Sustainable Community Plan for the Town of Collingwood

TOWN OF COLLINGWOOD SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY PLAN
2.3.3 Minimizing Resource Use
Goal: Minimizing Resource Use
What We’ve Heard
Minimizing resource use is about reducing our usage of energy, waste going to landfill
and the amount of potable water used. During the consultation process, many issues
were raised about the water and air quality of the Town and surrounding
municipalities. Participants discussed to what extent energy conservation and air
quality management programs should be implemented in the region including
developing programs in line with current trends, put more funding towards programs
that increase energy conservation, switch to cleaner fuels, and reduce air pollution or
achieving best practices by significantly increasing funding.
Overall, the vision was that Collingwood should be a leader among communities in the generation and use of
clean, renewable energy that fulfills a major portion of the community’s energy needs. Collingwood’s
diverse energy systems should make the town energy self-sufficient and reduce harmful impacts on air,
land, water and the climate. The Town should conserve energy through the implementation of best practice
programs and promotion of alternative transportation options. The Town could work to achieve a carbon -
neutral status with the cooperation of residents and businesses which work to conserve energy in their daily
lives and operations.
The desire of participants is that water resources in Collingwood be a dependable supply of clean, healthy
water that exceeds quality requirements, and meets the needs of residents and visitors. Residents should be
encouraged to be active custodians of the water and both the water and wastewater should be sustainably
managed to meet the needs of a growing community. Collingwood should also continue to be a leader in
minimizing waste and maximizing recycling and reuse of resource and materials.
Current Initiatives
Green Bin Organic Waste Program and Bag Limits – Commencing in September 2008, the County will be
implementing a Green Bin Organic Waste Program and will only allow one bag per week for garbage
disposal.
LED Lights – Replacement of decorative street lights with more efficient LED lights.
Waste Not Reduction Campaign – Implemented in 2004 to encourage active composting and
recycling which led to a large decrease in the amount of waste deposited per household in the
Town.
Fleet Management – COLLTRANS fleet has shifted to using Biodiesel as a fuel source.
New Library – The new library is being built to an LEED gold standard.
Every Kilowatt Counts – COLLUS is supporting the Ontario Power Authority’s "Every Kilowatt Counts”
campaign. Every COLLUS Power customer can take advantage of instant rebate coupons on the purchase of
five different energy saving products.
Water/Wastewater Rate Study – The Town of Collingwood and the Collingwood Public Utilities Service
Board completed a water and wastewater rate study in 2005.
Energy Saving Tips – COLLUS provides energy saving tips to our residents and businesses on its website.
Lunch & Learns – The Planning Department has been hosting lunch and learn sessions for staff about
various sustainability issues.
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