Environment and Sustainability
The Town of Gravenhurst is dedicated to protecting our environment and combatting the effects of climate change. Learn about our Climate Action Plan, Bee City, pollinators, and how you can get involved.
Gravenhurst is a Bee City community!
In July 2024, council authorized staff to participate in the Bee City Program, which is administered by a national organization called Bee City Canada. Learn more in the Town of Gravenhurst Staff Report.
Bee City Canada’s mission is to, “recognize and support municipalities, Indigenous communities, campuses, schools, and other organizations that are taking action to protect and promote pollinators.”
There are three pillars to the Bee City Program:
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Creating a healthy biodiverse pollinator habitat
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Education
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Celebrating Pollinator Week in June
Pollinator Week
As a Bee City community we are doing our part by recognizing Pollinator Week!
Pollinator Week Activities in Gravenhurst
B4 Gardening: Beautiful Blooms for Birds & Bees
Tuesday, June 17
The Gravenhurst Horticultural Society presents guest speaker Sean James, who will talk about the importance of pollinators.
7 pm
Gravenhurst Seniors Centre, 480 First St. N
$5 for guests and $2 for members
Bee City & Pollinator Week Info Booth
Wednesday, June 18
Visit Town Staff at the Gravenhurst Farmers' Market to learn more about Bee City Canada and Pollinator Week
9 am to 2 pm
Gull Lake Rotary Park
Get Involved!
Plant pollinator-friendly gardens
Talk to friends and family about the importance of pollinators
Check out our Pollinator Garden Road Map - coming soon!
FOR KIDS! Complete a Pollinator Week colouring page - coming soon!
Post photos on social media, tag the town, and use the hashtag #PollinatorWeek
Visit Bee City Canada for more ideas!
Why are pollinators important?
According to Bee City Canada:
Pollinators play a crucial role in our food supply and ecosystems. They help to pollinate crops, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, that provide us with the food we eat every day.
Without pollinators, many of these crops would not be able to produce fruit, resulting in lower yields and higher prices for consumers.
Pollinators are also important for the health of our ecosystems. They help to pollinate wildflowers and other plants, which provide habitat and food for other wildlife. In addition, pollinators are essential for the reproduction of many trees and shrubs, which play a key role in preventing soil erosion, reducing air pollution, and providing shade and shelter.
Still, pollinator populations have struggled in recent years.
Bee City Canada said this is “due to a variety of factors, including habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. This decline is a cause for concern, as it could have significant impacts on our food supply and ecosystems.”
FoodCycler Pilot Program
Climate Action Plan
Prepared with assistance from Tatham Engineering, the plan contains emission reduction targets for the years ahead, specifically:
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A short-term target of a 30 percent to 40 percent reduction from 2018 levels for all corporate emissions by 2030.
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A long-term target of net zero by 2050.
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Development of a net-zero building policy and a net-zero new fleet policy.
Contact Us
Town of Gravenhurst
3-5 Pineridge Gate
Gravenhurst ON P1P1Z3
T: 705-687-3412
TF: 1-855-687-3412
info@gravenhurst.ca