Shoemaker featured speaker at climate action meeting in Chicago

Sault Ste. Marie Mayor Matthew Shoemaker was a featured speaker at the annual Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative meeting on Thursday in Chicago.

Shoemaker was part of a panel session called 'Targeting Net Zero: Urban and Rural Perspectives on Decarbonizing Canada's Municipalities'.

Part of its 20th anniversary, this year's meeting included a special program that featured leading experts on municipal climate action and collaborative and hands-on activities aimed at helping prepare municipal officials to take steps in advancing climate action.

Shoemaker spoke about the Sault's efforts related to climate change, including hiring a staff resources (sustainability coordinator), the exploration of a Community Efficiency Financing Program that encourages home energy upgrades and the development of the GHG Reduction Plan, which has a goal of net zero emissions by 2050.

“The meeting was a great opportunity to highlight the work we’re doing in Sault Ste. Marie to an international audience and to connect with my municipal colleagues from across the Great Lakes region to learn more about the approaches they’re taking to address similar climate-related challenges,” Shoemaker said.

“From my experience, I can say with confidence that Sault Ste. Marie is well positioned to have a positive environmental impact both through municipal operations and as an advocate in the community. We’ve seen examples recently such as the new electric Zamboni now in use at the Northern Community Centre twin pad and the Community Efficiency Financing Program discussed at the most recent City Council meeting, and I’m committed to continue finding ways for us to make progress.”