South Frontenac Moving Toward Greater Climate Action

Wilma Kenny | Jun 29, 2022

Jerri Jerreat, an author and recently-retired teacher from Inverary, came to Council on June 21 as a delegate to present the case for South Frontenac forming a Climate Advisory Committee.

Her presentation was both concise and convincing: she referred to the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as storms, tornados, extreme heat, and flooding: “South Frontenac covers 941 sq. km. with over 75 lakes, many rivers, wetlands and woodlands with a rich natural diversity to protect. It does not have urban pavement heat islands– but the climate crisis is happening here too.” The Township needs not only emergency plans, as it already has, but also has to maintain up-to-date information, flexibility and speed to be able to be prepared for future disasters.

As shown in the design of the new Storrington firehall (KWH solar power plant on the roof, and heat pump to provide both heat and cooling,) how can Council continue to lead the Township in lowering our region’s carbon emissions? “How", Jerreat asked, “can our elected Mayor and Councillors be experts in all areas? Or keep up with reading all the latest information on the Environment and the Climate Crisis as well as all their other duties?”

This is where a committee of informed citizens ( to include representatives from the Conservation Authorities and climatologists, science professors, and various other experts)) could be of help: as in several other municipalities (she listed Mississauga, North Grenville and Arnprior). An advisory committee could do research: (what are other municipalities doing?) locate resources, grants or corporate funding, and bring Council and residents useful information.

Reaction was positive. Councillor Sutherland asked where the Township currently stood in relation to its climate action plan; CAO Fragnito said that although it was still in initial stages, it was high priority, and she felt an advisory committee was an excellent suggestion. Mayor Vandewal noted that Council had been “doing things for the past ten years, that have generally been unnoticed. He cited the replacement of all street lights with downward-directed lamps: Jerreat suggested that perhaps the Township’s website could include a section highlighting their climate action initiatives. Sleeth, Roberts and Vandewal all agreed that Jerreat’s proposals were excellent.