Residents are treading lightly in Caledon. They’ve pledged to reduce their “ecological footprint” – the resource management tool that measures the number of hectares required to support an individual’s life on the planet. The green movement has really taken hold here, thanks to the work of Caledon Countryside Alliance (CCA) and the grant they received from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF).
A $200,800 grant in 2001 helped CCA promote sustainable environmental practices, including reduction of waste disposal through the involvement of community members in a pledge program. A second grant for $219,000 was provided in 2005 to build and enhance the organization’s capacity to develop and deliver innovative community programs that engage local residents to make Caledon a more environmentally sustainable community.
“The Caledon area attracts people who want to be close to nature and live a sustainable lifestyle,” says Karen Hutchinson, CCA’s Executive Director, who has been with the Alliance for four years. “With the Niagara Escarpment, Oak Ridges Moraine, four watersheds and an abundance of agricultural lands all within Caledon, living a sustainable lifestyle is a must. We have a head-start when it comes to environmentally friendly attitudes, but we also have a lot of hard working people who care about what happens in the world.”
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Even in a community of committed environmentalists, organizers need help to bring groups together and get their messages out. So in 2001, CCA turned to OTF for funding to challenge residents to reduce their impact and make a commitment through a pledge program. The Alliance started the Caledon Speaker Series to bring environmental experts to the community. It launched a number of community programs in partnership with other local groups to encourage and support residents’ pledge to: buy local and eat local; adopt organic lawn care practices; and reduce energy consumption or “Step Up to Kyoto”.
Two years later, Caledon, with a population of about 55,000 was selected as the “Greenest Town” in Ontario by TVO’s current events show Studio 2. The award recognized a number of Caledon’s progressive environmental initiatives: excellent countryside planning, the Healthy Horticultural Landscapes Bylaw, strong community involvement, membership in the Partners for Climate Protection Program and extensive waste diversion programs.
In 2004, a commissioned survey of “Environmental Issues in Caledon” told the CCA that, appreciation of things green and awareness of proactive, environment-saving attitudes and behaviours was at a high level and growing.
Today, Caledon is a stronger community where municipal government, businesses and residents share a vision for the future. Together, they’re making sure the place where they live and work stays clean, vibrant and environmentally sound. They’ve banded together to “go for the green” and create the sustainable future Caledon residents deserve.
OTF is committed to building a healthy environment for Ontarians and is proud to support organizations like CCA that are making a difference in their community.
Caledon Countryside Alliance Programs
Weedgee Kids™
Weedgee Kidz™ are youth who help keep Caledon green and healthy. The program exists to help Caledon residents reduce their Ecological Footprint by getting their lawns off ‘drugs’ and to adhere effectively to the Healthy Horticultural Landscapes By-law which came into effect on May 1, 2004. Youth staff and volunteers go out in the community each summer to educate residents on alternatives to synthetic pesticides and fertilizers for lawn care.
Buy Local and Eat Local
Launched in 2003 with a Buy Local Guide, this program is all about building a local living economy anchored by a strong local food system. Working with GTA-based partners, the CCA has been at the forefront of building a local food system through events and publications. The focus for 2007 is an “Eat Local Challenge” for Caledon residents. Shopping and eating as close to home as possible tops the list of environmentally sustainable actions.
Caledon Dufferin Residential Energy Efficiency Project
Launched in 2004 with the Elora Centre, this program offers residential energy audits and potential grants to local residents for making their homes more energy efficient. It is delivered in conjunction with the Federal Government’s Energuide and ecoENERGY programs.
Caledon Community Map
Started in 2006, this project has created a map for residents, youth and newcomers in Caledon to celebrate and inform them about the natural and cultural heritage of their community. Citizens of Caledon continue to contribute their ideas and stories to help chart the unique heritage of their community.