Community members are invited to have a say on the city of New Westminster’s new environmental strategy.
The city has been working on the creation of an environmental strategy that focuses on four key areas: buildings, sites and urban design; water, waste and materials; energy, emissions and climate change; and natural areas and habitat. The strategy will provide a framework for implementation of future environmental policies and initiatives.
The city is presenting the draft environmental strategy and action plan at an open house on Wednesday, June 20 from 5 to 7 p.m. at River Market, 810 Quayside Dr. It can be viewed for a limited time online at www.newwestcity.ca/esap.
Council recently received the draft environmental strategy and action plan.
Coun. Mary Trentadue said the draft report speaks of the city taking a leadership role regarding the environment, but she thinks the city also has an advocacy role on certain issues in the region.
“I think it’s important that we do have some kind of say, or at least comment on what goes on in municipalities around us – of course, in a way that is respectful and encouraging,” she said. “I think it’s important we consider taking on that role.”
Coun. Patrick Johnstone agreed.
“I think there definitely is a role for advocacy as council,” he said. “I think food security is an excellent example. Food security is such an important issue regionally when it comes to sustainability.”
Along with food security, Johnstone said the city could have a role in advocating for flood control standards on the Fraser River that are less damaging to salmon.
For more information about the plan, contact Jennifer Lukianchuk at [email protected].
