Getting Greener: On the Path of SustainabilityDirectory of Environmental InitiativesThe environment sustains us. It is a complex living network whose diversity supports our existence, both visibly and invisibly. It contributes to our enjoyment of life through greenspaces and water; it is essential to the vitality of our food production system. Cities have a large effect on the environment. The more we understand this impact, the better we are at minimizing it. Ottawa, like all responsible municipalities, is searching for ways to be economically viable yet have a smaller ecological footprint. During the Ottawa 20/20 initiative, the public, City Council and City staff together forged seven principles to guide our progress as a smart and sustainable city. The environment was a central theme in those principles. Ottawa's Environmental Strategy (approved by Council in 2003) declares: Ottawa will be a green and environmentally sensitive city. What does that mean?The Environmental Strategy has four main goals:
Ottawa and its citizens made a commitment to continuous monitoring and improvement during the 20/20 process. This directory reviews progress to date and itemizes the programs that are helping us meet our 20/20 goals. The initiatives and programs are grouped under the four goals from the Environmental Strategy. Many of the initiatives, such as green building standards, contribute to more than one of the goals but are listed only once. Targets that have been established in existing plans and strategies are also noted. Several of the plans with greatest relevance for environmental issues-the Environmental Strategy, Official Plan, Transportation Master Plan and Infrastructure Master Plan-will be reviewed in 2008. Many of the initiatives in this directory find their origin and policy direction in these plans. This review will be an opportunity to assess progress, identify gaps and establish program priorities. |
CON026312