Environment and Sustainability

Perth County, North Perth, Perth East, Perth South, West Perth, and Stratford and St. Marys have partnered to address the risks and take action on climate change within the communities. Each municipal action impacts one another, so it is important to work together to address the greater impacts that climate change will bring. This plan identifies various actions and strategies to move forward on increasing adaptability and reducing greenhouse gas emissions within the community.

Our vision is to mitigate climate change risks by ambitiously reducing local greenhouse gas emissions, and will ensure a more resilient and healthy future for our communities.

The Council of the Municipality of West Perth has adopted Green House Reduction Plan at its Regular Council Meeting on February 22, 2022. View the full Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan.

Electric Vehicle (EV) ownership has grown considerably in Ontario, along with opportunities for rural communities to benefit from EV tourism. The partnership of County of Wellington, County of Dufferin, County of Perth, County of Huron, Bruce County, County of Grey, City of Guelph, and Nuclear Innovation Institute want to ensure residents and businesses in their collective region are afforded the opportunity to benefit from the transition to EVs.

A regional EV charging network strategy has been developed to assess this need. By working together and across boundaries, successes are amplified and partners gain more from their resources than they can alone. Specifically, the Partners realized that when they implemented stations independently, they had an insufficient network; by collaborating, we leverage time and resources to build a cohesive charging experience that allows EV drivers to travel throughout the region.

Currently, the region has 22 Level 3 (DC Fast Charging) and 145 Level 2 EV charging stations for public use. The Regional EV Charging Network Strategy proposes new locations for Level 2 and 3 fast charging locations to facilitate travel across the region, improvements to economic development opportunities, and tourism throughout Southwestern Ontario.

With funding secured, IVY Charging Networks will begin installing the chargers over the next 12 months. The 2 new Level 3 DCFC EV Chargers will be located with the existing Level 2 EV Chargers in the parking lot of the Arena.

Learn more about charger locations and the Rural Recharge network https://www.plugshare.com/

The Municipality is undertaking hogweed spraying to control the spread of Giant Hogweed, an invasive plant that poses serious health risks to humans and can damage native ecosystems. Spraying is being conducted in identified locations where hogweed has been reported or confirmed.

Giant Hogweed sap can cause severe skin irritation, burns, and blistering when exposed to sunlight. For safety reasons, residents are advised to avoid touching or disturbing the plant. Signage will be posted in areas where spraying is taking place.

Japanese Knotweed (Reynoutria japonica) "is an aggressive semi-woody perennial plant that is native to eastern Asia. In the 1800’s it was introduced to North America as an ornamental species and also planted for erosion control. It has since spread throughout the United States and Canada"

Japanese knotweed is especially persistent due to its vigorous root system, which can spread nearly 10 metres from the parent stem and grow through concrete and asphalt. This invader is very persistent and once it becomes established, is incredibly difficult to control" (invadingspecies.com).

Japanese Knotweed is an invasive species that has been found in various locations in the flood plain and along the trails in Mitchell. The Municipality and Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) are working together to control and remove the Japanese Knotweed.

If you have questions concerning Japanese Knotweed contact:
Greg Urquhart
Forestry and Restoration Technician
Upper Thames River Conservation Authority
(519) 451-2800 x 281
www.thamesriver.on.ca