Environmental Integrity & Protection
Goals
There are 5 goals in the Environmental pillar:
- Natural Heritage
- Biodiversity
- Resource Consumption
- Infrastructure and Land Use
- Environmental Education
Strategic Directions
For each goal above, there are a number of strategic directions.
GOAL 1 – Natural Heritage
EN.S.1 – Protect, restore and enhance open spaces, forested areas, and natural corridors
EN.S.2 – Preserve, protect, and restore wetlands, riparian and shoreline habitats
EN.S.3 – Identify, protect and enhance special natural heritage features and functions
EN.S.4 – Reduce the number of contaminated sites in the watershed
GOAL 2 – Biodiversity
EN.S.5 – Protect native species and habitat from invasive plants, animals and pests
EN.S.6 – Protect rare(threatened) and endangered terrestrial and aquatic plant and animal species from development
GOAL 3 – Resource Consumption
Solid and Hazardous Waste
EN.S.7 – Eliminate household hazardous and special wastes from landfill
EN.S.8 – Decrease total annual tonnage of solid waste disposed in landfill over the 2006 baseline.
EN.S.9 – Limit the disposal of food and garden waste in landfills
EN.S.10 – Support extended producer responsibility for waste generation
EN.S.11 – Support the goal of a zero waste society
EN.S.12 – Pursue additional alternatives to minimizing the volume of waste disposed
Energy Consumption
EN.S.13 – Develop alternative energy plans that consider using solar, wind, and geothermal sources
EN.S.14 – Implement conservation initiatives
EN.S.15 – Inventory data on energy consumption and monitor progress towards goals
Water Quality
EN.S.16- Protect surface and ground water from contaminants through the watershed’s Source Water Protection Plan
EN.S.17 – Minimize contaminants to surface and ground water from storm water collection and discharge systems
EN.S.18 – Ensure sufficient sustainable sewage treatment plant capacity and treatment to accommodate the growing population
Air Quality and Climate Change
EN.S.19 – Develop a coordinated plan to reduce our impact on climate change and develop adaptation strategies
EN.S.20 – Improve air quality within the watershed to ensure compliance with provincial air quality standards
GOAL 4 – Infrastructure and Land Use
Transportation
EN.S.21 – Reduce the impact that transportation has on the watershed’s contribution to greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs)
EN.S.22 - Implement the Simcoe County Transportation Master Plan
EN.S.23 – Develop municipal plans that focus on mass transit, including car pooling, implementing connecting trails, and encourage microprivate sector initiatives such as community buses
Water Quantity and Supply
EN.S.24 – Ensure a reliable potable municipal water supply for all residents and visitors within the watershed
EN.S.25 – Reduce water consumption through water conservation measures
EN.S.26 – Develop a water and wastewater plan based on growth targets
Urban and Rural Development
EN.S.27 – Decrease urban sprawl and encourage more compact development patterns
EN.S.28 – Continue to protect natural areas, parkland, agricultural lands and woodlands (both urban and rural) from encroaching development
EN.S.29 – Promote and encourage “green building” design, development and construction through the achievement of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standard
GOAL 5 – Environmental Education
EN.S.30 – Promote the establishment of school programs that create an awareness of local natural and cultural environments and sustainable living
EN.S.31 – Increase cooperation among schools and environmental/sociocultural groups for public education programs about environmental stewardship
EN.S.32 – Support local nongovernment organizations to provide environmental education opportunities