Will a third time prove meaningful? Twice last spring City Councillor Lori Baldwin-Sands attempted to get her fellow council members to declare a climate emergency in St. Thomas. In both instances, the majority of council did not support her motion.
On Monday night, local climate activists Doug and Ann Walker will appear before council to urge members “to be the political leaders we need at this time.” In a letter sent last week to Mayor Joe Preston and all councillors, Julie Berry challenged them to declare a climate emergency and create a dedicated team of people to begin the formulation of a meaningful climate action plan for St. Thomas.
Berry is the organizer of weekly demonstrations each Friday in front of City Hall to draw awareness to the immediate threat of global warming. She stresses it is time for St. Thomas to become proactive and follow the lead of other municipalities like Central Elgin, Chatham-Kent, London, Peterborough and Windsor.
Council will hear the deputation at 7 p.m. on Monday in the council chambers at City Hall.
