Climate Change and the Environment
Halton Region's commitment to climate action
Halton is not immune to the impacts of climate change. The region has already witnessed many severe weather events such as floods, high winds, tornadoes, ice storms and extreme heat and cold. As a corporation we are committed to addressing climate change and transitioning to a resilient, net-zero future.
We are optimistic as we face the global challenge of climate change and will utilize resources and expertise to achieve a climate transition that ensures a strong, healthy, and resilient organization that is equitable, diverse, and inclusive. By reducing our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, adapting our services and supporting our community, we are working to make strides to both mitigate and adapt to climate change.
What we’re doing about climate change
On , Halton Regional Council joined municipalities across Canada in declaring a climate emergency, strengthening Halton's commitment to protecting and preserving our natural environment while also acknowledging the impact that climate change will have on the future.
In 2023, Regional Council endorsed the Region’s first Corporate Climate Action Plan (PDF file) and corporate greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction target of achieving net zero by 2045 (PDF file). Reports on the progress of these goals are provided on an annual basis to Regional Council.
2025 Progress Report
On , Halton Regional Council received the 2025 Corporate Climate Action Plan Progress Report (CA-04 26) (PDF file). In 2025, progress was made in all 34 actions, with:
- 10 actions completed
- 6 actions in progress
- 18 actions ongoing
Moving forward under the current conditions, the corporate net zero trajectory is on track to achieve the Net Zero 2045 target. A detailed breakdown of the progress of work completed in 2025 for each action in the Corporate Climate Action Plan can be found in the 2025 Progress Report (PDF file).
2024 Progress Report
On January 22, 2025, Halton Regional Council received the 2024 Corporate Climate Action Plan Progress Report (CA-01-25) (PDF file). In 2024, progress was achieved in 31 of the 34 actions, with:
- 2 actions completed
- 11 actions in progress
- 18 actions ongoing
- 3 actions not yet started
A detailed breakdown of the progress of work completed in 2024 for each action in the Corporate Climate Action Plan can be found in the 2024 Progress Report (PDF file).
Climate Change and Health in Halton Region Report
As a recommended action under the Climate Ready theme of the Corporate Climate Action Plan, Halton Region Public Health completed the Climate Change and Health in Halton Region Report (PDF File). The primary focus of the report is to identify priority populations, understand patterns of climate-related vulnerability, provide baseline health information, and outline existing adaptive capacity.
The Climate Change and Health in Halton Region Report (PDF File) covers seven key climate-related health impact categories of concern: extreme temperature; UV radiation; extreme weather; food and water-borne illnesses; food systems and food security; air quality; and vector-borne disease.
Reducing emissions
Halton Region’s 2024 - 2028 Energy Conservation and Demand Management Plan builds upon our past successes and introduces new targets and actions to further reduce our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Our organization-wide approach to energy management aligns with the actions and measures set out in the Region’s Strategic Business Plan and our Corporate Climate Action Plan (PDF file) .
Halton Region’s Basement Flooding Prevention Subsidy
Halton Region significantly enhanced its Basement Flooding Prevention Subsidy amounts in (PDF file), following the , covering 100% of the costs for weeping tile disconnection and sump pump installation work (up to $6,500 maximum) and downspout disconnection (up to $900 maximum), with 50% for backwater valves (up to $1,600 maximum) and laterals (up to max of $4,000).
The Region also introduced a new subsidy covering 100% of the costs for the disconnection of exterior storm drains (up to a maximum of $6,500), such as reverse driveway or outdoor patio drains. The goal is to fix improper stormwater connections overloading the system, with applications available online for these enhanced subsidies.
Building efficiently and climate ready
Halton Community Housing Corporation
In , Halton Community Housing Corporation was awarded $7 million from the Federal government Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation to undertake energy efficiency measures, with an additional $16.9 million committed by the Region through the annual capital budget.
In , Halton Community Housing Corporation exceeded the 25% greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction goal of the Canadian Mortgage Housing Corporation funding program. The program included a variety of projects such as the replacement of fossil fuel burning equipment with electrical solutions such as heat pumps, window replacements and insulation upgrades. The portfolio reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by an estimated 972 tCO2e over the course of the program. To learn more, read the Halton Community Housing Corporation Community Development Strategy 2025 Progress Report.
265 Kerr Street
The Region’s first Passive House Certified multi-residential building opened at 265 Kerr Street. This new 52-unit building includes 22 supportive housing units for seniors, providing energy efficient building design and the use of sustainable resources. To learn more, read our blog post Getting Homes Built Fast: 265 Kerr Street Officially Opens
Reports submitted to Halton Regional Council
- CA-04-26 - 2025 Corporate Climate Action Plan Progress Report (PDF file)
- CA-01-25- Corporate Climate Action Plan Progress Report (PDF file)
- CA-23-24 - Halton Region’s Role in Community Climate Action (PDF file)
- CA-16-23 - Corporate Climate Action Plan and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Reduction Target (PDF file)
- PW-15-21/ST-03-21/LPS26-21 - Climate Change Response Update (PDF file)
- Climate Change Emergency Declaration (PDF file)
What you can do about climate change
Partners for Climate Protection Program
Halton Region is a proud member of the Partners for Climate Protection Program (external link). The pogram is a national network of over 500 municipalities taking action on climate change to reduce local greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
The program's five-step milestone framework helps guide municipalities in advancing and achieving climate change goals. Halton Region is proud to have achieved all five milestones.
Partners for Climate Protection Program milestones
- Create a baseline emissions inventory
- Set emission reduction targets
- Develop a climate action plan
- Implement an climate action plan
- Monitor and report results