Lake of Bays Council was advised of their highest GHG emissions areas and targets, in the December 10, 2024, meeting.

Tatham Engineering Consultant, Elham Gorouhi, advised that propane makes up for 24% emissions, diesel 33%, gas 7%, electricity 32%, and fuel 4% within the Township.

She said that 2018 stats indicate the highest emissions were from the Township’s buildings, at 38% and fleet at 59%. The Public Works garage caused the highest GHG emissions, along with the community centre, fire hall, and senior centre.

Gorouhi added, “Its important to reduce emissions gradually,” and that the Township should have a target to reduce them by 45% of the 2018 baseline levels by 2030, and net zero by 2050.

She recommended a three-pillar approach, including decarbonizing existing assets, renewable energy generation, and clean electricity for a net zero building and fleet policy.

She advised that this can be achieved through retrofitting, like replacing heating and conditioning to air source and heat pumps, solar roof tops on Township buildings, LED lighting, and solar PVs to offset remaining building emissions when assets are replaced.

“As technology advances, costs will be reduced over time,” said Gorouhi.

She added that the cost for the above recommendations is $1,528,000, and $6,514,000 between 2031 to 2051.

Tatham also recommended replacing Township fleet with electric vehicles (EVs), at an estimated cost of $7,487,000 by 2030, and $11,056,000 by 2050.

Council expressed disagreement with replacing Township roofs with solar panels and said that that EV fleet isn’t feasible at this time.

Councillor, Robert Lacroix, said that ground solar is easier and he wasn’t “convinced” about using it on roofs, given weight capacity.

Fire Chief, Gary Monahan, concurred that solar roofs may also not be a fit for the Township because they “can’t fight fires with them on the roof.”  

Staff advised Council that EVs are not realistic for the Township at this time because improvements are still needed, which “technology has not caught up with the system,” and would result in multiple trips and extended routes for fleet.

Mayor, Terry Glover, suggested that some of the changes “can bankrupt smaller municipalities.”

Council accepted the assessment for information and planning purposes.