by Sylene Argent
On Sunday, Councillor Sherry Bondy hosted the first virtual planning session with the newly formed Youth Climate Action Committee.
Bondy got the idea to form the Committee when the Town of Essex underwent putting together its Climate Adaptation Plan, which was adopted just a few weeks ago. She thought it would be a good way to get youths involved in the community.
Interested individuals, age eight to mature adults, gathered to take part in the first Committee meeting last week. Sunday’s meeting was hosted as a way to discuss the types of environmental actions members would like to collaborate on. Some of those actions will be items listed in the Town’s Climate Adaptation Plan.
Those who participated in the event also brought forward ideas, including cleaning up area shorelines, and around ponds and greenways. Other ideas include planting trees, setting up a program to help those within the Harrow community in need to help take out their garbage, and caring for the butterfly bushes and rain garden nearing the Harrow Arena.
The team also discussed putting together a town cleanup in April, held on two different dates, to coincide with Earth Day. One day will concentrate on the bush area near the Harrow Arena and the other on the Greenway. This option will allow members to head out and participate, when they have time to do so.
Bondy will organize bags and gloves for the Earth Day cleanup. Anyone participating in any Committee event will have to follow COVID-19 regulations and safety protocols.
Public education is important, Bondy said during the event, noting the group can step up to send messages to the community and Essex Council regarding environmental efforts. She would also like to look into starting a community compost bin and lobby Essex Council regarding adding turtle crossing signs in areas where they are needed.
If any Committee members have ideas, and follow up on them, Bondy will provide volunteer community service hours for high school students. She urges those with ideas to contact her.
“I’m excited,” Bondy said of organizing the committee, adding there were a lot of good ideas presented at the first meeting. “This is going to be fun.”
She was also pleased to see representation from different area schools.
Getting involved with the committee, Bondy said, will be low maintenance. Any youth is welcome to participate on the Committee, with young members needing a parent or guardian.
Those wanting to find out more can email her at sbondy@essex.ca or call her at 519-566-3105.