McKenney says Ottawa will be net zero city by 2050

One of Ottawa's mayoral candidates promises that the city of Ottawa will reach net zero emissions by 2050. 

Catherine McKenney, one 14 mayoral candidates, announced on Sept. 22 their strategic climate strategy which includes: 

• Greening buildings to reduce emissions and save on energy costs
• Working with the National Capital Commission to turn the Greenbelt into a national urban park
• Protecting and increasing both greenspace and the tree canopy
• Creating safe and walkable neighbourhoods that include bike infrastructure and low-emission transit
• Designing a climate resiliency plan

“Our city urgently needs bold climate action, but we have been missing the political will to prioritize it,” said McKenney. “However, with the right leadership, we can live in an Ottawa replete with green, affordable buildings, safe walkable neighbourhoods and a tree canopy that helps cool our homes.”

McKenney's strategy proposes key commitments consistent with Ottawa council's approved Climate Change Master Plan and facilitates the investments needed to make them a reality. Based on projections within its plan, buildings and transportation will make up about 75 per cent of emissions reductions from now until 2050. 

“The costs of climate inaction are too high,” added McKenney. “This summer's severe storm damaged Ottawa's tree canopy, homes and infrastructure. If we don't take bolder climate action now, these intense weather events will be more common and worse. But I have a strategy that helps our communities become more resilient in the face of environmental change and do our part to reduce climate pollution.”

To review the candidate's full election platform, please visit their website at mckenney2022.ca