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!
Get Involved!
Plant pollinator-friendly gardens
Talk to friends and family about the importance of pollinators
Check out our Pollinator Garden Road Map
FOR KIDS! Complete a Pollinator Week colouring page
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.”
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.
Muskoka's Regional Climate Change Adaptation Plan
Muskoka's Regional Climate Change Adaptation Implementation Plan
