Email this pageBuilding Strong Communities: Cleaner Air Strategies
Ontario's municipalities are increasingly being confronted with the challenges caused by poor air quality and unpredictable climate change. These challenges present a growing risk to the long-term health of our people and the continuing viability of our communities' economies.
The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing has produced two companion handbooks on air quality and climate change. These handbooks provide information for local government officials, decision makers and other individuals on strategies and best practices to reduce greenhouse gases (GHG) and other air pollutants.
- Building Strong Communities: Ontario Case Studies for Cleaner AirOntario Case Studies for Cleaner Air documents some of the innovative programs Ontario municipalities have put in place to reduce greenhouse gas emmissions and airborne pollutants.
- Building Strong Communities: Municipal Strategies for Cleaner AirMunicipal Strategies for Cleaner Air makes the connection between urban growth patterns and local air qulaity. This handbook describes the kinds of creative, global policy approaches and tools municipalities are using to reduce the negative impact of development on air qulaity.
Foreword
The Ontario government is committed to delivering the real, positive change that will make our communities strong, healthy and prosperous. One of these changes is improving the air we breathe. Clean air is essential for healthy, strong, livable communities. Reducing greenhouse gases and energy consumption not only improves Ontario’s air quality but it is also good for business.
Municipalities are in a unique position to make a positive contribution towards cleaner air. In fact, many municipalities within the national and international arena have taken on the challenge through concrete action to address air quality and climate change.
These handbooks are intended to inform and inspire municipal government officials, policy makers and other individuals on how they might take action. Together, we can meet the challenges of air quality and climate change and help create a cleaner Ontario. Together, we can strengthen the communities in which we live, providing the people of Ontario with a quality of life that is second to none.
For more information, or to obtain a printed copy of Municipal Strategies for Cleaner Air or Ontario Case Studies for Cleaner Air, contact one of the ministry’s regional Municipal Service Offices.