What's Up? Georgian Bay - December 2023

Express the Power of Your Voice

As we see everywhere, climate change is no longer a future issue: it’s here and now. NOW is the time to take action.

There’s no shortage of evidence that change is necessary across the world. And just across our Georgian Bay region, people are seeing milder, shorter winters with far less snow, less impressive fall foliage and unpredictable maple syrup harvests and fishing. Heavy rains and record-breaking heat are imperilling farmers’ crops, while undesirable species like ticks and poison ivy are thriving in this warmer world. We need climate solutions that benefit everyone. We can’t keep pushing back the responsibility to the federal or provincial governments, international agencies, industries and businesses, and the challenges we see every day emphasize how it’s on all of us to step up and take responsibility for the changes that will ensure a better future for us all.

Actions at the regional, municipal, community and neighbourhood level and even at individual levels are efficient and powerful; everyone can have a significant impact at the local level Because You Can.

Don’t be shy, express the power of your voice. When citizens show up to Town Council or Committees meetings to advocate for environment and climate solutions, the Mayor, Council and Staff listen and take notice, and the residents listen. The same can be true for counties, school boards, water and energy providers, publicly-owned utilities, and many other organizational entities that hold public meetings and invite public comments.

Therefore, we encourage you to check the public meeting schedule on your town website for upcoming public meetings and also for relevant local organizations public meetings or surveys – Simcoe County, Conservation Authorities such as NVCA, Provincial Parks, Simcoe Forests, School Boards, Not-For-Profit Organisations, etc. – and determine where you might be able to talk or write and weigh in on a proposed climate or environmental solution. Participate and Raise Your Voice.

You are also welcome to contact your local Climate Action Team such as the Wasaga Beach Climate Action Team who will be happy to help you prepare.

Don’t Underestimate the Power of Your Voice: make yourself heard, voices matter as much as our words matter. They have the power to awaken the senses and lead others to act.

Climate Action Now.

Engage with the Wasaga Beach Climate Action Team Wasagabeachclimateaction.com info@wasagabeachclimateaction.com

Submitted by Gerard Dusastre