New Glasgow Community Climate Action Plan
New Glasgow, Nova Scotia
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Community Climate Action Plan &
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Target
Town of New Glasgow
2022-2030
Land Acknowledgement
We would like to acknowledge the Town of New Glasgow is in Mi'kma'ki, the ancestral and unceded
territory of the Mi'kmaw People. This territory is covered by the "Treaties of Peace and Friendship" which
Mi'kmaw and Wolastoqiyik Peoples first signed with the British Crown in 1725. The treaties did not deal
with the surrender of lands and resources, but in fact, recognized Mi'kmaw and Wolastoqiyik titles and
established the rules for what was to be an ongoing relationship between nations.
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This project was made possible thanks to funding from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) -
Municipal Climate Innovation Program, and the McConnell Foundation - Innoweave Program.
Support and guidance was provided through FCM, ICLEI Canada and the Global Covenant of Mayors -
Canadian Showcase Cities Pilot Project, QUEST, and the Change Lab Action Research Initiative (CLARI)
and StFX University.
This report was informed through the public engagement process, Green New Glasgow. We would like to
thank the community for their contributions, as well as the team at Ethelo and the eDemocracy Network for
facilitating the engagement process - Ben West, Saad Sab, Tarah Stafford, Meagan Blandizzi and Katharina
Voss.
We would also like to thank the following for participating in the plan's consultation process;
Jon DeCoste (Regional Emergency Management Organization), Omar Bhimji and Rob Kerr (QUEST), Jack
Kyte (Pictou County Chamber of Commerce), Dr. Corinne Cash (Mount Allison University), Meghan
Doucette (Bicycle Nova Scotia), Morgan Levison (Public Health), Jasmine Lum (FCM), Town of New
Glasgow Staff; Veronica Deno, Earl MacKenzie, Jeffrey Turnbull, and Kelly Sloan, and the following staff
from the Clean Foundation; Sarah Balloch, Erin Burbidge, Katie Giles and Sonia Smith.
Thank you to our 2021 Summer Students - Matthew Russell and Annie McMullon for their support.
Acknowledgements
Report Authors
Rachel Mitchell, Climate Change and Sustainability Manager
Emily McIntosh, Climate Action Coordinator
Committee Members
Nancy Dicks, Mayor
Russell Borden Jr., Councillor Ward 1
Dawn Peters, Councillor Ward 2
Joe MacDonald, Councillor Ward 3
Lisa MacDonald, Chief Administrative Officer
Sasha Barnard, Regional Educator, Pictou County
Solid Waste
Nancy MacRae, Ward 1 Citizen Representative
Jim Ripoll, Ward 2 Citizen Representative
Ana Luiza Rios Caldas-MacEachern, Ward 3
Representative
Timothy Kim, Youth Representative
Carey Allan, Business Representative
Cory Pinhey, Development Representative
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© 2022, Town of New Glasgow. All Rights Reserved.
The preparation of this plan was carried out with assistance from the Government of Canada and the Federation of
Canadian Municipalities. Notwithstanding this support, the views expressed are the personal views of the authors, and the
Federation of Canadian Municipalities and the Government of Canada accept no responsibility for them.
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Photo: Brittany Currie
Acknowledgments
Message from the Mayor
Executive Summary
Introduction
Milestone 1: Community GHG Emissions Inventory
Milestone 2: Community Emissions Reduction Target
Milestone 3: Community Climate Action Plan
Summary of Actions
Climate Action Alignment
Cities Race to Zero
Cities Race to Resilience
Sustainable Development Goals
Buildings
Implementation Schedule ...................................................... 24
Transportation
Implementation Schedule ...................................................... 30
Waste
Implementation Schedule ...................................................... 36
Policy, Planning, & Procedures
Implementation Schedule ...................................................... 42
Collaboration, Adaptation, & Resilience
Implementation Schedule ...................................................... 47
Milestone 4: Implementation
Milestone 5: Monitoring & Evaluation
Looking Ahead
References
Table of Contents
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11
13
14
15
16
04
18
25
31
37
43
48
49
50
51
Message from the Mayor
The Town of New Glasgow recognizes the need to act at the local level to prepare for climate impacts and
support a low carbon future. Cities and Towns are on the frontlines of experiencing climate change impacts,
and are leading the charge in adaptation and mitigation efforts. The Community Climate Action Plan is our
roadmap to impactful and sustained action to improve energy efficiency, diversify our transportation,
prioritize innovation, and ensure a healthy, natural environment for years to come. For many of the
initiatives we're moving forward, there are benefits to our local economy, positive outcomes for health and
wellbeing, and improved community resilience. The cost of not acting is greater than the cost of the actions
we're proposing. This Plan aims to reduce barriers to adaptation and mitigation, to empower citizens to lead
more sustainable lives.
The Community Climate Action Plan charts a course for action over the next decade. To realize these
objectives, we need residents, businesses, Town Staff and Council, and community organizations to
participate and face this issue together. In this plan, everyone has a role to play in our climate action and
sustainability efforts. Together, we can inspire change and adopt bold and transformational action to foster a
sustainable future here in New Glasgow.
The actions we take today can leave a lasting impact for years to come.
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Over the last several years we have seen unpredictable
weather and challenging storms hit our region. While
Nova Scotians are no strangers to wild weather, climate
change is leading to more frequent and severe storms,
changes in precipitation, and more extreme heat events.
As a long-time resident of New Glasgow, I can recall
winters when I was younger, where our outdoor
community rinks had ice for 3-4 months. In recent
winters we have struggled to keep the ice for a couple of
days, or we've been challenged with weekly winter
storms featuring snow, rain, and ice. We've been seeing
this change unfold for years now.
Nancy Dicks
Mayor
Town of New Glasgow
The impacts of climate change are widespread, intensifying, and happening in our own backyard. In towns
and cities, factors such as aging infrastructure, degraded ecosystems, growing demand for service provision,
and social inequities all increase a community's vulnerability to the impacts of climate change (Maxwell et
al., 2018). Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adaptation planning is essential to managing climate
change risks and if done strategically, can generate a variety of environmental, social, individual, and
economic benefits (Brown et al., 2021).
The Town of New Glasgow is committed to advancing local climate action through ambitious greenhouse
gas (GHG) emission reductions. The Community Climate Action Plan (CCAP) establishes how the Town of
New Glasgow will achieve its community GHG reduction target of 50% by 2030. The plan details 65 total
climate actions across five sectors: Buildings; Transportation; Waste; Policy, Planning, & Procedures; and
Collaboration, Adaptation, & Resilience. Each sector outlines key focus areas with both short-term and
long-term goals, actions and targets. Each action is accompanied by a recommended implementation
schedule to ensure timely implementation. Where applicable, the GHG reduction potential has been
included. There will be an annual report presented to Council to track implementation progress and to
identify new and emerging opportunities to integrate into the plan. Progress made towards the 2030 GHG
reduction target will be measured against the baseline community inventory data, which captured
community source emissions occurring within the Town's boundaries in 2018.
The Community Climate Action Plan has been informed by the Town's climate action public engagement,
which gathered community feedback in July and August 2021. The targets and actions outlined in this
document reflect the results of the public engagement, and where applicable, we quantify the support for the
measures.
The plan is a living document and as circumstances change, both locally and provincially, the Town of New
Glasgow's Community Climate Change Committee will assess emerging opportunities and re-evaluate
actions. We recognize that the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve and may impact the
implementation of actions. Advancing climate action and sustainability is integral to our recovery.
Executive Summary
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Human activities have generated unprecedented levels of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the
atmosphere causing significant changes in global weather and climate extremes such as more frequent and
intense heatwaves, floods, droughts, fires, and coastal storms (IPCC, 2021).
Globally, the impacts of climate change have become more and more apparent and alarming: the extent of
forest fires and annual droughts are harsher; extreme weather events are resulting in rapid biodiversity loss;
and increased climate variability and new extremes are threatening food and water security.
In recent years, the Town of New Glasgow has been experiencing more summer days with higher average
temperatures, more heatwaves, heavy rainfall, fewer winter days, milder average winter temperatures, later
first fall frosts, and earlier spring thaws (Climate Atlas of Canada, 2019). In the coming years, these climate
trends are expected to intensify and negatively impact our natural, social, and economic systems.
To prevent the worst effects of climate change, we need to dramatically reduce our emissions and prepare
for climate impacts. Fortunately, many of the solutions we need will take place at the local level, by and for
our community. According to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, just over 50% of GHG emissions
in Canada are generated in towns and cities. Municipal governments have a great deal of influence over
these emissions and can drive emission reductions by embedding climate considerations into municipal
operations such as service provision, infrastructure, and development. Municipalities can also drive
community-wide emission reductions by providing infrastructure to support the electric vehicle transition;
through community planning that mandates energy efficiency, walkability, and clean and green transit;
through bylaws that promote emission reductions; and through the adoption of low-carbon and renewable
energy options.
The Community Climate Action Plan is a key part of the Town of New Glasgow's commitment to local
climate action. Guided by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities' Partners for Climate Protection 5-
milestone framework and closely linked to the Corporate Climate Action Plan, this plan outlines how the
Town will reduce community-wide emissions, increase resilience, and decrease vulnerability over the next
decade. It details a total of 65 actions across five focus areas: Buildings; Transportation; Waste; Policy,
Planning, & Procedures; and Collaboration, Adaptation, & Resilience. In addition to reducing emissions,
the actions outlined in this plan will generate several co-benefits for the community such as improved air
quality (reducing air pollutants such as nitrous dioxide, sulphur dioxide, and ozone), savings on energy
consumption, reduced dependency on external energy supplies, positive health benefits, and green job
creation in the renewable energy or energy efficiency sectors.
Introduction
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Partners for Climate Protection
In 1998, the Town of New Glasgow joined the Partners for Climate
Protection (PCP) program, as an early adopter. Since then, this national
network has grown to include over 490 Canadian municipalities,
representing more than 70% of the population. Collectively, the
members of the PCP program have committed to reducing 160 million
tonnes of local greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050, protecting
our environment and creating healthier, more resilient communities.
The program has been operating for over 20 years as a joint effort
between the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and ICLEI
Canada -- Local Governments for Sustainability.
The PCP program outlines a 5-milestone framework that advances a
municipality through climate action planning to implementation and
monitoring. Milestone 1 builds the foundation through the creation of a
baseline emissions inventory and business-as-usual (BAU) forecast.
Milestone 2 involves setting an emission reduction target. Milestone 3
is the development of a local action plan to achieve emission
reductions. Milestone 4 is the implementation of the local action plan,
and lastly, Milestone 5 is the ongoing monitoring of progress and
results reporting. The 5-milestone framework is individually done for
both the municipality's corporate emissions (i.e. municipally-owned
operations) and for community-wide emissions.
INVENTORY
TARGET
ACTION PLAN
1
2
3
4
5
IMPLEMENTATION
MONITOR PROGRESS
MILESTONE
FRAMEWORK
Community Emissions
~128,600 tCO2e
Corporate (Municipal) Emissions
~3,004 tCO2e
NEW GLASGOW'S
2018-2019
GHG EMISSIONS
INVENTORY
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COMMUNITY & STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
The development of this plan was informed through public engagement
and stakeholder feedback from Municipal staff, Council, the Climate
Change Steering Committee, the Community Climate Change
Committee, community groups, businesses, environmental organizations,
and industry experts.
From July 27th to September 13th, 2021, the Town of New Glasgow
partnered with Ethelo, an online group decision-making platform, to run
a carbon emission simulation engagement. The engagement process first
provided residents and businesses with background information on the
Town's greenhouse gas emission profile in the areas of homes and
buildings, transportation, and waste. It then tasked residents with creating
their own climate action plan to reduce these emissions. Each proposed
solution had an associated difficulty score to inform participants about
the feasibility of their choices. ETHELO used the results of the
engagement to generate a particular set of actions that are predicted to
have the most community support and lowest levels of conflict.
OF SURVEY
RESPONDENTS ARE
VERY TO EXTREMELY
WORRIED ABOUT
CLIMATE CHANGE
77.3%
Extreme storms and hurricanes
Food costs rising
Quality of life for future generations
Severe heat events
Health impacts and emergencies
Composting and recycling
Energy-saving practices
Using reusable items
Buying second hand
Growing or buying local food
top 5 climate change impacts that worry residents
top 5 climate actions being done by the community
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making the case for climate action
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climate and health
The Business case
Climate change is impacting the health of Pictou County residents and is expected to have a significant
effect on public health in the coming years. It is effecting our health both directly (injury caused by floods,
storms, and extreme weather events) and indirectly (decreased food yields and water quality, impacts on
livelihoods, and stresses on infrastructure). While the impacts of climate change are happening across our
country, it is important to understand our local context and how we can reduce climate-related health
impacts in our communities. In New Glasgow, the impacts are varied and include:
Health impacts from heat stress
Increases in the range and transmission of vector borne diseases
Injuries from extreme weather events
Food insecurity
Mental health implications
health impacts of climate change in new Glasgow
Transitioning to a low-carbon, sustainable economy presents both a challenge and an opportunity. As a
system's problem, our solutions will need to be bold, transformative and urgent. Moreover, if we don't take
action now, the costs in the future will be far higher than they are today. However, there is a sliver lining.
Taking climate action now will not only prepare us for the impacts of climate change, it will generate many
co-benefits for our environment, society, and economy. The many economic co-benefits of taking climate
action include:
New jobs and green job creation
Secure energy supplies
Savings from energy efficiency
New technologies
Economic growth
co-benefits of climate action
Milestone 1: Community GHG Emissions Inventory
The corporate (or Municipal) inventory specifically
measures emissions that the Town of New Glasgow is
accountable for, such as municipal operations and
service
provision.
The
Town
has
corporate
inventories for 1990, 1997, 2003, 2011, and fiscal
year 2018-19. From 1990 to 2018, our emissions have
increased by 5.5%, with a marginal decrease from
2003 to 2018 levels due to a shifting of Nova Scotia's
electrical grid from coal to more renewable energy
sources. For the fiscal year 2018-19, the inventory
measured municipal operations to be equivalent to
3003.76 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e)
across
five
sectors:
Buildings;
Water;
Fleet;
Streetlights & Traffic Signals; and Water &
Wastewater; and Solid Waste. For a detailed
breakdown of the Corporate Inventory, please refer to
the document New Glasgow Corporate Greenhouse
Gas Emissions Inventory.
The Town's first community inventory was completed
for the fiscal year 2018-19. It estimates that 128,641
tonnes of CO2e were generated through electricity
use, natural gas, fuel oil, diesel, gasoline, and
propane.
The
community
inventory
measured
emissions across four (4) sectors: Homes (42,438
tCO2e or 33%); Workplaces (43,724 tCO2e or 34%);
Transportation (39,866 tCO2e or 31%); and Waste
(2,572 tCO2e or 2%). For the detailed breakdown of
the Community Inventory, please refer to the
document New Glasgow Community Greenhouse
Gas Emissions Inventory.
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Buildings
Water
Fleet
Streetlights
Waste
1,500 tCO
1,000 tCO
500 tCO
0 tCO
The first milestone of the Partners for Climate Protection (PCP) framework involves establishing a
greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory. A GHG inventory provides a snapshot of how the Town uses energy and
serves as a baseline against which future progress can be measured. Since joining the PCP program in 1998,
the Town has completed five (5) corporate inventories and one (1) community inventory. The community
inventory represents the community as a whole, of which the corporate inventory is part of.
2018 Corporate GHG Inventory
3003.76 tCO2e
Workplaces
Homes
Transportation
Waste
50,000 tCO
40,000 tCO
30,000 tCO
20,000 tCO
10,000 tCO
0 tCO
2018 Community GHG Inventory
128,641 tCO2e
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tonnes of CO2e
tonnes of CO2e
Business As Usual Forecast
The business-as-usual (BAU) projection shows what
will happen to emissions without intervention,
allowing the community to see what climate change
actions could achieve compared to what will happen
if no action is taken. The BAU projection assumes an
annual population growth rate of 1.1%, which is
aligned with the national population growth rate.
Under this assumption, we expect New Glasgow's
greenhouse gas emissions in 2030 to increase to
146,687 tCO2e. This projection will be updated
following the release of the 2020 census.
2018
2030
150,000
100,000
50,000
0
tonnes of CO2e
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2
2018 baseline levels
15% reduction by 2025
30% reduction by 2030
4,000
3,000
2,000
1,000
0
2018 baseline levels
50% reduction by 2030
150,000
100,000
50,000
0
CORPORATE TARGETs
Milestone 2: Community EmissionS Reduction Target
Milestone 2 of the Partners for Climate Protection 5-milestone framework involves setting two sets of GHG
reduction targets: one for Municipal operations (corporate target) and the other for community emissions.
Each set contains a midterm, locally achievable target and a long-term, scientifically imperative target
(2050 target). Having both a midterm and long-term target helps us achieve a balance between realistic goal
setting and ambitious action.
The Town of New Glasgow's reduction targets are in line with the most recent Federal and Provincial
commitments to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Progress made towards these targets will be measured
against the Town's 2018 corporate and community GHG inventories.
15% reduction by 2025
15% reduction in Municipal GHG emissions below
2018 levels by 2025.
30% reduction by 2030
30% reduction in Municipal GHG emissions below
2018 levels by 2030.
Community TARGET
50% reduction by 2030
50% reduction in community GHG emissions below
2018 levels by 2030.
Community GHG Reduction Target
Corporate GHG Reduction Targets
The Town's corporate targets for 2025 and 2030 were
approved by Council in October 2020. New Glasgow's
Corporate Climate Action Plan outlines how the Town
will achieve or exceed these targets.
The Town's community target for 2030 was informed
through public engagement and approved by Council
in March 2022. This plan outlines how the Town will
achieve or exceed this target.
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Milestone 3: Community
Climate Action Plan
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3
Milestone 3 of the Partner's for Climate Protection 5-
milestone framework is the development of a climate
action plan for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions.
The Community Climate Action Plan outlines the steps
and actions the Town of New Glasgow will take to
achieve the community GHG reduction target of 50% by
2030, demonstrating the Town's commitment to
ambitious climate action. It includes both long-term and
short-term goals for achieving significant greenhouse
gas emission reductions across five sectors: Buildings;
Transportation; Waste; Policy, Planning, & Procedures;
and Collaboration, Adaptation, & Resilience.
Within each sector, key actions and targets have been
organized by focus area. For example, actions in the
Buildings sector have been organized across 5 focus
areas: residential retrofits, home renewable energy
generation, the Eco-Homes New Glasgow Program, the
Green Business Program, and district energy systems.
Each focus area includes an impact summary, policy
recommendation, targets, and the GHG reduction
potential, when applicable. At the end of each section,
an implementation schedule has been included for each
focus area assigning responsibility, identifying key
partners, and providing a predicted timeline.
When implemented, this plan will generate many co-
benefits for the environment, economy, and community
at large by integrating opportunities for alternative
energies and green job creation, and by creating a
regulatory environment that fosters sustainability, and
the efficient use of energy (FCM, 2012).
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Residential Retrofits
Community Renewable Energy Generation
Eco-Homes New Glasgow
Green Business Program
District Energy
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Buildings
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Zero Emission Transportation
Anti-Idling Bylaw
Active Transportation
Public Transit & Connectivity With Other
Municipalities
Car Sharing
Electric School Bus Fleet
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Single-Use Items
Industrial, Commercial & Institutional Waste
Extended Producer Responsibility
Circular Economy
Low Emission Waste Collection
Education & Community Engagement
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Green Buildings
Sustainable Land-Use Planning
Green Infrastructure & Natural Areas
Climate Action Funding
Municipal Entities
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Emergency Planning & Disaster Risk Reduction
Social Equity
Community Capacity & Resilience
1.
2.
3.
Transportation
waste
Policy, planning,
& procedures
Collaboration,
adaptation & resilience
Summary of Actions
The actions in this plan are organized by sector (ex. buildings) and focus area (ex. residential retrofits).
Given the wealth of information and expertise on local climate action available to municipalities, the goals
and actions identified in this plan were reviewed to ensure alignment with national and international
frameworks. The Town of New Glasgow Council approved joining the Cities Race to Zero and Race to
Resilience in November 2021. These global campaigns were launched for COP26 to inspire leadership and
commitments from Cities for a net-zero future. By joining the Cities Race to Zero, the Town of New
Glasgow pledges to commit to doing our part in keeping global temperature increases below 1.5 degrees
Celsius and putting inclusive and equitable climate action at the heart of decision-making. The Town of
New Glasgow pledges to reach net zero-emission by mid-century and will report progress annually through
the Partners for Climate Protection Program and through the Global Covenant of Mayors.
Climate Action alignment
CITIES RACE TO ZERO
There is at minimum one defined action in the New Glasgow Climate Action Plan that aligns with each of
the following commitments.
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Create a more inclusive society
Create Green and Healthy Streets
Reduce Air Pollution & Ensure Clean Air
Develop Zero-Carbon Buildings
Move Towards Resilient & Sustainable Energy Systems
Move Towards Resilient & Sustainable Construction Systems
The Cities Race to Resilience is a global campaign to build climate resilience and invest in a health
resilient, zero carbon future. This is a UN-backed campaign to put people and nature first to ensure
resilience to climate stresses. A main focus of this campaign is on the global scale, to build resilience for the
most vulnerable groups and communities. Overall priority has been given to mitigation action over
adaptation and resilience, but both action areas are important to our future.
Cities Race to resilience
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Buildings
energy
Governance & community engagement
Nature-based solutions
waste
social equity
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
The Sustainable Development Goals are a guide to advancing a better and more sustainable future for
everyone. These 17 goals were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 and serve as a call to action on key
global issues. By aligning our Community Climate Action Plan actions with 11 of the 17 goals, the Town
of New Glasgow is leading progress at a local scale, and contributing to the collective global efforts to
balance social, economic and environmental sustainability.
BUILDINGS
RESIDENTIAL RETROFITS
HOME RENEWABLE ENERGY
GENERATION
ECO-HOMES NEW GLASGOW
GREEN BUSINESS PROGRAM
DISTRICT ENERGY SYSTEM
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Just like many communities in Canada, the greatest amount of GHG emissions in New Glasgow
comes from our homes and workplaces. These emissions are generated through the energy used to
heat, cool, and power our buildings, including the energy used for lighting, appliances,
computers, and electronics. The primary energy sources used to power buildings in New Glasgow
are electricity, fuel oil (heating), natural gas, propane, and wood.
In 2018, a large percentage of residential and
workplace GHG emissions came from the use of
electricity. Considering 58% of Nova Scotia's
electricity is generated through coal, decreasing
emissions generated from our buildings is a key
focus area in this plan. This can be achieved in
part through increasing the energy efficiency of
our buildings, installing new insulation or
weather stripping, and through energy switching
to low-carbon sources.
In addition to lowering emissions, energy efficiency upgrades generate many co-benefits, such as
increasing home comfort, providing healthier environments for employees to work in, and
decreasing energy costs. This is particularly important in Atlantic Canada where household
expenditure on energy is highest in the country, with many households experiencing energy
poverty. Other indirect co-benefits include improved air quality, strengthened energy security
through diversification of the energy supply, and green job creation associated with home retrofit
opportunities.
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1. Expand the Clean Energy Financing - Property Assessed Clean Energy
program to fast track home retrofits.
The Town of New Glasgow has funding from the Federation of Municipalities, through our
partnership with the Clean Foundation, to provide low-interest financing for home energy retrofits.
The funding will be offered annually for four years, for a total of $600,000 in home energy
financing.
Following the first year of the program, the eligibility requirements will be reviewed to maximize
homeowner participation in the program and accelerate retrofits. Additional funding sources will be
explored to expand the reach of this program.
FOCUS AREA 1: RESIDENTIAL RETROFITS
Many homeowners want to improve the energy efficiency of their homes or install clean energy options,
but they struggle with the upfront costs of completing energy upgrades, and with knowing how and
where to get started. With an aging housing stock and poorly insulated homes, energy efficiency
upgrades can yield significant energy savings. These retrofits not only reduce energy usage and
emissions, they also lower long-term costs and improve the comfort of our residents' homes.
of the 2021 Climate Change Action Survey
respondents indicated that New Glasgow should
increase access to affordable home energy
financing.
65.4%
Targets: Retrofit 50% of existing homes in New Glasgow by 2030.
Retrofit 65% of homes built before 1980 by 2030.
Retrofit 30% of homes built after 1980 by 2030.
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Identify barriers to participation in these programs.
Address barriers, obstacles, and concerns to support increased program
uptake.
Carry out annual information campaigns and engagement initiatives to
promote energy efficiency programs, including door-to-door
campaigns, info sessions, and mailouts.
2. Increase participation in home energy efficiency programs
Work with Efficiency Nova Scotia and the Clean Foundation to increase awareness of energy
efficiency programming through marketing, outreach, and community engagement activities.
Programs include; home energy audits and upgrades, the Direct Install Program, the Affordable
Multifamily Housing Program, and the Homewarming Program. Specific targets will be established
by program, and progress will be measured against the baseline (to be determined in 2022).
3. Explore additional partnership opportunities with Efficiency Nova Scotia to
improve education and awareness of available rebates, incentives and support
programs for homeowners, tenants, and landlords.
GHG Reduction Potential:
Medium - High
Implementation Schedule:
Medium → Long-term
FOCUS AREA 2: COMMUNITY RENEWABLE ENERGY
GENERATION
Renewable energy generation is an important part of our clean energy transition. To reduce community
greenhouse gas emissions, innovative solar energy options need to be more affordable, convenient, and
accessible. Home solar power can improve community air quality, increase energy autonomy, lower
home energy bills, and reduce emissions. The Town of New Glasgow will work to increase home solar
opportunities, advocate for greater access, and develop unique financing systems to accelerate the rate of
adoption.
Target: 600 rooftop solar systems by 2030 (this represents approximately
15% of homes in New Glasgow).
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3. Explore innovative renewable energy opportunities and partnerships to
benefit residents and businesses.
Implementation Schedule:
Medium→ Long-term
There are many opportunities to make New Glasgow residences greener. The Eco-Homes New Glasgow
program outlines actions and recommendations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote
biodiversity, support community engagement, and enhance community resilience.
1. Develop and implement a community solar and/or wind program to enhance
access to clean sustainable energy, to improve energy security, and to reduce
energy poverty in New Glasgow.
Amendments are being made to the Nova Scotia Electricity Act to create new opportunities for clean
and renewable energy sources. Details of the new Shared Solar Program are not yet available. The
program will be open to municipalities to create community solar gardens. The amendments will
expand pathways for community-driven renewable energy projects.
2. Expand the Clean Energy Financing program eligibility for rooftop solar
systems for homes and multi-unit residential buildings.
FOCUS AREA 3: ECO-HOMES NEW GLASGOW
1. Develop and implement the Eco-Homes New Glasgow program to encourage
environmental sustainability and home energy savings. The program will
include a focus on the following actions:
Annual clothesline program to increase clothesline usage by at least 15%.
Annual rain barrel program for home water conservation.
Home composting opportunities.
Home energy challenge or neighbourhood carbon footprint initiatives to highlight GHG emissions
and energy savings opportunities.
Backyard pollinator and natural habitat program to encourage native species planting and pollinator
protection through minimizing the use of harmful herbicides and pesticides.
Native plants and tree planting information and programming.
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GHG Reduction Potential:
Medium - High
FOCUS AREA 4: GREEN BUSINESS PROGRAM
The Town of New Glasgow will develop and implement a Green Business Program that will support
local organizations and businesses to increase their energy efficiency, reduce GHG emissions and
prepare for climate impacts.
Target: 50% of existing businesses in New Glasgow retrofitted by 2030
through participation in energy efficiency programming.
Green Business
NEW GLASGOW
1. Increase participation in Efficiency Nova Scotia and Nova Scotia Power
energy efficiency and renewable energy programs for businesses and
institutions.
2. Develop financial support programs to incentivize the deployment of
building-scale renewables and energy efficiency retrofits.
Goal: Increase participation in business energy efficiency programs by 15% annually from the
established baseline (to be determined in 2022). Specific targets will be refined based on the
programs and eligibility criteria.
3. Encourage local organizations and businesses to set voluntary GHG reduction
commitments.
22
2. Explore EnerGuide ratings for homes in New Glasgow.
3. Seek partnership opportunities with Nova Scotia Power and Efficiency Nova
Scotia to communicate CO2 equivalents on utility bills for New Glasgow
residents and businesses.
GHG Reduction Potential:
Low
Implementation Schedule:
Short-term
As an immediate action the Town will support
businesses in navigating existing incentives and
programs.
FOCUS AREA 5: DISTRICT ENERGY SYSTEM
District energy is particularly important in areas with a high-carbon intensity electricity grid, such as
Nova Scotia. This infrastructure enables economical, equitable, and inclusive decarbonization of
buildings.
District energy systems are systems that distribute thermal energy to multiple buildings through a
heating and cooling centre and a thermal network of pipes connected to an array of buildings.
District energy increases the resilience of community energy by locating utility infrastructure
underground and utilizing local energy resources such as low-grade wood fibre from Nova Scotia,
and/or local wind generation.
1. Complete a District Energy Feasibility Study by 2023
The Town of New Glasgow is in the process of applying for funding to the Federation of Canadian
Municipalities Green Municipal Fund, which covers up to 50% of eligible study expenses to a
maximum of $175,000. The study will determine the feasibility of using a low carbon energy source,
specifically low-grade wood fibers, to generate heat for homes and buildings in New Glasgow.
Additional funding applications are being submitted to leverage grants to expand the scope of the
study or explore renewable energy generation for electrification pathways.
GHG Reduction Potential:
Medium - High
Implementation Schedule:
Short → Medium-term
23
5. Advocate through municipal networks and at the provincial level for
improved efficiency programs and financing mechanisms to enable businesses
and institutions of all sizes to complete retrofit upgrades, including businesses
that rent work or retail space.
4. Support businesses to set and achieve greenhouse gas emission reduction
targets.
Help businesses understand and measure their carbon footprint. This action is expanded under the
Community Capacity Action under the Collaboration, Adaptation, and Resilience section.
GHG Reduction Potential:
Medium - High
Implementation Schedule:
Short → Medium-term
IMPLEMENTATION
01
Residential Retrofits
02
Community Renewable Energy
03
Eco-Homes New Glasgow
04
Green Business Program
05
DISTRICT ENERGY
Departments:
Climate Change and Sustainability
Corporate Services
Marketing & Communications
Partners:
Clean Foundation
Efficiency NS
Nova Scotia Power
Timeline:
2022-2025
Departments:
Climate Change and Sustainability
Partners:
Nova Scotia Power
Timeline:
2024-2030
Departments:
Climate Change and Sustainability
Community Development
New Glasgow Horticulturalist
Marketing & Communications
Partners:
Bee City Canada
Efficiency NS
Inclusive Communities Committee
Timeline:
2022-2030
Funding:
FCM Green Municipal Fund
TNG Capital Budget
Departments:
Climate Change and Sustainability
Community Development
Marketing & Communications
Partners:
Pictou County Chamber of
Commerce
Business Advisory Committee
Efficiency NS
Timeline:
2022-2030
Departments:
Climate Change and Sustainability
Engineering and Public Works
Chief Administrative Officer
Partners:
Torchlight Bioresources
Timeline:
2022-2025
24
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation is an essential part of everyday life. However, how we choose to move around often
has a major impact on the environment. Globally, transportation is a major contributor to climate
change, accounting for one-fifth of total greenhouse gas emissions (World Resource Institute, 2016).
Provincially, transportation represents the highest end-use energy demand sector, accounting for
43% of total demand (Canada Energy Regulator, 2017).
In
New
Glasgow,
transportation
emissions
account for 31% of local GHG emissions, or
39,082 tonnes of CO2e, and include all on-road
vehicles:
cars,
SUVs,
trucks,
buses,
etc.
Emissions are largely dependent on the fuel
efficiency of the vehicle; the more fuel a vehicle
burns, the higher the CO2 emissions.
Increasing
access
to
and
use
of
reliable
transportation alternatives (public and active
transportation), decreasing the daily average time
spent idling, and supporting the electric vehicle
transition are key actions to lowering our
emissions in the transportation sector. These
actions will also create many co-benefits for the
community, including improving the physical and
mental health of residents, improving air quality,
reducing costs on vehicle maintenance, and
decreasing congestion.
Target:
50% reduction of
transportation-
related GHG
emissions by 2030
25
ZERO-EMISSION
TRANSPORTATION
ANTI-IDLING BYLAW
ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION
PUBLIC TRANSIT AND
CONNECTIVITY
CAR SHARING
ELECTRIC SCHOOL BUS FLEET
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
1. Develop an EV Infrastructure Plan by end of fiscal 2023.
The EV Infrastructure Plan will outline how the Town will build an EV charging infrastructure
network to accelerate the uptake of electric vehicles in New Glasgow. Potential actions include:
FOCUS AREA 1: ZERO EMISSION TRANSPORTATION
Replacing gas-powered vehicles with electric vehicles can significantly reduce transportation related
GHG emissions. To facilitate the shift from gasoline to electric vehicles, significant planning for EV
charging infrastructure is required.
a) Install 50 public electric vehicle level 2 charging ports across New Glasgow by 2030. This
includes EV charging stations that are owned and operated by the Town, in addition to private
sector public charging stations. This goal will be refined based on the findings of the
infrastructure plan.
b) Collaborate with local organizations and businesses in the development of the plan.
c) Encourage 5-10 local businesses to install electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
2. Increase community uptake of electric vehicles and/or zero-emission
vehicles.
a) Work with local automotive companies to improve access to electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid
electric vehicles, zero emission vehicles and low emission vehicles.
b) Advocate for improved access to these vehicles at the provincial level and alongside Nova
Scotia municipalities.
c) Community Engagement: partner with organizations, including the Clean Foundation's Next
Ride Program, to provide EV test drive opportunities and education on the benefits of EVs.
GHG Reduction
Potential:
Dependent on the
greening of the
NS grid
Implementation
Schedule:
Short → Medium-
term, ongoing
25
FOCUS AREA 3: ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION
FOCUS AREA 2: ANTI-IDLING BYLAW
Implementing an anti-idling bylaw and education campaign to reduce average idling time to 3 minutes
per vehicle per day can lead to GHG reductions and air quality benefits for our health and wellbeing.
Additional measures to reduce idling will be explored through Planning, Policies & Procedures to
restrict new drive-throughs, and to explore partnerships with community organizations to restrict idling
on their private land.
1. Approve an Anti-Idling Bylaw by the end of fiscal 2023.
To reduce idling to a maximum of 3 mins/day, the Idle-Free New Glasgow
Campaign will include:
The adoption of an anti-idling bylaw.
Development of an education campaign and program rollout to include
a grace period over several months.
Installation of permanent anti-idling signs in public parking areas.
Implementation
Schedule:
Short-term
The geographic size of New Glasgow, the urban density, and proximity between workplaces, homes,
shops, restaurants, and entertainment makes active transportation options such as walking and cycling a
viable alternative to traditional car usage. Developing active transportation routes and ensuring good
maintenance of trails, sidewalks and bike lanes will increase the number of trips taken by walking or
biking, therefore decreasing the number of trips taken by car.
The following actions outline how the Town of New Glasgow will expand and enhance active
transportation options and infrastructure in New Glasgow, specifically through supporting the
implementation of the Town's Active Living Strategy.
1. Implement all the recommended routes of the Blue
Route Hubs Project by 2028
a) Complete the primary route recommendations by 2024.
b) Complete the secondary route recommendations by 2026.
c) Complete the tertiary route recommendations by 2028.
d) Establish a mode share target for 2025, 2030, and 2050.
i) % of trips under 5 km be active trips
26
61% of the climate survey respondents support the introduction of an
anti-idling bylaw in our community
2. Install LED trail lighting on all New Glasgow Trails by 2024.
3. Implement the recommendations from the 2019 Active Transportation Trail
Feasibility Study.
4. Conduct a Bike Share Feasibility Study by 2025.
5. Develop and implement a Complete Streets and Active Transportation Policy
by 2023.
This policy will outline requirements and recommendations to prioritize complete streets and active
transportation infrastructure. This policy will require bike lane infrastructure needs to be considered,
and implemented when necessary, during standard road repair or maintenance, upgrades to active
transportation infrastructure, and complete street planning.
6. Identify potential areas for future zero-emissions zones by 2025.
GHG Reduction
Potential:
Medium
Implementation
Schedule:
Short → Medium-
term
To improve trail user experience, new LED lighting will be installed on all Town of New Glasgow
trails. These trails are important active transportation corridors and recreation spaces.
In line with the Race to Zero, New Glasgow will identify areas to serve as potential future zero-
emission zones, where car use will be prohibited to prioritize active transportation and clean air.
The Active Transportation Trail Feasibility Study outlines priority actions to improve trail safety and
accessibility. This work will improve trail connectivity for active transportation.
27
7. Explore speed limit reductions on residential streets.
Lowering speed limits in residential areas and in key active transportation corridors will help
ensure pedestrians feel safe.
FOCUS AREA 4: PUBLIC TRANSIT & CONNECTIVITY
WITH OTHER MUNICIPALITIES
Expanding public transit options within New Glasgow and between neighbouring municipalities will
give residents access to reliable and efficient low-carbon transportation options, decreasing GHG
emissions, air pollution, and congestion.
1. Develop zero-emission public transportation options between key
destinations within New Glasgow and to our neighbouring municipalities.
a) By 2025, commit to the exclusive procurement of low or zero-emission public transit vehicle(s).
b) Conduct a Zero-Emission Transit Feasibility Analysis to support the development of bus routes,
locations for charging infrastructure, etc. The Town will seek funding from the Zero Emission
Transit Fund to support this work.
Implementation Schedule:
Short → Medium-term,
ongoing
28
GHG Reduction Potential:
Medium
FOCUS AREA 6: ELECTRIC SCHOOL BUS FLEET
The Chignecto-Central Regional Centre for Education has a fleet of over 200 buses that transport over
17,000 students across the region. Annually, the CCRCE fleet travels more than 1,000,000 kilometres.
1. Advocate for and provide support to the Chignecto-Central Regional Centre
for Education (CCRCE) local New Glasgow schools to transition their school bus
fleet to zero-emission school buses .
Youth in our community have expressed their concern on the climate crisis and the need to act
locally to reduce GHG emissions. The Town of New Glasgow will work with the CCRCE to support
funding applications, feasibility studies, and the transition to zero-emission school buses in our
community.
Implementation Schedule:
Short-to Medium-term,
ongoing
What actions should our
community take to reduce GHG
emissions from Transportation?
Top Responses from the Community
Climate Survey 2021
More Public Transit
Better Sidewalks
Bike lanes on roads
1.
2.
3.
29
FOCUS AREA 5: CAR SHARING
Car sharing services provide an alternative to personal vehicle ownership while also reducing the
number of vehicles on the road, overall car usage, energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and
other polluting emissions.
1. Assess the feasibility of car sharing and
fleet sharing services.
Determine the feasibility of car sharing or fleet
sharing services in New Glasgow.
Implementation Schedule:
Short → Medium-term,
ongoing
30
IMPLEMENTATION
01
zero emission transportation
02
Anti-idling bylaw
03
active transportation
04
public transit & connectivity with other municipalities
Departments:
Climate Change and Sustainability
Partners:
Next Ride
Clean Foundation
Pictou County Chamber
of Commerce
Timeline:
2022-2030
Departments:
Climate Change and Sustainability
New Glasgow Regional Police
Marketing & Communications
Partners:
Downtown Businesses
NSHA
Timeline:
2022-2025
Departments:
Active Living
Engineering & Public Works
Climate Change and Sustainability
New Glasgow Regional Police
Partners:
Bicycle Nova Scotia
NS Dept of Public Works
Timeline:
2022-2030
Potential Funding:
EV Boost
Departments:
Climate Change and Sustainability
Chief Administrative Officer
Partners:
Pictou County Transit
Authority
Timeline:
2024-2030
06
electric school bus fleet
Departments:
Climate Change and Sustainability
Partners:
CCRCE
Youth Climate Council
NSHA
Timeline:
2024-2026
Potential Funding:
Low Carbon Communities
Sustainability Fund
05
Car Sharing
Departments:
Climate Change and Sustainability
Partners:
Pictou County Chamber
of Commerce
Timeline:
2025-2030
WASTE
The waste sector accounts for emissions from the disposal of waste produced within the Town of New
Glasgow. In 2018-19, residential waste generated 844.2 tonnes of CO2e, and commercial waste generated
1,825.2 tonnes of CO2e, equivalent to 2% of community-wide emissions. This calculation does not include
emissions generated from waste that is diverted, such as organics and recycling, nor fleet emissions
generated during waste collection.
Fortunately, there are many actions that can help us achieve this goal, such as circular development.
Circular development integrates principles of the circular economy. It calls for the closing of material loops
and the maximization of the value and utility of products through five steps: Rethinking, Regenerating,
Reducing, Reusing, and Recovering. Integrating circular economy principles and advocating for the
provincial implementation of extended producer responsibility (EPR) will help our community reduce its
consumption, waste production, and waste-related emissions.
SINGLE-USE ITEMS
INDUSTRIAL, COMMERCIAL &
INSTITUTIONAL WASTE
EXTENDED PRODUCER
RESPONSIBILITY
CIRCULAR ECONOMY
LOW EMISSION WASTE COLLECTION
EDUCATION & COMMUNITY
ENGAGEMENT
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
For most of us, recycling or composting is the
main way we reduce our waste production.
However, recycling is an end-of-use solution
and not everything can be recycled. In 2017-
2018, Nova Scotians produced an average of
432 kg of waste per person. In order to reduce
our total waste after diversion, we need to
change the ways in which we produce,
consume and dispose of goods.
31
Canadians discard approximately 3.3 million tonnes of plastic annually, of which only a small fraction is
recycled (ECCC, 2019). Moreover, 47% of Canada's plastic waste comes from single-use plastic items
and packaging (ECCC, 2019). At the federal level, Canada has set the target of zero plastic waste by
2030. At the provincial level, Nova Scotia has set the target to reduce waste disposal to 300 kg per
person per year by 2030. At the Municipal level, there are many actions New Glasgow can take to
reduce waste and the use of single-use items.
Pictou County Solid Waste (PCSW) is dedicated to reducing waste in Pictou County. The Waste Sector
actions have been drafted in consultation with PCSW to ensure alignment and to identify opportunities
to elevate existing programming. The implementation of these actions will be lead by the staff at PCSW
with support from the Town of New Glasgow.
When it comes to the GHG reduction potential of waste, it is difficult to accurately quantify. The
inventory captures emissions generated based on waste diversion. When we look at the big picture and
consider where goods originate; the production, transportation, and disposal, the GHG emissions are
significantly higher. These emissions are generated outside of New Glasgow and therefore are not
captured in our calculations. The actions in this section are focused on local measures while addressing
broader considerations, particularly the circular economy and extended producer responsibility.
GHG REDUCTION POTENTIAL
d) Explore the feasibility of a New Glasgow wide single-
use plastics ban.
1. Promote the reduction of single use items and plastics in New Glasgow
Plastic bags and single-use items have a major impact on the environment. Eliminating plastic
production and use from our societies will decrease our waste production and pollution, decrease
GHG emissions, and promote resource conservation.
FOCUS AREA 1: SINGLE-USE ITEMS
a) Education campaign in anticipation of the Federal ban
on single-use plastics, which could be introduced in 2022.
b) Provide incentives for businesses that voluntarily
commit to using zero-waste or compostable packaging
that is accepted by Pictou County Solid Waste.
c) Introduce a single-use plastics and Styrofoam ban in
all Municipal buildings.
Implementation Schedule:
Immediate
PICTOU COUNTY SOLID WASTE
32
Statistics Canada estimates that the Industrial, Commercial and Institutional (ICI) sector produces 65%
of Canada's annual waste, while only diverting 19% of it.
Provincial Bill No. 57 Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act has set the target of
reducing waste to 300 kg per person per year by 2030. In order to meet this target, institutions will need
to look into their own supply chain and find areas to reduce or eliminate waste. In New Glasgow,
education on waste reduction will be key to helping the ICI sector develop waste reduction strategies.
ICI waste is a challenging sector and requires further exploration to identify realistic measures to yield
significant reductions. The Town of New Glasgow recognizes its role in this, but further acknowledges
the partnerships with the Province and PCSW to achieve these necessary reductions.
1. Undertake planning sessions with members of the ICI sector to provide
support in the development of ICI waste reduction strategies.
2. Work collaboratively with waste haulers to help improve ICI waste reduction.
3. Create a call to action for the public to help hold businesses accountable.
FOCUS AREA 2: INDUSTRIAL, COMMERCIAL &
INSTITUTIONAL WASTE
Implementation Schedule:
Short-term
33
The Town of New Glasgow Corporate Climate Action
Plan outlines the recommended actions to reduce
emissions and improve the sustainability of Town
operations. One of the key actions in the Corporate
Waste Sector is to ensure all municipal buildings are
set up for proper waste sorting (including composting
where necessary).
FOCUS AREA 3: EXTENDED PRODUCER
RESPONSIBILITY
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) or product stewardship describes the responsibility of
producers and manufacturers for the end-of-life of their products and packaging, shifting responsibility
away from the taxpayer. This includes the collection, transportation, reuse, and recycling of their
products. Consequently, EPR regulations and programs incentivize producers and manufacturers to
create better-designed, environmentally friendly products that produce little to no waste or that can be
disposed of easily and responsibly. EPR programs will ultimately lead to a reduction in the amount of
garbage in landfills. Many Nova Scotia industries already take part in EPR programs including dairy,
paint, electronics, tires, and used oil.
1. Support the further expansion of EPR
programs in addition to PPP (printed paper
and packaging).
Implementation
Schedule:
Immediate, ongoing
FOCUS AREA 4: CIRCULAR ECONOMY
Our economy follows a linear pathway from resource extraction to waste disposal. The circular economy
proposes redesigning this linear pathway into a circular pathway, turning waste itself into a resource
through reuse, repairs, refurbishing, remanufacturing, repurposing, and recycling. The circular economy
is based on the principle of designing out waste and pollution, keeping products and materials in use,
and regenerating natural systems.
1. Develop a Circular Economy Roadmap for New Glasgow and implement
recommended actions.
34
As a participating municipality in the Circular Cities
and Regions Initiative (CCRI), the Town of New
Glasgow will develop a community roadmap for the
Town's circular economy transition in 2022.
Studies have estimated that up to two-thirds of
global GHG emissions come from material
management, which includes the production,
consumption, and disposal of materials, products,
and infrastructure (UNDP, 2017).
Implementation Schedule:
Immediate, ongoing
In Canada, the heavy-duty vehicle sector is the second-largest contributor to GHG emissions in the
transportation sector (ECCC, 2020). Transitioning fleets of medium-duty and heavy-duty vehicles to low
and zero-emission options is essential to reducing our emissions in this sector.
FOCUS AREA 5: LOW EMISSION WASTE COLLECTION
1. Advocate for low to zero-emission waste collection fleet.
The Pictou County Solid Waste Management System is responsible for the management of solid-
waste resources across the jurisdiction of Pictou County, which includes the Towns of New
Glasgow, Stellarton, Pictou, Westville, Trenton, and the Municipality of the County of Pictou.
a) Conduct a Fleet Conversion Study for the Pictou County Solid Waste fleet. PCSW will be the
lead partner in charge of this action (short-term action).
b) PCSW's collection contract is set to expire in 2023. As a municipal partner in the Shared
Services Authority, the Town of New Glasgow will specify that preference be given to zero-
emission vehicles under the new contract.
c) Advocate for PCSW's local hauling partner(s) to transition their fleet to low or zero-emission
vehicles, when possible, based on market availability.
PCSW Fleet - Approximate Annual
Fuel purchases:
20,000L gasoline, and 53,000L diesel
Implementation
Schedule:
Long-term
36
FOCUS AREA 6: EDUCATION
AND COMMUNITY
ENGAGEMENT
1. Create a formal plan for education and
community engagement with Pictou County
Solid Waste, to be renewed annually.
Potential activities could include participation in:
Go Clean-Get Green
Community meetings
Fix-it workshops
Waste Reduction Week
Programs for businesses to minimize food-related
carbon emissions
35
36
IMPLEMENTATION
01
single-use items
02
ICI Waste
Departments:
PCSW
Communications & Marketing
Partners:
PC Chamber of Commerce
Business Advisory Committee
Timeline:
2022-2025
Departments:
PCSW
Climate Change and Sustainability
Partners:
PC Chamber of Commerce
Waste Haulers
Timeline:
2024-2027
03
Extended producer responsibility
Departments:
Mayor and Council
Chief Administrative Officer
Climate Change and Sustainability
Partners:
Nova Scotia Federation of
Municipalities
Timeline:
2022 - ongoing
04
Circular economy
05
Low emission waste collection
Departments:
Climate Change and Sustainability
Community Development
Partners:
Circular Cities & Regions
Initiative
PCSW
Timeline:
2022-2025
(immediate)
Departments:
PCSW
Chief Administrative Officer
Partners:
PC Chamber of Commerce
Waste Haulers
Timeline:
2023-2030
06
education and community engagement
Departments:
PCSW
Climate Change and Sustainability
Communications & Marketing
Community Development
Partners:
Fridays for Future Youth
Climate Council
Timeline:
2022-2030
POLICY,
PLANNING AND
PROCEDURES
GREEN BUILDINGS
SUSTAINABLE LAND-USE
PLANNING
GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE
& NATURAL AREAS
CLIMATE ACTION FUNDING
MUNICIPAL ENTITIES
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Policy, Planning, and Procedures is a foundational sector. The focus areas outlined in this
section concentrate on enabling long-term solutions that promote sustainability and encourage
GHG reductions in planning. These actions are forward-thinking, and allow our community to
be better positioned for a low carbon transition and future. It is important that development in
our community supports our overarching sustainability and climate objectives. We will
prioritize solutions that are positive for the environment, climate, sustainability, and
biodiversity.
37
Land-use planning is one of the most effective
ways to facilitate local climate change adaptation
(Davoudi et al., 2012). Tools in land-use planning
- official plans, zoning, development permits,
standards, and others - can be used to encourage
densification, increase green spaces and urban
forests, minimize the risk of natural hazards such
as floods and wildfires, promote efficient use of
land, energy, and transportation, and limit GHG
emissions
associated
with
new
residential,
commercial, and institutional developments.
In order to achieve the true intentions of this plan, annual funding will be available to ensure
timely implementation of the CCAP actions, and to leverage external funding. By dedicating
funds and resources to this work, we can demonstrate our leadership in climate action, and
accelerate the advancement of meaningful change.
1. Develop, adopt, and implement a Green Building Incentive Program for new
buildings and major retrofits by 2030.
FOCUS AREA 1: GREEN BUILDINGS
a) Solar-ready building design: Ensure new residential and commercial developments, including
street layout, are designed and constructed in a way that facilitates orientation for the future
installation of a rooftop solar photovoltaic system. Explore incentives for residential solar
installations.
b) EV ready/capable building design: Ensure new residential and commercial developments are
designed and constructed with energized electrical outlets capable of charging an EV when a
charging station is installed in the future.
d) Sustainable Building Design Tax Incentive Policy: Buildings that meet energy efficiency
standards can waive development charges or receive a potential exemption on their annual
Municipal tax contributions for a set period of time, depending on the level of certification
achieved.
38
c) District energy ready building policy: Ensure new residential and commercial developments
are designed and constructed with the necessary connections for district energy or microgrid
systems.
2. Develop an energy efficiency requirement and incentive plan for the
East River Business Park.
Recognizing many businesses have already started
construction, this will be a graduated or tiered
system, in line with the Green Building Incentive
Program. The additional measures or requirements
for the Business Park will encourage energy
efficient development within the business park.
Implementation
Schedule:
Short→ Medium-term
How much GHG reductions should the
community achieve through home and
workplace energy efficiency upgrades
by 2030?
2021 Community Climate Survey Results
50%
FOCUS AREA 2: SUSTAINABLE LAND-USE PLANNING
Where enabled through legislation, the Town of New Glasgow will ascertain to what degree climate
change & sustainability requirements or incentives can be incorporated into policies, plans, and bylaws.
There may be many synergies between land-use planning and green building actions.
3. Develop a Roadmap to achieve net-zero
emission new buildings by 2030.
As a member of the Race to Zero and Race to Resilience
campaigns, the Town of New Glasgow is also committed to
ensuring the above policies and actions follow the rule of 'existing
assets' first to optimize, repurpose and retrofit existing buildings
and infrastructure before building new ones.
As well, the Town of New Glasgow is currently developing a
Green Building Policy that will establish standards for any new
corporate (Municipal) buildings to optimize both economic and
environmental performance and to comply with LEED standards.
Implementation
Schedule:
Short →
Medium-term
1. Integrate Climate and Sustainability into land-use planning policies and
bylaws.
A review will be completed to identify opportunities to integrate climate and sustainability into land-
use planning policies, strategies and bylaws. The addition of climate and sustainability requirements
or considerations may be included in, but not limited to the following:
Secondary Planning Strategy
Integrated Municipal Planning Strategy
Common Land-Use Bylaw
39
Subdivision Bylaw
Restrictive Covenants: Remove restrictive covenants that prevent
environmentally conscious behaviours such as clothesline usage.
EV ready/capable parking lots and active transportation infrastructure:
25% of new parking spaces are EV ready or capable. Require new parking lots
to consider active transportation, for example include bike racks.
Adopt tree planting/protection requirements or recommendations for new
developments: Ensure new development protects existing trees, as per the
conditions set out in the actionable Tree Protection Bylaw. For example, if one
tree needs to be taken down, two will be replanted in its place. Where no trees
are required to be protected, the new development will plant and protect trees
based on the Tree Protection Bylaw.
2. Increase nature conservation on private and public lands.
a) Private Tree Protection Bylaw: outlines which trees are protected under the bylaw and requires
residents to apply for a permit in order to remove approved trees from their property.
b) Draft a Pollinator-Friendly Lawn Bylaw.
c) Promote biodiversity protection within our municipal boundary.
4. Encourage and incentivize the use of zero emission power tools in our
community, including lawn mowers, leaf blowers and snow blowers.
3. Restrict development in areas at risk of climate impacts.
These restrictions will make reference to the Statement of Provincial Interest for the East River.
Regulations are currently being drafted for the Coastal Protection Act, which will include tidal areas
of the East River, this legislation will support development restrictions in these at risk areas.
1. Conduct an Urban Tree Canopy Assessment.
2. Complete a Natural Assets Inventory.
3. Create a Natural Asset Management Plan.
4. Develop Green Infrastructure Requirements or incentives for local
development.
5. Develop and implement a tree planting and naturalization program and
commit to tree planting targets by 2025.
This will include an urban forest management plan.
FOCUS AREA 3: GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE &
NATURAL AREAS
Where enabled through legislation, the Town of New Glasgow will ascertain to what degree climate
change & sustainability requirements or incentives can be incorporated into policies, plans, and bylaws.
There may be many synergies between land-use planning and green building actions.
40
The implementation of the Community Climate Action Plan may require internal and external funding.
Annual funding will be allocated to ensure timely implementation of the actions based on the
implementation schedule. The establishment of the Sustainability Fund will ensure reliable access to
annual funding is available to maintain progress on these initiatives, to support access to external grants,
and enable New Glasgow to participate in new and emerging opportunities.
1. Sustainability Fund
Create a Sustainability Fund to support the ongoing financing of the Community Climate Action Plan.
FOCUS AREA 4: CLIMATE ACTION FUNDING
a) Allocate 50% of annual revenue generated from parking meters and tickets to the Sustainability
Fund.
b) Direct all revenue generated from idling tickets, following anti idling bylaw implementation, to
the Sustainability Fund.
The Town of New Glasgow is interested in working with its
municipal entities to explore options for reducing the GHG
emissions associated with the delivery of municipal services,
including services provided by the Pictou County Wellness
Centre, the Shared Services Authority (East River
Environmental Control Centre, and Pictou County Solid
Waste), Glen Haven Manor Corporation, and Riverview
Home Corporation.
c) Allocate 40% of the annual Canada Community Building Fund contribution for New Glasgow
to the Sustainability Fund to be used for clean energy projections, active transportation
infrastructure and programming, and climate action initiatives, including the implementation of the
Local Climate Action Plan.
FOCUS AREA 5: MUNICIPAL
ENTITIES
d) Explore additional annual funding for the implementation of the Community Climate Action
Plan, through the Sustainability Fund, including directing a percentage of annual operating reserves
and a percentage of the annual Town of New Glasgow budget to the fund.
1. Support municipal entities in Pictou
County to reduce their GHG emissions.
41
2. Install solar photovoltaic systems at each
of the municipal entity facilities by 2030, for
onsite renewable energy generation.
42
IMPLEMENTATION
01
green buildings
02
sustainable land-use planning
03
Green infrastructure & natural areas
04
Climate action Funding
Departments:
Building Inspector
Planning
Climate Change and Sustainability
Chief Administrative Officer
Partners:
Province of Nova Scotia
Timeline:
2023-2027
Departments:
Planning
Climate Change and Sustainability
Chief Administrative Officer
Partners:
Pictou County
Municipalities
Timeline:
2022-2025
Departments:
Climate Change and Sustainability
Public Works & Engineering
Planning
Water Utility
Partners:
Municipal Natural Assets
Initiative
Timeline:
2022-2030
Departments:
Corporate Services
Climate Change and Sustainability
Partners:
Active Living
Engineering & Public Works
Timeline:
2022-2030
05
municipal entities
Departments:
Chief Administrative Officer
Mayor & Council
Climate Change and Sustainability
Partners:
Pictou County Wellness Centre
Shared Services Authority
Glen Haven Manor Corporation
Riverview Home Corporation
Timeline:
2025-2030
The Collaboration, Adaptation, and Resilience section highlights actions focused on
understanding our vulnerability to climate change impacts. Communities across Canada are
experiencing the negative impacts of climate change on their infrastructure, health, wellbeing,
culture, and economies (Warren and Lulham, 2021). Preparing for the unavoidable impacts of
climate change will require both mitigation (GHG emission reductions) and adaptation actions.
COLLABORATION,
ADAPTATION,
AND RESILIENCE
This section of the plan is focused on actions that will build community resilience, increasing
New Glasgow's capacity to prepare for, respond to, and recover from the adverse impacts of
climate change. Additionally, this section of the plan recognizes that everyone will experience the
impacts of climate change, but some individuals are more susceptible to climate-related hazards
based on exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity (access to resources). Therefore, actions
within this section are intended to engage individuals and groups who will be most affected by a
changing climate. The actions will be further refined over the course of the implementation
schedule to determine corresponding work plans and timelines.
43
EMERGENCY PLANNING &
DISASTER RISK
REDUCTION
SOCIAL EQUITY
COMMUNITY CAPACITY &
RESILIENCE
1.
2.
3.
Adaptation is an equally necessary component to
climate action as mitigation. Adaptation ensures that
measures are in place to protect individuals and the
community, through infrastructure, policies, and
programs building our collective resilience (Levison
et al., 2017). There are many local and regional
actors involved with climate adaptation, and through
this collaboration, we can lead a more effective and
robust climate response.
To ensure a safe and resilient New Glasgow, actions will be taken to strengthen the capacity of the Town
to prepare for, respond to, and recover from future natural disasters and extreme weather events.
FOCUS AREA 1: EMERGENCY PLANNING &
DISASTER RISK REDUCTION
1. Strengthen emergency management response to weather-related
emergencies.
2. Develop pre-approved contracts for emergency interventions or
reconstruction.
3. Strengthen emergency management communication and regional
coordination across REMO agencies and organizations.
4. Create Community Resilience Hubs.
To support increased community resilience to climate impacts, community resilience hubs will be
formed. These community-serving facilities will be augmented to support residents and coordinate
resource distribution and services before, during, or after a natural hazard event. We will work with
local organizations to explore locations and collaboration opportunities.
5. Make emergency management training widely available to residents and
businesses.
Implementation
Schedule:
Short-term, ongoing
44
This will be facilitated in partnership with the Pictou County Chamber of Commerce and the
Regional Emergency Management Organization.
January 2022
2. Equity Assessments
Conduct at least 2 equity assessments for priority Town-wide transformation climate actions. This
will demonstrate how actions contribute to delivering social and economic benefits, reducing
inequality, and driving a just transition for workers.
3. Engagement
Work to meaningfully engage with equity- and reconciliation-seeking groups, particularly with the
Mi'kmaw and African Nova Scotian community, as well as vulnerable populations. We will
endeavour to ensure that no one is left behind in our adaptation efforts.
4. Vulnerable Populations
Raise awareness about vulnerable populations and climate impacts, and the need for collaboration,
equity, and a just transition. This is linked to the completion of a vulnerability assessment, so we can
better understand who our vulnerable populations are and where they are located. Education and
awareness initiatives will support increased community resilience through risk reduction and
preparedness strategies, particularly among those most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
Implementation
Schedule:
Immediate,
ongoing
The Town of New Glasgow recognizes the disproportionate
impacts of climate change on members of vulnerable, marginalized,
and/or racialized groups, and therefore the importance of including
considerations of social equity and climate justice at all stages of
municipal climate action planning.
1. Training
Provide gender and racial sensitivity training for all civil servants engaged in the development and
implementation of resilience strategies, including Town Staff, Council, Committee Representatives,
and Volunteers, promoting values of care, empathy, and respect.
45
FOCUS AREA 2: SOCIAL EQUITY
3. Support local food security through the promotion of local food production
and the New Glasgow Farmers Market.
4. Staff Resources
Designate staff resources to ensure the timely coordination and implementation of the Town of New
Glasgow's resilience and mitigation actions.
5. Volunteer Program
Establish a community volunteer program to mobilize citizens and stakeholders to be part of our
local climate action, and transform our community. Enable organizations and citizens to participate
in climate action and spearhead initiatives to drive GHG reductions.
6. Networks
Continuously explore opportunities to join programs and collaboratives to build capacity to undertake
community climate action, i.e., the Global Covenant of Mayors, the Cities Race to Zero, etc.
2. Local Climate Planning - Organizations & Businesses
a) Undertake climate planning sessions with local organizations and businesses to develop local
climate plans and coordinate mitigation and adaptation efforts.
b) Establish and improve mechanisms for community-based organizations and community
members to contribute to city-scale resilience plans and actions from the beginning to end of
processes.
46
The Town of New Glasgow acknowledges the need to future-proof
our assets and critical infrastructure in line with climate projections
to ensure our ability to provide sustainable service delivery. In
doing so, we will be able to reduce our risk of negative outcomes
caused by weather extremes and climate disasters.
FOCUS AREA 3: COMMUNITY CAPACITY &
RESILIENCE
1. Conduct a Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment by 2025.
a) We will endeavour to achieve this action at the regional level. However, we will proceed with
a municipal level assessment if needed to ensure timely completion of the project.
b) We will partner with Public Health to assess climate-related health vulnerability and apply a
health equity lens in adaptation planning. We will seek input from other groups that can support
this work including; Mental Health & Addictions, Emergency Preparedness, and Continuing Care.
c) We will collect information on the needs of frontline communities with respect to climate
planning and implementation.
Implementation
Schedule:
Medium-term
IMPLEMENTATION
01
Emergency Planning & Disaster Risk Reduction
02
Social Equity
03
Community Capacity & resilience
Departments:
Climate Change and Sustainability
Public Works & Engineering
Fire, Inspection & Emergency Services
New Glasgow Regional Police
Partners:
Pictou County Regional
Emergency Management
Organization
Timeline:
2023
Departments:
Mayor & Council
Chief Administrative Officer
Climate Change and Sustainability
Partners:
TBD
Timeline:
Immediate and ongoing
Departments:
Climate Change and Sustainability
Partners:
Nova Scotia Health Authority
Pictou County Chamber of
Commerce
Local Businesses
Timeline:
2025-2030
47
Milestone 4 of the Partners for Climate Protection Program is focused on the implementation of the
Community Climate Action Plan. The Town of New Glasgow recognizes that climate action is a core part
of our operations. Implementation of this plan will be a key priority in the coming years, to ensure the
timely and efficient completion of the outlined goals and objectives. Municipal staff will lead the
implementation of the actions in this plan, with support from community organizations and the private
sector for specific projects. The Climate Change Steering Committee and the Community Climate Change
Committee will be responsible for overseeing implementation.
This plan will be revised annually to incorporate new opportunities and to reflect changing circumstances.
Town Staff, alongside the Climate Change Committees, will continue to engage with key organizations and
stakeholders from different sectors to continually expand project involvement, and to ensure actions and
efforts are grounded in our community needs and interests. With co-benefits from this work, it is imperative
that there is equitable distribution of benefits and access to participation.
The implementation schedules will be combined into one main master implementation document to detail
timelines, partners, and resources for efficient implementation. Progress will be reported annually through
the Community Climate Change Committee to Council. Milestone 4 will be submitted to FCM for approval
a year following the approval of the Community Climate Action Plan.
Communications, education, and engagement activities will be central to community participation and the
timely uptake of actions. Citizen and business participation is also crucial to achieving our climate goals
and objectives. Engagement activities are woven into all the key focus areas, and engagement programming
will be launched in the near term to mobilize community participation. The development of a volunteer
program will be a key piece to the ongoing implementation of the plan. The focus of the volunteer program
will be to enable citizen participation and mobilize climate action within the community. By empowering
citizens to participate in this work, we anticipate accelerated adoption of key behaviour changes, and the
necessary uptake in programming to achieve our community GHG reduction target.
Milestone 4: implementation
4
48
Implementation
Develop a detailed and fulsome implementation schedule
4
Submit Milestone 4 to FCM - March 2023
Annual progress reporting to Council
Ongoing communications and engagement to staff, residents, businesses, and stakeholders
5
Milestone 5: monitoring & REPORTING RESULTS
49
The Community Climate Action Plan will be revised annually as circumstances change and new ideas
emerge. Ongoing monitoring of initiatives, GHG emissions inventory tracking, and annual reporting will
help determine if we are on track to achieve our targets.
01
GHG EMISSIONS INVENTORY TRACKING
The community GHG emissions inventory will be updated annually to ensure accurate reporting. The current
state of community emissions will be communicated to Council, Town Staff, and the public through the
Town website.
02
ANNUAL REVIEW AND COUNCIL REPORT
The Community Climate Action Plan will be reviewed annually by the Climate Change Steering Committee.
As circumstances evolve and new information or funding becomes available, actions will be reevaluated and
activities adjusted. The Climate Change Steering Committee will present the results of the annual review to
Council.
03
EVALUATION
Performance indicators will be used to measure changes in GHG emissions in the Buildings, Transportation,
and Waste sector. For certain actions, it may be difficult to quantity the emission reduction impact (for
example, within the Policy, Planning, & Procedures sector and the Collaboration, Adapation, & Resilience
sector. These actions will still be reported with relevant qualitative information.
04
Midpoint REVIEW
The Community Climate Action Plan outlines actions until 2030. Midway through the implementation time
period (2022-2030), the plan will be reviewed in full to identify new opportunities for emission reductions
from 2026-2030.
Over the next few years, the Town of New Glasgow will focus its efforts on the implementation of the
Community and Corporate Climate Action Plans. This work cannot be done alone! The Town of New
Glasgow is committed to meaningfully engaging residents, businesses, organizations, and particularly
young people in our climate work to mobilize citizen participation and to increase climate literacy. Climate
action and adaptation planning must be a collaborative effort.
Looking ahead, we believe we are at a critical point to bring people in and build momentum on the
foundation these plans offer.
Thank you for your support, together we will ensure a sustainable future for New Glasgow!
Looking ahead
50
51
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