We know that the climate crisis is caused by humans burning fossil fuels. The energy transition is about moving to renewable and clean energy. We want our city to welcome and encourage the development of renewable energy and energy storage projects so as to enable Ottawans to benefit from energy affordability, increased energy security and community resilience. And we want City Hall to minimize delay and implement zoning & permitting regulations that allow Ottawa to benefit from renewable energy generation facilities and battery energy storage systems (BESS) projects. Let’s create the enabling conditions for local renewables and BESS, not more gas peaker plants and transmission lines.
CAFES aims to inform, connect and empower residents on climate action. We welcome individual members. Come to the next Climate Caucus meeting and find out what other residents like yourself are doing and thinking. Get inspired and find new friends.
All councillors have a newsletter and a website. Find out when your councillor is next planning to be at a community event. Go there and introduce yourself as one of their constituents. Local politicians want to get re-elected so they are usually very friendly towards their constituents. When you first meet them, let them know that you think the climate issue is very important. And then start watching their performance: are they voting climate-friendly? What is their voting record? In a short time you will know if you want to support them or somebody else in the next election. Vote climate. Make your vote count. Consider helping out on a campaign of a climate-friendly local politician.
A good way to exert positive pressure on the City staff is by asking your Councillor substantive questions. Your emailed questions get flipped to staff to answer as quickly as you can say ‘climate justice now’. Suggested question: “dear Councillor X, I have heard that the City of Ottawa has a good climate masterplan. Can you tell me what is presently being done to implement this plan and how that benefits me and my neighbours?”
You might think that you don’t fit in with the people that are part of your community association (CA). The reality is that these are public spirited and community minded folks (with a few ‘real characters’ mixed in for good measure). If you contact the President of the association, they can tell you who is the point person on ‘green’ issues and how you can connect with their activities. If there is no green or climate action committee, you can offer to join the CA board and be the environment chair. Start growing your local roots and your own neighbourhood network and contact list. A group of 3-4 people who want to work together is an excellent start! If you don't know what to start with, consider trees & greenspace or anti-littering neighbourhood actions - always popular!
There are lots of energy-saving actions you can take (and money-saving), but the best one - the biggest bang of them all for the climate - is to get a heat pump. If you are a home-owner, see Ottawa’s Guide to Creating a more Comfortable and Climate Friendly Home for various suppliers and programs that can help. If you need a coach to help you navigate all this, we can find you one (contact info@cafesottawa.ca). If you are a tenant, ask your landlord if you can get a mini-split and put the compressor on your balcony. Pro-tip: air source heat pumps can BOTH heat and cool your place!
Transportation is the second biggest area of climate emissions in Ottawa. And it costs an average of $16,644 to own a car for one year. If your household has more than one car, consider ditching the second one and getting a Communauto shared car membership. Or, check out the EVCO buyer’s guide and figure out if a switch to an electric vehicle can save you money. If you have not been on a bicycle for a while - Ottawa is slowly getting more bike friendly and the trails along our waterways are international tourist attractions!
Shifting to more Mediterranean, vegetarian and plant-based (vegan) diets will improve your health by reducing the risk of heart disease, obesity, and certain cancers, as it involves lower consumption of saturated fats and cholesterol. It also supports climate goals by significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with meat production, particularly from livestock, which contribute heavily to methane release and land degradation. Transitioning further to a plant-based diet enhances these benefits. The internet is full of recipes!
Our lives can be more fun if we build outdoor activities into our lifestyles and family activities. Giving nature-friendly, outdoor experiences as gifts provides a meaningful way to foster a connection with the environment while avoiding material clutter. Options like guided hikes, bird-watching tours, kayaking trips, or camping excursions offer recipients the chance to immerse themselves in nature and enjoy its restorative benefits. By gifting time in nature, you offer something personal and enriching that helps reduce waste and supports a love for the outdoors.
Reflect on how you want to volunteer with community climate organizations. Consider your skills, passions, and time availability to find meaningful ways to contribute, whether it’s through hands-on projects, advocacy, or education efforts. Joining a CAFES working group for example, offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with others who are passionate about climate action, helping to shape strategies, raise awareness, and drive community initiatives. Currently we have working groups on climate misinformation, heat pumps and eco-writing for community newspapers. Contact info@cafesottawa.ca. Depending on your interests, we can also refer you to other very cool environmental organizations that are part of the CAFES network.
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Canada's large banks are some of the biggest financiers of fossil fuel expansion, investing billions in projects that contribute to climate change and environmental degradation. By banking with these institutions, individuals indirectly support the continued growth of oil, gas, and coal industries, which hinder the transition to renewable energy. Shifting your banking to a local credit union, and your investments to ones that prioritize sustainability and clean energy, can help align your financial decisions with your values, supporting a greener future. When you close your 'tar-sands' chequing and savings accounts, please ensure you tell the branch manager why.
