McKenna wants Ottawa to be greenest capital
Let’s become a global clean-tech hub, Catherine McKenna writes.
To mark the 150th birthday of Confederation, we asked local residents from a variety of backgrounds to share their wishes for the future of the capital and the country. Today: Catherine McKenna.
We are lucky to live in Ottawa, where bike paths, green spaces and fresh water are within steps of our front doors. While this is an incredible starting point, my personal dream for our city over the next 150 years is to see Ottawa become the greenest capital city in the world. I want to see us aim higher and push harder to reimagine the way we live, work and play in the nation’s capital. If we do that, we are not only doing the right thing for our kids, we are also creating an incredible opportunity for our city.
In my dream for Ottawa’s future, I see us as a thriving carbon-neutral city. We are an ecologically responsible city built to minimize our environmental impact through innovative, energyefficient buildings, active transportation and clean technology.
We are a city where beaches are open longer and the river is healthy, with multiple Rideau Canal access points to make it easier for people to paddle for recreation and exercise. Ottawa is a place where residents can shop at zero-waste grocery stores, then ski, skate or bike home, where everyone lives within biking distance to a light-rail station and every station has bicycle parking spots.
In my dream for Ottawa, we are on the cutting edge of green infrastructure, and net-zero buildings are the norm. Local schools and housing units are equipped with solar panels and use trees and vegetation to filter air, generate oxygen and reduce cooling costs in the summer. In fact, buildings will not only cut back on energy costs, they will generate profit from the clean electricity they produce.
I see Ottawa attracting visitors and new residents from all over the world. It is the place to invest in clean technology and where entrepreneurs choose to make their home. It is where cycling tourists come to explore our historical landmarks and beautiful landscapes. My dream for the future of our city sees more tourist dollars, more people wanting to move here, and more money going into the local economy.
Making this dream come true takes hard work and commitment from every single person: citizens, community leaders, businesses and governments. With Ottawa’s physical assets, ingenuity and commitment, there is no reason this dream can’t become a reality. As we green our infrastructure, support sustainable businesses and improve our public transit, there are no limits to the success we can achieve. I am all in, and I look forward to continuing to work to make this dream a reality.