Thunder Bay could declare a climate emergency at its next City Council meeting on January 13th. Staff are bringing the recommendation forward from the city’s EarthCare Committee.
Kristen Oliver sits on the EarthCare Committee that is bringing the idea forward and notes the City needs to take this symbolic step for the environment. “We are stewards of taxpayer money and we have an obligation to ensure that we are spending it properly. I think it’s important to recognize that we have to be cognizant of the changing weather patterns because it is going to impact budgets and our infrastructure is the one that’s most impacted by the weather.”
Other communities in Ontario and Canada have adopted similar policies declaring climate emergencies. The Westfort city councillor is aware some people may think this is only a symbolic gesture but notes it is at least a step forward.
