The Mandate
Our demands for the city of Guelph
The Mandate:
The Youth of Guelph demand that Guelph declare a State of Climate Emergency. We demand that this action is not simply symbolic, but that our demands (listed below) are carried out effectively and are backed up by enacting real, municipal climate action in Guelph.
The Climate Sit-Down Event Details
Date: Friday, May 3rd 2019
Time: Walkout at 1pm
Place: Meet at your school’s designated spot at 1:10
Ross: In front of the school
GCVI: In front of the arches
Centennial: In front of the caf
Description:
This is a diplomatic and peaceful protest. The aim is to make city council aware that youth want Guelph to declare a state of climate emergency. Several of the high schools, as well as other community members will be walking or bussing to city hall and promptly sitting down upon arrival. This is a silent protest. Feel free to bring something to sit on. If you would like to speak, please contact us BEFORE the event. There will be a petition to sign. We will be showing that youth do care.
Demands
These are the specific demands that we demand that the municipality does with the declaration of the climate emergency.
Waste Management:
In an attempt to solve the amount of litter in Guelph, we declare that Guelph…
Implement more garbage bins around the city, including streets that are not limited to the downtown area.
Regularly clean these garbage bins, preventing overflow.
Hire people to walk all streets of Guelph, cleaning up litter.
These people may include but are not limited to: students, at risk people, youth, outside sources
The city will monitor the progress made on litter clean up.
These people should be provided proper resources and training by the city to safely pick up litter.
Provide transparency and more information on how garbage is processed
Lay out clear goals for recycling as well as create more transparency for how Guelph recycles.
Demand that all businesses and infrastructure use the same sorting system (compost, recycling and landfill) as residents. This includes providing businesses with recycling and compost bins as well as information on how to sort their garbage. Businesses that require more garbage bins due to waste production should be accommodated as such.
Provide incentives for businesses to use non-plastic items (ex. Biodegradable spoons, paper straws) instead of plastic.
Energy use:
Solar panel requirement for all new infrastructure that is in proportion to the buildings size.
Require all new infrastructure to be certified carbon neutral or carbon negative.
Require all new infrastructure to use dual flush toilets in an effort to conserve water and energy.
Leed certification for all new buildings.
Transportation:
More reliable, and economically accessible public transit within Guelph.
Provide free or cost effective public bus passes to seniors, at risk community members, and students (including high school). These will function in a similar way as the Guelph University passes do.
Provide a bus route that accesses common trails, thus encouraging community engagement in outdoors.
Lower all bus prices.
Provide more bus routes that cater to the outskirts of the city, industrial areas, and high priority neighbourhoods.
Busses run on a wider schedule on Sunday, similar to Saturday to accommodate those who work or use the bus system on Sundays.
Development:
Develop a public plan as to how the city will limit urban sprawl. Specifically, a density restriction on outer areas as well as a building restriction on where developers can build.
Require all new residential apartments to provide residents green space within the building. This should be proportionate to the number of residents.
Green Space:
Create 3-5 live plant walls within Guelph on public walls such as parking garages. These should be at minimum approximately 10 ft long, provided space is available.
Increase tree canopy within Guelph
Implement a plan for paid tree planting around speed river
This will prevent erosion, lower water temperature, and increase the tree canopy.
Solar panel interest program idea.
Other:
Publicly condemn the University of Guelph for investing in fossil fuels.
Other Events to Show Support!
Town Hall by Headwaters
Youth organized townhall panel discussion including MP Lloyd Longfield, MPP Mike Schreiner, and Mayor Cam Guthrie. There will be a moderated panel discussion with the three leaders and there will be a question period. Come with your questions about what the three levels of government are doing about climate change or come to show your support.
Place: John McCrae Public School
Date: April 25th
Time: 7pm - 9pm
Email: headwater.townhall@gmail.com
Social Media:
Instagram: guelph_walkout2019