Environment
Oshawa's Official Plan takes an active role towards the environment with several policies that encourage and promote energy conservation as a key design element of (re)development and maintaining infrastructure to:
- encourage new technologies in construction and energy conservation
- promote tree planting and tree preservation for the purposes of improving air quality, health and reducing energy use through shading and sheltering
- encourage sustainable building design by identifying opportunities for clean energy generation (e.g. geothermal, photovoltaic panels).
The City is also recognized internationally for our green spaces and gardens. From the Lake Ontario shoreline to the rolling hills of the Oak Ridges Moraine, Oshawa is a network of community parks, wildlife corridors, creeks and marshes.
Corporate Facilities Energy Management Plan
As outlined in the Government of Ontario’s Regulation 507/18 Electricity Act, 1998, the City of Oshawa has created an energy conservation and demand management plan, available to community members.
Oshawa’s Corporate Facilities Energy Management Plan (C.F.E.M.P.) aims to guide energy management strategies, improve municipal resource distribution and promote cost-beneficial energy initiatives. In addition, the C.F.E.M.P. aligns with Oshawa’s Strategic Plan (O.S.P.) and Durham Community Energy Plan (D.C.E.P.).
Accomplishments
Recent impactful energy consumption reduction projects include
- installation of public electric vehicle charging stations
- mechanical optimizations
- L.E.D. lighting conversions
The Plan also supports the City’s relationship with key industry leaders such as the Independent Electricity System Operator (I.E.S.O.), garnering incentives and support for successful energy efforts.
Next Steps
Evaluation and planning for the refreshed plan are ongoing, with the next release scheduled for summer 2023.