Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of Guelph has been recognized for its Natural Heritage Action Plan and featured in the recent United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals City Report, a national initiative that highlights efforts by cities across Canada to achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs).
“This achievement highlights the City’s commitment to preserving and enhancing our natural heritage, as well as our dedication to creating a more environmentally sustainable and resilient community”, Terry Gayman, the city’s acting Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Infrastructure, Development and Environment Services, said in a statement.
The city has outlined objectives set to guide the actions in the preservation and enhancement of natural heritage. Among these objectives are immediate actions focusing on the conservation and management of natural resources and biodiversity, such as protecting the diversity of natural features that comprise Guelph’s natural heritage system, enhancing the quality of water resources, and increasing tree canopy cover.
Also, officials have said Guelph will promote local stewardship, effective and stormwater management to protect and sustain the natural environment.
In the long term, ecosystem services must address impacts of urbanization on natural habitats, and prioritizing climate change resilience measures.
The UN report provides a detailed analysis of city-specific indicators derived from UN-Habitat’s Global Urban Monitoring Framework (UMF), tailored to address the distinct challenges encountered by Canadian municipalities. Through this initiative, the report showcases the commitment of Canadian cities towards sustainable development and serves as a valuable resource for advancing the SDGs at the local level.
Featured cities include Calgary, Oakville, Halifax, Saanich, Guelph, Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton, Kelowna, Thunder Bay, Kitchener, Burlington, Gibsons and Winnipeg.