Clean & Green
Hello!
Let's make sure Erin always feels like home.
Erin is evolving, bringing new opportunities and complex challenges to our community.
One of the most complex challenges is environmental sustainability.
Check out my 7 priorities here: https://www.cathyaylard.ca/my-priorities. One of my priorities is Clean & Green. These are not campaign promises. I will continue to lay out my position, back it up with what I have accomplished in my first term, and explain my plan going forward.
My Position
Clean and Green means protecting our natural beauty, resources, and rural roots; committing to pass on a healthier, more beautiful, and more resilient community to the next generation.
When we set out the environmental sustainability pillar of our strategic plan, I didn't see it as a placeholder on a document. I saw it as a responsibility to this community and to the generations who come after us.
My Proof
1. Strategic Plan
Council adopted a new Strategic Plan on April 24, 2025. This plan was created through extensive community engagement, and it includes a new pillar: Environmental Stewardship. I am incredibly proud to have been an integral part of this work.
2. Environmental Task Force
On May 8, 2025 my motion was passed unanimously to move this Environmental Stewardship pillar from paper to action.
· 2.1.3 - Launch a community education campaign on circular economies, sustainable development, and green initiatives.
· 2.1.4 - Boost community participation in conservation efforts and environmental activities.
My motion directed staff to create a dedicated web page on the new website focused on Environmental Sustainability, assemble a task force to harness local expertise and passion for environmental action, and recognize this as the initial, manageable phase of creating the overall Climate Change Adaptation Strategy.
3. Protecting our Groundwater and Air Quality
During the Council meeting on February 26, 2026, regarding the Hillsburgh Pit, I said what I
believed needed to be said plainly about the Hillsburgh Pit application:
“So morally, we are putting a $10 million price tag on the quality of life of the people that live around the pit.”
The economics were real. The Town would gain financially from the work moving forward. I still voted against the amendment because when we weigh dollars against environmental impact, that calculation deserves more scrutiny, research, and exploration of options. https://www.wellingtonadvertiser.com/hillsburgh-gravel-pit-remains-issue-for-council/
Look for the presentation by TAPMO (Top Aggregate Producing Municipalities of Ontario) at the September 24, 2026 Council meeting to learn more: https://www.tapmo.ca/
My Plan
During my first term as your Councillor, I've been more successful when I break down complex challenges into specific, achievable action items.
No single municipal initiative will solve climate change on its own, but real progress is built on a real, actionable plan. Here is my plan.
1. Put a Green Lens on every Council report
Several Ontario municipalities have built a mandatory climate lens into every staff report submitted to Council. This means every municipal decision, whether it's buying new vehicles, planning infrastructure, or drafting local policy, is automatically evaluated for its environmental impact. With your continued support, I will start the new term with a motion for a revised Council Report Template that includes an “Environmental Impact” section on every Council report. It doesn't sound like a dramatic change, but used properly, it is. Every report that comes before Council gets measured through a Green Lens, a decision-making filter applied to every issue, meeting after meeting. I'll also propose adding Communications and Consultation as a standing section on every report.
Here is the Town of Blue Mountain's template as an example.
2. Build it into the budget
One of the new Council's first duties in December 2026 is to determine the 2027 Budget. With your continued support, I'll be at the table requesting an immediate staff report outlining our options for carrying out the work on the Environmental Stewardship pillar, including all options for consideration in the 2027 Budget and 5-year Forecast. I have already started socializing this with staff, so I expect to see it included in the budget presentations to Council. We need to have realistic numbers in front of us to make decisions with so many competing priorities.
Options for that staff report could include:
Staff member appointed to spearhead environmental initiatives
Closer partnership with the County (see projects below)
Shared resource with another municipality
Full-time dedicated resource
Part-time dedicated resource
Monthly/quarterly staff training
Grant opportunities
Some recent progress on our Strategic Plan's Environmental Stewardship Pillar:
Community Improvement Plan - now officially integrates green and sustainable initiatives into its incentive structure
Wellington County Progress:
Community Climate Change Adaptation Plan - 3 great resources here
Event - Business Sustainability - Sept 28
Anyone involved in developing, planning, or implementing energy management or greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction initiatives within their organization is welcome to register at sustainablewaterlooregion.ca. Free event.
Wastewater Project Updates (including status of chillers):
There is so much more to explore on this topic. With your continued support, I want to keep doing this kind of work.
NOTE
This website is personally funded and maintained.
No public funds or municipal resources are used in its creation or operation.
Check out my other campaign updates here https://www.cathyaylard.ca/bulletins
Support my campaign by sharing this link with your friends and neighbours and requesting a lawn sign.
Cathy
647-882-4996
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