☀️ Council Endorses the Sustainable Collingwood Plan

Collingwood, ON [7 July 2026] – The Town of Collingwood Council has endorsed the Sustainable Collingwood Plan, a community-driven climate change action plan, marking an important step toward a lower-carbon, more resilient, and more sustainable future for the community.

The Plan sets a community-wide goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% below 2019 levels by 2040 and outlines practical actions that residents, businesses, community organizations, regional partners, Indigenous partners, and the Town can take together to reduce emissions and prepare for the impacts of a changing climate.

“This Plan is about working together to protect our community, local economy, natural environment, and quality of life,” said Mayor Yvonne Hamlin. “By endorsing the Plan, Council is supporting a community-wide approach to climate action that recognizes small everyday choices, long-term planning, and partnerships all play an important role.”

As the climate changes, Collingwood can expect hotter summers, shorter winters, more rain, and less predictable weather. These changes may impact our roads, buildings, natural areas, local economy, and daily lives. This Plan focuses on reducing emissions and helping the community prepare for risks such as flooding, extreme heat, storms, shoreline damage, and impacts on local ecosystems.

In 2019, Collingwood’s community greenhouse gas emissions were estimated at 207,218 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. Transportation and buildings represented the largest sources of emissions, with on-road transportation accounting for 42.4% and residential energy accounting for 23.2% of community emissions. Without additional action, community emissions are projected to increase by 31.2% by 2030.

The Plan focuses on four interconnected areas for action:

• Retrofit and reimagine our buildings by supporting energy efficiency, clean energy, comfort, resilience, and affordability in homes, workplaces, industry, and community spaces.
• Advance sustainable transportation by expanding active transportation opportunities, enhancing public transit options, supporting electric mobility, and helping residents and visitors choose low-carbon travel modes.
• Strengthen resilient natural and infrastructure systems by protecting and enhancing natural assets, supporting adaptation planning, advancing nature-based solutions, and improving infrastructure preparedness for climate impacts.
• Build a climate-ready local economy and community culture by supporting businesses and organizations in climate action, strengthening local awareness and participation, promoting sustainable choices, and fostering the partnerships and investments needed to embed climate readiness into everyday community life.

The Plan builds on Collingwood’s 2019 Climate Crisis declaration, the Town’s participation in the Partners for Climate Protection program, and the Greener Collingwood Corporate Climate Change Action Plan, which guides corporate greenhouse gas reduction efforts. It expands climate action beyond municipal operations and highlights opportunities for residents, businesses, organizations, and the Town to work together toward shared goals.

“This Plan reflects what we heard from the community a nd the opportunities that matter most in Collingwood,” said Nicole Yardy, Climate Change Specialist. “Building a more sustainable and resilient community requires collaboration. The Sustainable Collingwood Plan helps align local efforts and guides actions that will support Collingwood now and in the future.”

Putting the Plan into action will require ongoing teamwork, progress tracking, and regular updates. The Town will continue to work with community partners and residents to advance priority actions, seek funding opportunities, and consider climate impacts in planning and decision-making.

Residents, businesses, and community partners are encouraged to stay informed and engaged in climate action initiatives by subscribing to receive  Climate Action news in their inbox.

Read the Sustainable Collingwood Plan on the Town’s website.