The
Sustainability
Project.

Submitted by the group Climate Action Team Owen Sound (CATOS):

Owen Sound is facing many crucial issues, including homelessness, housing, mental health, infrastructure, transportation and the City’s budget.
Climate change is an overarching issue we like to ignore however we now recognize that science predictions are becoming increasingly real, and the changes affect all of us and impact on all these municipal concerns.

For this reason, CATOS has developed a few questions for mayoral and council candidates. We have sent these questions to all but two candidates who we were unable to reach. Ten candidates sent their responses by the deadline, September 25, 2026.

Questions to Candidates:

1. As a member of Owen Sound City Council, what climate mitigation and adaptation actions would you prioritize during your term?
2. How do you view the city's current progress on climate mitigation and adaptation?
3. Would you support hiring a dedicated Climate Action or Sustainability Coordinator for the City of Owen Sound? Why or why not?

Here are the answers we have received, and we hope they give all of us voters a better understanding of where the candidates stand:

Tamara Sargent – Councillor Candidate

1. I would prioritize practical measures that reduce emissions and make Owen Sound more resilient to the climate impacts we are already experiencing. On mitigation, I would support continued investment in EV charging infrastructure, gradual electrification of the City's fleet, and energy-efficiency improvements to municipal buildings and facilities. I would also prioritize the public services at the heart of my platform: better public transit, an accessible public library, affordable garbage services and a vacant residential property tax to help pay for those improvements. Better transit is both climate action and an affordability measure. These are my priorities because they improve people's lives and strengthen our community, while some also provide meaningful environmental and climate benefits. For adaptation, I would focus on stormwater and flood resilience, climate-resilient infrastructure, and protecting and expanding our urban tree canopy. These are practical investments that can protect residents and municipal infrastructure as extreme weather becomes more frequent and severe. But I also think we need to be honest about the limits of municipal government. Owen Sound can do its part, but we cannot address the climate crisis on our own or at the scale required. The fundamental changes needed in our energy, transportation and industrial systems require action and investment far beyond what municipal governments can provide. Provincial and federal governments have the powers and resources to drive the large-scale transformation we need. As a councillor, I would therefore do what we can within the City's jurisdiction while using my position to advocate for much greater action from the provincial and federal governments, including the kind of large-scale public investment envisioned by Green New Deal proposals: regional public transit, renewable energy, climate-resilient infrastructure and ensuring members of the working class have good, secure employment as our economy transitions away from fossil fuels.
2. I think Owen Sound has done some important work, particularly in developing a Climate Action Strategy and identifying the City's vulnerabilities and priorities. The City should receive credit for doing that planning work and for taking some practical steps, including energy-efficiency projects and electric vehicle infrastructure. At the same time, I think the focus now needs to be on implementation and measurable results. The City's own reporting shows that 19 of its 25 adaptation actions had been completed by early 2025, with four more underway. Progress on mitigation has been more limited, with 13 of 36 mitigation actions having advanced at that point. That shows there has been meaningful progress, particularly on adaptation, but also that there is substantial work still to be done on reducing emissions. And I would want climate action to remain connected to the things residents are dealing with every day. A climate plan should not be about producing a list of environmental initiatives for their own sake. It should make Owen Sound safer, more affordable and more resilient. That is one reason better public transit is one of the three central policies in my platform. A reliable, accessible transit system can reduce reliance on cars while also making it easier for people to get to work, school, appointments and the services they need. The same principle applies to energy-efficient municipal buildings, resilient stormwater infrastructure, more trees and shade, and better walking and cycling infrastructure. These are investments that improve people's lives while also helping Owen Sound reduce emissions and adapt to a changing climate.
3. No. I would not support creating a new dedicated Climate Action or Sustainability Coordinator position for the City. I believe climate action should be integrated into the work the City is already responsible for rather than creating another layer of administration. Owen Sound already has a Climate Action Strategy, an adaptation plan, a mitigation plan, an asset management process, an Official Plan, emergency management planning and capital planning. I would rather see the City implement the plans it already has than spend additional tax dollars creating a new position whose primary responsibility is coordinating those plans. I also think we need to be honest about the scale of the climate crisis. Hiring a municipal coordinator isn't going to solve it, or even put a dent in it. Owen Sound can and should do the things within its jurisdiction, but we also need to use our political voice to advocate for the much larger provincial and federal investments required to address climate change at the scale of the problem. That advocacy should be concrete, too. When governments introduce legislation or initiatives that environmental organizations and other community groups are calling for, the City can add its voice by passing a council statement, sending a letter to the relevant minister, or formally supporting those efforts. Municipalities have a voice, and I believe we should use it to advocate for the changes our communities need. All that said, I am interested in the new Climate Action Specialist Position Georgian Bluffs is currently hiring for and what it is able to accomplish. If elected, I would ask staff to follow the work of that position and report back on whether it is providing meaningful additional capacity through things like funding, projects and community partnerships. If it proves to be a model that could address a genuine gap in Owen Sound, I would be open to reconsidering whether a similar position makes sense here.

Andrii Zvorygin – Mayoral Candidate

1. Climate planning should recognize declining net energy. The easiest, highest-return fossil-fuel reserves were depleted long ago, and maintaining supply now requires increasing energy, capital and industrial complexity. This leaves a smaller surplus to support housing, food production, transportation and public services. Climate change and declining net energy therefore point toward the same priority: rebuilding local capacity. My leading initiative would be Affordable Rural Communities, providing modest, warm homes and land for approximately $750 per month. Shared infrastructure, permaculture and low-input food production would help residents meet more of their needs locally. Within Owen Sound, Local Representatives would organize shared stewardship, check on vulnerable neighbours during extreme weather, and coordinate local food, tools, skills and care for common spaces. This supports a transition toward greater human and community sweat equity. I would also prioritize stormwater and sewer resilience, walking, cycling and right-sized public transit.
2. The City has created a useful foundation. Its latest public scorecard reports 19 of 25 adaptation actions complete, four proceeding and two awaiting commencement, along with progress on 13 mitigation initiatives. Completed work includes cooling and warming centre procedures, emergency communications, heat-safety training, wastewater improvements, sewer rehabilitation funding, tree planting and climate-risk assessments for municipal assets. These actions strengthen the City’s ability to handle extreme weather and infrastructure pressures. Many completion designations represent a policy, study, funding allocation or internal procedure. The next phase is to turn that foundation into visible and continuing community capacity. Priorities include completing the Stormwater Master Plan, establishing vulnerable-person check-ins, strengthening local food security and involving residents directly in neighbourhood resilience. I view the City’s progress as worthwhile groundwork that now needs practical, measurable implementation.
3. At this stage, I would decline creating another standalone coordinator position. Declining surplus energy and growing fiscal pressure call for simpler administration, clear responsibility and greater community participation. Each climate action should be assigned to the appropriate functional leader in public works, planning, transit, parks, procurement or emergency management, with a named owner, deadline, budget and publicly reported result. The City’s existing cross-departmental climate working group can coordinate this work. Local Representatives and community organizations can support neighbourhood-level adaptation and shared stewardship. Following organizational simplification, Council could reconsider staffing if workload evidence identifies a specific remaining gap.

Michele Hawkins – Councillor Candidate

1. I would prioritize fully integrating a strict "Climate Lens" into all Committee and Council reporting so that no capital project is passed without evaluating its lifecycle emissions. Furthermore, I will prioritize accelerating the community-wide tree canopy inventory, expanding urban wildlife corridors, and advocating for a localized Green Development Program to incentivize private developers to build net-zero, resilient residential housing that addresses both our climate and housing crises simultaneously.
2. While the foundational work laid out by City staff and CATOS in 2023 was a positive step, our current pace is not matching the urgency of the climate crisis. Setting less aggressive corporate reduction targets due to fiscal hesitation slows down our momentum. While completing 19 corporate adaptation tasks is an encouraging start, we need to scale community-wide engagement, build out robust EV charging infrastructure, and ensure our local targets completely align with the aggressive timelines needed to reach net-zero by 2050.
3. Absolutely, without reservation. Expecting existing municipal staff to take on complex carbon accounting, energy benchmarking, and climate risk modeling on top of their day-to-day duties is unsustainable and guarantees slow progress. A full-time, dedicated Climate Action Coordinator inside Owen Sound City Hall is an essential investment. This professional would serve as a vital liaison to groups like CATOS, aggressively secure external funding, and ensure our city captures its fair share of provincial and federal climate grants. I believe we are leaving Grant funding behind! I currently sit as a Public Member of the City of Owen Sound Operations Committee and would love to see more community-wide engagement.

Rosseo Baker - Councillor Candidate

government/bureaucracy is already too big -- no extra staff at city hall, but I would favour hiring more police officers and increasing the budget for law enforcement. Get the drugs off the streets!

I do not subscribe to climate alarmism so do not support any "actions" on those lines, except common sense ideas like efficient street lighting; aim the enegy downwards only, don't pollute the night sky. I would advocate for the reversal of any polices related to net zero nonsense.

Justin Bianco – Councillor Candidate

1. My first priority would be to fully review the Climate Action Strategy that the City already has in place and understand what has been completed, what is currently underway, and what still needs to be accomplished. I don't believe in creating new programs simply for the sake of creating something new when we already have an established plan that we can continue to build upon. I would particularly support practical investments that improve the resiliency and efficiency of our existing infrastructure. Climate adaptation and infrastructure planning should work together so that when roads, facilities, and other municipal assets need to be repaired or replaced, we consider how we can make them more efficient and better prepared for changing weather conditions. At the same time, affordability has to remain part of the conversation. I would not want to place additional financial pressure on Owen Sound property taxpayers without first exploring other funding opportunities. I would advocate to the provincial and federal governments and look for available grants, partnerships, and other funding programs that could help Owen Sound modernize its infrastructure and continue implementing its Climate Action Strategy. For me, climate action and fiscal responsibility don't have to compete with one another. I would focus on practical improvements that protect our infrastructure, make municipal operations more efficient, and provide long-term value to residents.
2. Based on the progress that has been reported, I think it's encouraging to see that a significant number of the actions identified in Owen Sound's Climate Action Strategy have either been completed or are underway. However, I would want to review the strategy and the most current progress reports in detail before making a judgment on whether the City is moving quickly or effectively enough. If elected, I would want to understand which initiatives have been successful, which are behind schedule, what they are costing taxpayers, and what measurable results we're seeing. I believe we should continue moving forward with practical climate mitigation and adaptation measures, particularly when they improve our infrastructure, increase energy efficiency, or save the City money over the long term. I also believe we should continue looking for provincial and federal funding wherever possible rather than automatically placing additional costs on Owen Sound property taxpayers.
3. I would be open to considering a dedicated Climate Action or Sustainability Coordinator, but I would first want to determine whether there is a demonstrated need for that position. If our current staff have the expertise and capacity to successfully continue implementing the Climate Action Strategy, I would be comfortable allowing that work to continue rather than adding another position. However, if it can be demonstrated that the City does not currently have the staffing capacity or specialized expertise required to meet its objectives, I would be willing to consider the position. I would also want to understand the total cost to the City, what measurable value the position would provide, and whether provincial or federal funding could help offset that cost. For me, it comes down to need, results, and responsible use of taxpayers' money. I wouldn't support creating a new position simply because we can, but I would consider it if there is clear evidence that it would benefit the City and help us achieve the goals already established in our Climate Action Strategy.

Dave Walton Councillor Candidate

1. As an Owen Sound City councillor, I would try to implement the use of an environmental impact lens when Making decisions. Every action has an environmental footprint so by using this lens the decisions must take those impacts into consideration. The cost will probably be higher but the cost of inaction when it comes to the environment is always higher. Infrastructure and capital purchases will need to be evaluated under an environmental lens.
2. Adaptation requires forward thinking to plan for the 100yer storms and other climate related events. We need to determine whether the storm sewer system can handle large rainfall events such as the storm that hit St. Catherine’s just weeks ago. New developments must install catchment ponds to slow down the release of massive storm water amounts and should also have permeable surfaces to absorb water rather than have it run off quickly. Cooling centers will be needed for extreme heat events.
3. Current progress on the climate mitigation and adaptation plan is behind schedule and there needs to be a strong commitment to achieve all of the goals of the current plan.
   I was a strong supporter of hiring a person for this position and it was budgeted for about 2 years ago, but the position was never filled. The County hired someone for a climate action position. Owen Sound waited for the county to take on this responsibility. At this point, I don’t know if it would be advantageous for the City to have such a position as well but I think that it is worth considering.

(David is CATOS member but was not part of this survey initiative to avoid conflict of interest)

David Adams Councillor Candidate

1. I would look at how we can maximize the overall benefit. In this regard I would look at working to improve our transit system by negotiating a micro transit solution that utilizes electric vehicles. With increases ridership on an on-demand micro-transit solutions that are electrified-two issues could be addressed at once …. Improved and responsive transit for our citizens and reduced emissions utilizing electric vehicles. Such solutions are already in place in Brampton, and I believe East Gwillimbury with Caledon coming on stream soon
2. I do not have a clear picture of the city’s progress, however my experience with other environmental goals and targets is that they are established as stretch/aspirational goals that often need to be readjusted in the face of reality. While not always the case, generally speaking when the economy is good there is more focus on climate change, emissions reduction and adaptation. However, when economic times become challenging often climate initiatives are the first things that suffer
3. I would need to better understand the financial consequences of doing so. In my view, Owen Sound obviously shares its climate with surrounding jurisdictions, and it would make more sense to me to have a broader coordinated climate plan and sustainability plan with any new human resources perhaps at the county level and developed in collaboration with neighboring municipalities

Suneet Kukreja - Councillor Candidate

1. Climate change affects all of us, and I believe our response needs to be practical, responsible, and focused on the long-term well-being of Owen Sound. The City has already taken an important step by adopting its Climate Action Strategy in 2023. The strategy brings together actions related to both climate mitigation and adaptation. My priority would be to move these actions from planning to implementation, while ensuring climate considerations are incorporated into our infrastructure planning, budgeting, and day-to-day decision-making. For adaptation, I would focus on making our community and municipal infrastructure more resilient to extreme weather and changing climate conditions. This means considering climate impacts when we invest in roads, stormwater systems, municipal buildings, parks, and other infrastructure. We need to ensure that the infrastructure we invest in today is designed to serve our community well into the future. I would also support expanding tree planting initiatives, working with the conservation authority and community partners. Trees provide shade, help manage stormwater, support biodiversity, improve air quality, and can help reduce the urban heat-island effect. A coordinated tree-planting program would be a practical way to strengthen both our climate resilience and the quality of our public spaces. For mitigation, I would continue supporting practical measures that reduce energy consumption and greenhouse-gas emissions. Improving energy efficiency in municipal buildings, LED upgrades, more efficient HVAC systems, and other operational improvements can reduce our environmental footprint while also helping to manage long-term operating costs. I would also support continued efforts to improve public transportation. A reliable, accessible, and efficient transit system can help reduce reliance on private vehicles, lower emissions, and provide residents with an affordable transportation option. I also believe we need to work collaboratively with Grey County, local organizations, businesses, community groups, and residents. Climate action is not something the City can accomplish on its own. It requires collaboration because climate change affects every part of our community.
2. I believe Owen Sound has made meaningful progress, particularly by establishing a framework for climate action and beginning implementation. At the same time, there is still important work ahead. The City has a Climate Action Strategy, an implementation committee involving staff from across City departments, and a process for reporting progress. I think this cross-departmental approach is important because climate change is not the responsibility of one department. It affects infrastructure, transportation, buildings, parks, emergency planning, finances, and many other areas of municipal government. I see the City's existing strategy and implementation process as a good foundation, but I would not want us to stop at having a good plan. The real measure of success is implementation. As a Council member, I would support regular reporting on what has been completed, what is underway, what remains outstanding, the resources required, and the measurable results being achieved. I also think it is important to recognize that some climate-related improvements are already being incorporated into regular City operations, including energy-efficiency improvements. Not every climate action needs to be a standalone project or program. Going forward, I want Owen Sound to continue making progress while also being mindful of the financial pressures facing residents. Where we can reduce emissions, improve resilience, and save operating costs at the same time, I believe those are particularly valuable investments.
3. I would be open to considering a dedicated Climate Action or Sustainability Coordinator, but I believe that decision should be based on a clear understanding of the City's needs, existing staff capacity, and the measurable value that a dedicated position could provide. Before adding another permanent position, I would want to ask some practical questions: Are climate actions being delayed because of staff capacity? Would a dedicated coordinator improve implementation and accountability? Could such a position help the City access additional funding, coordinate partnerships, improve reporting, and move projects forward more effectively? If the evidence demonstrates that dedicated capacity would significantly strengthen the City's ability to implement its Climate Action Strategy, I would support bringing that discussion forward to Council. At the same time, I believe every new position needs to be considered responsibly because ultimately residents fund municipal services through their taxes. I would also continue looking for opportunities where climate action and fiscal responsibility work together—for example, reducing energy consumption, improving the efficiency of municipal buildings, and protecting infrastructure from future climate-related costs.

Meghan Robertson – Councillor Candidate

1. I have already been a strong voice for more green action while being a volunteer on the operations committee. I brought data when they were going to cut the cigarette butt recycling program and it was voted to keep it. I was a strong voice in favour of starting the green bin program. I will prioritize climate mitigation actions during my term as I have proven as a volunteer.
2. I think the city has started on climate mitigation and adaptation. I do believe more can be done.
3. If funding was provided I would agree to hiring a climate action or sustainability coordinator for the city. I don't agree with adding the position if tax rates have to be increased. I also think the city staff should be working with the county climate staff member and using the data and information they have already collected.

Jeff Rockwell - Councillor Candidate

What I would want to focus on during a term on council is getting our climate plans out of documents and into our budget and our neighbourhoods.

1. On the side of reducing emissions, I think we have to start with buildings and how people move around town. Owen Sound has a lot of older homes and city buildings that cost a lot to heat and cool, so pushing for deeper retrofits in our own facilities like better insulation and heat pumps and modern controls, and then helping residents do the same and setting a green standard for new builds, means we stop adding to the problem while we lower bills. Transportation is the other piece. If walking and cycling feel safe year-round and if transit runs more often and connects better, people actually have choices. Completing some of those east west cycling connections, keeping sidewalks clear in winter, and adding electric vehicle charging in city lots with support from federal and county programs just makes daily life easier. And I want to build on what is already working like our work with NeighbourWoods North and the boulevard tree program. Those new trees do a lot more than look good, they provide shade, they soak up stormwater, and they store carbon. On the side of adapting to what is already happening, we live where the Sydenham and Pottawatomi rivers meet the harbour, so heavier rain and more freeze thaw cycles hit us directly. That means prioritizing stormwater improvements, naturalizing shorelines where we can, adding more permeable surfaces downtown, and looking after people during extreme heat with more shade in parks and at bus stops and a clear plan to check in on vulnerable residents. We also still need to finish the waste strategy with clear targets for organics that was promised in the climate plans. I'd like to see an expansion of the compost program, such as serving only buildings with 1-6 units.
2. Where we are right now, I think we took an important first step when council adopted the climate action strategy a couple summers ago and the two plans that sit under it. Staff have made real progress on the adaptation side where many actions are complete or underway. On the mitigation side that actually brings emissions down, the city’s own annual report early this year showed that none of those projects were fully complete, and a good number had not yet started, and we were still moving to new software to even track our progress toward targets. That is why there was so much frustration at the public budget meeting this past winter when there was no dedicated climate funding. Right now climate costs are just folded into other department budgets with no separate line, so it ends up being everyones second job and no ones first job. We have a good framework and really strong community partners like the climate action team, but we are moving too slowly on the actions that would have the biggest impact.
3. That is why I would support hiring a dedicated climate action or sustainability coordinator for the city. Right now, we are an outlier locally. Grey County has a climate manager and is hiring a sustainability coordinator, Georgian Bluffs has a coordinator, and we as the largest community are trying to manage more than sixty action items through an internal committee led by someone who already has a full-time job. A dedicated coordinator would help bring in grants from programs like the Green Municipal Fund and other federal and provincial sources that we are currently missing, find energy savings in our own operations, and give us real accountability with public reporting on our emissions and a climate lens on every decision that comes to council. It also saves money over time because investing now in more resilient pipes and roads and flood protection avoids much larger emergency repair costs later. For me this is about lower energy bills, a healthier harbour, safer streets, and creating local work in retrofits and green infrastructure, which is what Owen Sound needs. I've long enjoyed working with CATOS, going on 3 years now. I share the concerns and have been paying attention to the great wealth of knowledge. I intend to continue and hope to gain even more insight. I hope you're all well.

(Jeff is CATOS member but was not part of this survey initiative to avoid conflict of interest)

Carol Merton – Mayoral Candidate

1. I am currently a Member of the Grey Bruce Poverty Task Force and a participant in the Rent Safe Owen Sound that have been involved in a Collaborating for Climate Resilience initiative. I will continue to support policy and by law changes that address the impact of climate change that disproportionately threatens low-income households living in substandard rental housing. I will continue to work and advocate with community organizations and other levels of government to address the deeply affordable housing shortage crisis that directly impacts those unhoused and at significant risk from the environmental weather events.
2. There is more work to be done and continued efforts required to achieve the long- term climate goals. Considerations for capital equipment requests and project proposals need to include climate implications and align with the Climate Action Strategy as part of the approval process. The Climate Action Strategy incorporates both the Corporate Climate Adaptation Plan and the Climate Mitigation Plan outlines 61 action items aimed at reducing the City’s environmental impact and enhancing sustainability efforts. Ongoing efforts to improve energy efficiency in City operations, such as LED lighting upgrades, HVAC optimizations, and automation enhancements and updated information summaries of the Corporate Climate Adaptation Plan and the Climate Mitigation Plan are available online.
3. An ongoing organizational focus on Climate action initiatives needs to be part of the working culture within the City of Owen Sound and championed by the senior leadership team and management levels of the City rather than a single position added to the existing organizational chart. Updates and reports of the actions and progress on the Climate Action Strategy to the Council and Committees is an expectation. The City of Owen Sound can utilize the Grey County Manager of Climate Change Initiatives as a content expert and resource regarding best practice benchmarks and climate change and mitigation initiatives used in other municipalities.