GBA 2021 - Summer Update

11 www.georgianbay.ca GBA UPDATE Summer 2021 was obtained from the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation, Statistics Canada, the GBB’s Carbon Calculator, Muskoka’s Second Home Study, and Natural Resources Canada. It is likely that ICECAP’s members are among the first in Canada to include watercraft in their baseline assessment of GHG emissions, which may set a model for other communities. Our calculations revealed that GHG emissions from waterborne transportation represent about half of all transportation emissions in the GBB region. However, this is still considered a conservative estimate. It does not account for commercial transportation (e.g., barges, construction, ferries) and does not capture the volume of boats entering the biosphere by non-residents. It only provides a preliminary understanding of fuel consumed by vessels associated with current ICECAP members. Estimates will be adjusted as more complete data becomes available. Reducing GHGs from Waterborne Transportation It is commonly thought that more fuel-efficient, four-stroke engines are lower in emissions. But even with improved technologies in pleasure craft motors, Environment Canada reports that a brand new 70 hp outboard motor operating for 25 hours will produce the same amount of emissions as a compact car traveling 4,000 km. Greater efficiency of engines doesn’t necessarily make them cleaner. The only way to reduce boat emissions is to reduce fuel consumption. Consider that more fuel is burned when travelling against the wind or with heavy loads. Avoid idling whenever possible and consider using other energy sources. Some boaters have integrated renewable energy systems, including wind or water generators, solar panels, or a combination of these to keep the battery fully charged on a trailer or at the dock. Fortunately, electric hybrid and e-boats are beginning to enter the market. The first wave of technology is well suited to travelling short distances with heavy loads, such as ferries. Another trend is emerging with clean and quiet recreational engines. Electric alternatives to personal watercraft are increasingly available, with some having a 60-kilometre range before charging is required. Next Steps Now that ICECAP members have their baseline emissions calculated, they will begin to set corporate and community targets for reducing emissions, which will fulfill the requirements for the second PCP milestone. Next, we will begin to develop local climate action plans for milestone three. GBB staff will develop community surveys and facilitate community action groups to address the emissions from waste, buildings, and transportation. We will provide trained moderators, logistical support and invite experts to help draft strategies for climate action. Once milestones two and three are complete (targets set and action plans developed), councils can move onto implementing plans (milestone four) and evaluating progress (milestone five). The ICECAP partnership is open to all area municipalities and First Nations interested in mitigating their emissions, adapting to climate impacts, and building more resilient futures. Learn more about the ICECAP partnership at: gbbr.ca/climate-action/ Take the carbon calculator challenge! ≥ Have your energy and utility bills ready and visit: gbbr.ca/carbon-calculator ≥ Provides an estimate of your annual emissions ≥ Compares your emissions to the average in Ontario EV charging at Honey Harbour Boat Club. Parry Sound’s solar farm, part of project SPEEDIER ( www.speedier.ca ) .