Environment
We must continue to protect the natural features of our urban areas
and support ongoing environmental programs for the Rouge Park and Oak
Ridges Moraine.
- I originally chaired the Rouge North Management Plan to
protect the Rouge Valley system north of Steeles Avenue. The plan
has now been passed.
- In 2001, Council created the Environmental
Land Acquisition Fund. Since that time, a number of properties
have been purchased by
the Town:
- Sarah Jane Crescent, a property adjoining the Milne Conservation
Area
- The Reilly property at the corner of Highway 48 and Highway
7
- The Bossey property in Unionville near Highway 7
- The Meadows at
St. Vladimir Church in Thornhill
- The Tompion property on the Rouge
Valley System
- Settler’s Park in Thornhill (purchased in cooperation
with the Province of Ontario and York Region)
- The Eastern Markham Strategic Plan was recently developed to
protect agricultural land uses on the east end of Markham.
- Council
also established an Environmental Sustainability Fund to rejuvenate
and protect environmentally sensitive areas.
- To reduce reliance on
the automobile for short trips, and enhance connections with rapid
transit services, we need to build more bicycle
paths and walking trails. Use of the private automobile contributes
over 25% of harmful greenhouse gases.
- We must continue efforts to control
litter, and increase the use of recycle centres, blue boxes and composting
to improve waste management.
|
