MY ENVIRONMENTAL SUCCESSES FOR THE 2022-2026 TERM

Lots is said about protecting the heritage of Saugeen Shores. For years I have made an impact in protecting the natural heritage of Saugeen Shores. My 2022 environmental platform set out specific goals for the environment, trees, natural spaces, shorelines, trails, and parks, and I am pleased with the progress that has been made on many of those commitments.

​

• We went from planting about 150 trees a year to planting 1,000 trees a year. 10,000 trees in 10 years is our new goal. 

•  We implemented an urban tree canopy bylaw to protect town owned trees, prevent clear cutting before a plan of subdivision, and enhance and maintain our urban trees.

• We build resilience for climate change on our shoreline, through hard scapes and natural plantings, and dune grass restoration.

• I brought some concerned citizens to council that wanted to rejuvenate our butterfly pods. The good work of the founders of the original butterfly pods have been rejuvenated, and more have been added, we over 20 now and growing!  Do you have a butterfly garden, or do you want to have one?  Visit https://ssbutterflyway.ca, maybe I will see you at a volunteer event!

• Working co-operatively and collaboratively is a must to protect our environment.  I was approached by the Garlic Mustard Challenge of Saugeen Shores and brought them to council to share their goals and help stop the spread of invasive species.

• The wildflower pilot project is another initiative I brought forward. The Town cooperated by providing some work in kind and some seed money. It was a hard thing to bring to fruition, but it is the hard work of 3 individuals that made it the
  success it is. It is located at the west end of the field beside Nodwell park. Once we master making these wildflower areas, the skill can be transferred to other parks and green areas in Saugeen Shores. 

• No mow May was an idea I had but was not acceptable to the Town for parks and green spaces. However, what was done, was less cutting. Examples are around Lamonts Sports Park, the rail trail, the waterfront bike trail, etc

​

ENVIRONMENTAL PLAN FOR THE 2026 TERM

• Expand the wildflower project to other public spaces.

• Cut less grass, allow natural spaces around our trails and parks

• Work co-operatively with and support the good work of the Saugeen Shores Butterfly Way. Expand the number of pollinator gardens in Saugeen Shores, public and private.

• Work co-operatively with and support community groups like Saugeen Shores Invasive Species group and the Garlic Mustard Challenge, championed by the Pyettes and the Hunters. This group has worked selflessly combating Garlic Mustard and other invasive plants that threaten our native plants.

• Naturalize the Storm Water Management Pond in the southwest corner of Highway 21 and the 10th Concession. With suitable plantings and a viewing platform, this could become a need habitat for birds and a great spot for bird watching.

​

WE NEED TO PROTECT THE THIN GREEN LINE OF OUR SHORELINE!

• Our coastline is what makes our community so popular, and It is important for tourism and our own recreation.

• It is also vitally important to migrating birds and butterflies. We need to maintain a healthy shoreline that provides habitat and food for migrating birds and butterflies. When there are large gaps along our lakeshore, with no viable habitat for migrating birds, it will be devastating for the migratory bird population.

​

NATURE GIVES US SO MUCH!

We need to protect the beautiful natural heritage and natural character of Saugeen Shores. We need to share our parks, public spaces, coastline, wooded areas, and our yards, with nature.

​

I have worked co-operatively with other groups to rehabilitate kilometers of shorelines with my high school classes. I volunteer in the butterfly pods, pulling invasive species and enhancing our shorelines. Many candidates will talk about the environment, but I walk the walk.

​

With me as your Vice Deputy Mayor, you will have a strong, passionate, and proven environmental voice on council.