City to host Climate Change Summit – May 6, 2010

For Immediate Release: March 4, 2010

BURLINGTON, ON – The City of Burlington is set to host its first Climate Change Summit called Take Action Burlington on May 6, 2010. This day-long event at the Royal Botanical Gardens will bring together residents, the business community and the city to discuss actions that can be taken to address the effects of climate change at the local level.

“Our Strategic Plan has set out the most significant commitment to sustainability and environmental protection in our city’s history,” said Mayor Cam Jackson. “Council is pleased to be working with BurlingtonGreen, the Burlington Sustainable Development Committee, Halton Region, the Burlington Economic Development Corporation and Burlington Hydro towards ensuring a clean, green and environmentally healthier city. Our community Climate Change Summit is another positive step to build on that commitment.”

Jeffrey Simpson, regular columnist with the Globe and Mail and co-author of Hot Air: Canada’s Climate Change Challenge, will provide a keynote address and speak to the issue of climate change and how local communities can show leadership on this issue.

The day will be divided into topic sessions that include healthy communities and sustainable transportation, and green buildings and renewable energy. Each session will be led by a panel of experts who will highlight local sustainable actions taking place in the community and join with summit participants in roundtable discussions on local actions that can address climate change.

Hosting a local climate change summit is one of the many environmental strategic actions identified by City Council in the City of Burlington Strategic Plan Future Focus Seven. Registration for Take Action Burlington is now open. To register for the summit and for more information about Take Action Burlington, including background information on the topic areas and a list of the session panellists, please visit www.burlington.ca/takeaction or contact the City of Burlington at 905-335-7600, ext. 7580.

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Media contacts:
Lynn Robichaud
Senior Sustainability Coordinator
Phone: 905-335-7600, ext. 7931
robichaudl@burlington.ca

Communications contact:
Sean O’Brady
Communications Advisor
Phone: 905-335-7600, ext. 7531
obradys@burlington.ca