Picture Port Elgin Action Planning Tuesday, March 1, 2011 Port Elgin Village Chambers

WHY BOTHER? WHY BOTHER? Because Global Challenges will affect us Economic Crisis – Was 2009 a “blip” or a forecast to something new? Impacts locally with job losses, businesses closing Poverty – ongoing issue here, despite it not being visible. Cheap Oil – most easily accessible, cheap oil has been found. Still oil out there, but will be hard to get, expensive to process – there will come a time when it takes the equivalent of 1 barrel of oil to extract 1 barrel of oil. What then?

Climate Change – Port Elgin predictions by to +3.7 degrees Celsius +1.8 to +3.7 degrees Celsius +1.8 to +6.5% increase in precipitation +1.8 to +6.5% increase in precipitation Rising sea levels –forecast is 60 to 140cm increase by 2100 Rising sea levels –forecast is 60 to 140cm increase by 2100 More extreme weather (1 in 10 year storms). Extreme water levels inundate low lying coastal areas, accelerate coastal erosion processes, threaten infrastructure in the flood zone, allow sea ice to penetrate further inland during storm surge events and may affect groundwater supplies. More extreme weather (1 in 10 year storms). Extreme water levels inundate low lying coastal areas, accelerate coastal erosion processes, threaten infrastructure in the flood zone, allow sea ice to penetrate further inland during storm surge events and may affect groundwater supplies. Global Challenges…

Defining Sustainability Sustainability can be a difficult concept to explain. “Human activities that meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” “Human activities that meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Bruntland Alternative Definitions: Long-term wellbeing of a community, its economy and its environment. Enough, for all, forever

Guiding Principle for Sustainability Social Responsibility Environmental Sustainability Economic Prosperity

PPE Sustainability Principles 1. Provide a long-term vision. 2. Achieve long-term economic and social security. 3. Value biodiversity and natural ecosystems 4. Minimize ecological footprint. 5. Build on the characteristics of ecosystems. 6. Build on the distinctive characteristics of communities. 7. Empower people and foster participation. 8. Expand and enable cooperative networks. 9. Promote sustainable production and consumption. 10. Ensure accountability, transparency and good governance.

The Picture Port Elgin Process PHASE 1: Community Engagement  Establish multi-stakeholder steering committee  Establish baseline indicators – research and survey PHASE 2: Visioning  Focus Groups, Presentations, talks  Community-based Vision  What is the current reality? PHASE 3: Developing the Plan  Identifying priorities  Getting from here to there  Drafting the Plan

Port Elgin Vision for 2040 Understanding where we have come from, and what we value today, we picture a future in which Port Elgin:   Is a safe, accessible, friendly and close-knit community that boasts an exceptional quality of life for all;   Supports a diverse, local business sector based on sustainable development principles;   Celebrates our maritime heritage; and   Engages residents in creating a clean, healthy community and environment. Port Elgin - a place to call home.

How can we meet our community’s energy needs in an efficient, affordable, sustainable and reliable way, while managing greenhouse gas emissions and air quality? Energy System

How do we safely move people, goods, and materials to, from and within the community in a more sustainable manner? Transportation System

How can we protect, improve and maintain the biodiversity and well-being of the environment? Natural Systems

How can we develop and renew buildings, infrastructure and facilities that will contribute to making our community unique, livable, affordable and adaptable to climate change projections? Built Environment

How can we reduce community production of waste, and meet the need for material disposal through efficient use and reuse of the most sustainable materials? Solid Waste

How can we provide recreation and leisure activities for both residents and visitors that meet expectations while maintaining the health of the natural environment? Recreation System

What other key systems in our community must we focus on to achieve a sustainable future? Other Key Systems?