Visions of turning city hall ‘green’ - Katherine Mackenzie

I’m writing in support of Sudbury’s Good Green Town Hall for all mayoral candidates and to encourage all Sudburians to attend the Town Hall on Oct. 6. The questions being put to the candidates were developed through a participatory, grassroots process where citizens suggested and prioritized questions online.

The Town Hall is a chance to hear about our potential municipal leaders’ visions for our unique city. The world is changing, and it is important that Sudbury rise to the challenge and create a healthy and vibrant future. Issues such as climate change and the instability of our main energy sources, our transportation systems, and our food supply are not just “green” or “environmental” issues. They are about the lives of all people.

There are some inspiring examples of cities who are rising to the challenge of this new future. For example, Portland, Oregon on the U.S. West Coast has great policies and programs in place that allow neighbourhoods to jointly purchase renewable energy systems, encourage homeowners to retrofit their homes providing good jobs to local contractors, and has developed a construction industry that is a leader in efficient and innovation design and building.

Sudbury could become a northern city of innovation and forward thinking. Developments like the Northern Ontario School of Architecture are very exciting, and will create tons of positive opportunities for the city and residents alike to remake Sudbury for the better. I am looking forward to hearing about our mayoral candidates’ vision for our City at the Good Green Town Hall.

Katherine Mackenzie Greater Sudbury