Climate change skeptics descended upon Thorold City Hall last night, as council voted whether or not to stay in the Partners for Climate Protection (PCP) program.
City Hall joined the free PCP program last year so it can access resources to calculate the city’s greenhouse gas emissions, but some councillors feel that the program harbours a sinister agenda.
That’s why, last night, Councillor Jim Handley put a motion on the floor to withdraw from the program.
The council chamber was filled to the brim with rowdy climate change skeptics, and Mayor Terry Ugulini had to reprimand the audience and ask for silence and decorum several times.
To kick off proceedings, Peterborough resident Maggie Braun gave a presentation on why she believes climate change is a hoax that the UN is using to control the world.
“Conspiring with foreign powers in any act preparatory to the takeover of our nation is an act of treason according to the Canadian criminal code,” she said.
Braun’s presentation saw support from Councillors Handley and Carmen DeRose.
“There used to be dinosaurs, white sand beaches and palm trees in Edmonton and Alberta,” said Councillor Handley. “You know why they’re not there anymore? Because of climate change. We can take care of ourselves here in the municipality and I don’t believe we need UN directives to show us the path forward in regard to our responsibilities and greenhouse gas emissions.”
While other councillors expressed their own hesitation at staying enroled in the program, their reasoning had little to do with the reality of climate change.
“Is this not more of a regional plan?,” asked Councillor Henry D’Angela. “If the tools are being used by other municipalities, I rather look at them and see what they’re doing and how we can adapt some of their policies. Continuing with this might lead us to staff time where they’re spending a lot of time on this.”
Director of Development Services Jason Simpsons reiterated that the program is free and comes with no obligations.
“The reason for recommending the program was to access some free tools for policies that have to be implemented according to the planning act and the electricity act,” he said.
But some councillors are adamant that the program harbours hidden costs.
“This isn’t free,” said Councillor DeRose. “If we believe that, then we’re totally off base.”
While other councillors stated their belief in climate change, they don’t think the onus should be on the City to solve it.
“We got a provincial government that should mandate this,” said Councillor Anthony Longo. “We have a Region of Niagara that has probably done this and we’re going to duplicate the service, waste staff time, go on this merry-go-round and waste taxpayer’s money. It should be done once and it should be across the board.”
In the end, Council decided to stay in the program until further notice, while City Hall consults with the Region to see what resources they have available. A representative of the PCP program will be asked to come give a presentation to council in the next three months.
