Green plan versus green agenda

Nipissing Environmental Watch was back before council on Monday, asking the city to do more towards helping the environment. Some its recommendations included an urban tree by-law, anti-idling by-law and rules forcing industries to disclose hazardous materials on their properties. The recommendations are part of a green agenda put together by the local group.

Following the presentation North Bay Vic Fedeli was quick to point out the progress the city has made over the past several years, in reducing energy costs and producing renewable energy. He cited the l.e.d. traffic light initiative, the solar panels at city hall and the methane gas program at the landfill. He says the city has what it calls a long term green plan.

“We work very well with Nipissing Environmental Watch and other environmental groups in the city, we have several meetings a year, we include them in our official plan process that we’re redoing, we are one of the first communities to come up with a very detailed long term green plan.”

While Craig acknowledges the progress, she feels the city can do more.

“We want the city to have a real vision towards green space, to preserve and where we are going to set up industry, commercial and residential instead of doing it in a piece meal fashion which has been the case in the past.”

Nipissing Environmental Watch would also like to see the city put a limit on the amount of garbage bags dumped on the curb and enhance public transportation. Council says adding different buses to its fleet would cause higher maintenance costs. But it was pleased to announce that thanks to its methane program at the landfill, the life span of the facility has been extended by 24 years.