as information sessions for additional information.

• Would you like to ride your bike around the City? Burlington’s first series of protected bike intersections were completed on Plains Rd.; an event to celebrate World Bike Day was held; and the Cycling Plan was released as part of the Integrated Mobility Plan.
• Free Burlington Transit rides were promoted for kids 12 and under and adults 65 or older.
• Back to school eco-friendly tips were posted at the beginning of the school year including getting to and from school, packing waste free lunches, and back to school shopping.
• If you’re replacing your vehicle, consider an electric vehicle. An event to test drive an EV was held in October.
• One way to reduce transportation emissions is to grow your own food in one of the City’s community gardens.
• Various City actions related to climate mitigation were profiled in a few posts: Burlington continues to lead by example to reduce carbon footprint, celebrating Earth Hour beyond the hour, and City of Burlington taking action on climate change.
• Halton Region staff are developing a community climate action plan and hosted a Halton Community Climate Plan Summit.

Climate Adaptation: Preparing for Warmer, Wetter and Wilder Weather

• The City’s first climate adaptation plan was approved in 2022 and Climate Resilient Burlington plan – our first year provided a recap.

• There are steps you can take to reduce your risk of flooding at home through locally available programs. You can also follow some tips to manage rain where it falls.
• Conservation Halton continues to update their flood hazard mapping. A public engagement session was held for east Burlington creeks in 2023.
• The Urban Forest Master Plan will be presented to City Council in 2024. Consultation sessions took place in 2023.
• You can prepare for warmer, wetter and wilder weather by taking action for emergency preparedness.
• Last year, we experienced the effects of wildfire smoke in our community and provided tips to protect your health.
• City actions related to climate adaptation were profiled in a couple of posts: celebrating Earth Hour beyond the hour and City of Burlington taking action on climate change.

Recognition

• The City received recognition from Global Covenant of Mayors for our work on climate change.
• The City was also recognized as a Tree City of the World for establishing responsibility for the care of trees, setting rules to govern the management of forest and trees, maintaining an updated inventory or assessment of local tree resources, allocating resources for a tree management plan, and holding an annual celebration of trees to educate residents.

Reducing Impact on the Natural Environment

• Options to melt ice or prevent it from accumulating on sidewalks while keeping pets and the environment in mind were provided.
• In the Spring, tips were provided for when and where to watch birds in Burlington and actions you can take to protect birds. We also profiled a fun and affordable way to stop birds from hitting windows.
• Every year, we provide eco-friendly tips to maintain your pool, hot tub or spa as there are differences on how to dispose of the water for chlorinated versus saltwater pools.
• With the first confirmed presence of oak wilt in Ontario in June 2023, we provided tips for protecting oak trees in Burlington.
• Invasive marbled crayfish was also found for the first time in Ontario and information was provided about the species and how to report it if found in the wild.
• Ecological corridors are important and we profiled a project at City View Park to maintain and enhance these corridors.
• Wildlife are part of our natural environment and urban centre so it’s important to know how we can live with wildlife in Burlington.
• Remember to put waste in its place to ensure it doesn’t impact the natural environment.
• Tips were also provided to save water and money in your home. Stay tuned for a follow-up blog on this topic in 2024.

Youth Initiatives

• We continue to promote initiatives that our local youth can get involved in such as the Green Space: Newcomer Youth Climate Forum and Generation Green Youth Conference.

Please stay in touch

• Subscribe to the Take Action Burlington blog at TakeActionBurlington.ca
• Subscribe to the City’s community engagement page at GetInvolvedBurlington.ca

Let’s all work together to Take Action Burlington by reducing our carbon footprint, and preparing for our warmer, wetter and wilder weather. Collectively we can make a difference!