Making Waves Newsletter September 2021 |
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The Cities Initiative releases its newsletter, “Making Waves,” once per month. Stay up to date on current initiatives, important government programs, webinars, etc. |
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On behalf of our organization, I would like to thank everyone for being a part of this year’s Annual General Meeting (AGM). Your continued partnership and support is extremely valuable.
For those who could not attend, we have a number of session videos available on our website. Click here to view videos.
By lending your voice to the cause of strengthening the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River, both environmentally and economically, you have helped us move the ball forward on a number of important initiatives.
This year’s AGM was a tremendous success. Close to 200 participants joined us for two days of sessions representing communities in Ontario, Quebec, and the United States. Our speakers included environmental activist Erin Brockovich, former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, U.S. EPA Administrator Michael Regan, and many more.
This year’s theme, “Climate Change: 2021 and Beyond -- Preparing Our Communities for the Future,” was well received. Many mayors commented on how useful our programming was in their efforts to prepare for the impacts of climate change.
Below is a link to our Annual Meeting Feedback Survey. Your feedback is very valuable to us and will help guide our programming for the future. Click here to complete the survey.
Thank you again for your help in this endeavor.
Mayor Walter Sendzik
Chair, The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative
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Erin Brockovich Speaks at the Annual General Meeting
Say the name Erin Brockovich and you think strong, tough, and stubborn. Erin is all that and more. A formerly unknown legal researcher who became a 20th-century icon overnight thanks to Julia Robert’s Oscar-winning tour de force portrayal, Erin’s dogged persistence was the impelling force behind the largest medical settlement lawsuit in history.
Brockovich spoke to a crowded virtual session about the importance of inspiring communities into action.
“Action and follow-through are what is required to get us through all of these climate issues we are having,” said Brockovich. “Oftentimes we see a storm coming but we ignore it. We can’t keep kicking the can down the road. Now is our opportunity. There is hope, there is us. I truly believe we are in the era of a great reset.”
Ms. Brockovich went on to talk about how we can inspire our communities to action. She spoke about the need for cooperation to allow us to work hard to protect our Great Lakes.
Thank you Ms. Brockovich for inspiring us to continue to take action to protect our precious water resources.
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Lifetime Achievement Award Presented to Mayor Daley and Mayor Miller
Former Mayors Richard M. Daley and David Miller were in attendance on August 25th at our annual meeting.
“On the eve of the upcoming 25th anniversary of our organization, we wanted to honor both Mayor Daley and Mayor Miller for their contributions to the health and vitality of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River,” said Mayor Walter Sendzik. “Both of these leaders had the foresight to create our organization, recognizing the challenges we would be facing in the 21st century.”
“Mayor Miller and I created this organization 24 years ago to ensure the issues facing the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River would be addressed by the mayors who are directly impacted by environmental changes,” said former Mayor Daley of Chicago. “Now, more than ever, we as mayors must speak out to protect the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River.”
“I’d like to offer a special thank you to Mayor Daley for his vision,” said former Mayor Miller. “It was Mayor Daley’s vision that a binational organization could help protect one of the most significant and important economies in the world centered around the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River. That mission is more important today than ever. We need to ensure both the environmental and socio-economic health of our region as the world adapts to climate change. It is my hope that our mayors will continue this fight.”
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AGM Attendees Hear from a Group of Powerhouse Speakers
This year's AGM attracted a group of extremely influential officials from Canada and the U.S.
The two keynote speakers were environmental activist Erin Brockovich and former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney.
Mr. Mulroney conducted a fireside chat with our Chair, Mayor Walter Sendzik, where he addressed a number of issues impacting our region.
The former Prime Minister continues to be a leader on the environment. He has pushed elected officials worldwide to implement solutions to mitigate the impact of climate change now rather than later. Mulroney said “successful leaders do not impose unpopular ideas on the public; successful leaders make unpopular ideas acceptable to the nation.”
We were excited to hear from members of the Biden administration, including Brenda Mallory, Chair of the White House Council of Environmental Quality; Michael Regan, Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency; and Polly Trottenberg, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Transportation.
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Other speakers included:
- Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL)
- Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI)
- Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)
- Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI)
- The Honourable Chantal Rouleau, Minister for Transport and Minister Responsible for the Metropolis and the Montréal Region
- The Honourable David Piccini, M.P.P. Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, Ontario
- Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-OH)
- Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI)
- Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI)
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Congresswoman
Marcy Kaptur
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Congresswoman
Debbie Dingell
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Congressman
Bill Huizenga
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All of these dignitaries provided us with a great deal of information about how our cities can prepare for impacts from climate change. We look forward to next year’s lineup of speakers. |
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Annual Meeting Breakout Sessions Explore Climate Change: What to Expect and How to Prepare
Building on the annual meeting’s theme – Climate Change: 2021 and Beyond – four breakout sessions focused on how climate change will impact Great Lakes and St. Lawrence cities and how to plan for those impacts.
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Moderated by Mayor Sandra Easton of Lincoln, Ontario, this session established a foundational understanding of the physical impacts of climate change. We heard from a range of scientists and climate experts on the ways the region will be experiencing climate change.
First, we heard from Dr. Brent Lofgren from NOAA’s Great Lakes Environmental Research Lab, who described the fundamentals of climate change and what this might look like for the region’s communities. Dr. Lofgren also explained how warming will impact our region.
Then, we heard from Dr. Drew Gronewold from the University of Michigan, who expanded on the ways climate change will impact water levels in the basin, including an understanding of cyclical high and low lake levels. Dr. Gronewold explained how changes in lake levels are driven by trends in precipitation and evaporation across the basin.
Next, attendees learned how climate change and lake level fluctuations impact shoreline behavior and erosion from Dr. John Johnston at the University of Waterloo. Dr. Johnson elaborated on the natural processes of shoreline erosion and how climate change and human activity disrupt these processes.
Finally, the session closed with a presentation by Dr. Blair Feltmate from the University of Waterloo who advised communities to develop strong urgency toward preparing for climate risks now in an effort to reduce a need for costly response efforts later. Dr. Feltmate explained that flooding will pose a significant risk for many Great Lakes and St. Lawrence communities into the future.
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Moderated by Lake Forest, Illinois Mayor George Pandaleon, this session examined how communities will be impacted by climate change, including effects on water quality, wildlife and infrastructure.
Charlie Lalonde, coordinator of the Thames River Phosphorus Reduction Collaborative, discussed climate change impacts on agricultural water quality. He emphasized the need to work together to mitigate climate impacts through adoption of new farm practices, better infrastructure for water management and use of technologies to manage nutrients from cities and livestock operations.
Dr. Len Hunt from the Ontario Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry presented on climate change impacts to fish, wildlife and the people who rely on these resources. He reviewed the economic value of fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing, and noted that climate change can affect animals, populations, and communities. For example, a transition from a walleye to bass fishery could reduce the economic value of the angling economy in Ontario. Climate change is just one important stressor among others, including invasive species, land-use changes, pollution, wildlife harvests and human population changes.
Finally, Dr. Gail Krantzberg from McMaster University reviewed how climate change will impact local communities. She reviewed the projected consequences for water quality, human health, fish and wildlife, recreation, drinking water, and commercial navigation. The professor emphasized the need for successful adaptation strategies. In deciding what adaptation option is most appropriate for a particular situation, city leaders should pay attention to feasibility, likelihood and mechanisms for uptake.
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Moderated by Gary, Indiana Mayor Jerome Prince, this session looked at how communities can plan for and adapt to the physical impacts of climate change.
Jason Stangland, Waterfront Practice Director for SmithGroup, discussed how to prioritize nature-based solutions for resilience projects. He emphasized the importance of shoreline property owners working together to explore alternatives to armoring, and showed examples of coastal projects that cut across the “green-gray spectrum.” The goals for nature-based solutions include stabilizing shorelines and preventing erosion; enhancing wildlife habitat; supporting natural processes; improving water quality; and maintaining the land-water interface.
David Goldwater, Vice President for Public Policy with Stantec, discussed challenges to municipal water supplies from climate change. He noted that extreme weather will become the “new normal” along with long-term water supply issues and increased pressure for water diversions. Options for expanding water supplies include use of rainwater, stormwater harvesting and reuse, minimizing consumption and waste of drinking water, desalination, and better approaches to water and wastewater conveyance. He also emphasized redundancy of critical infrastructure, such as water intakes, conveyance pipelines, etc.
Maud Allaire, Mayor of Contrecoeur, Quebec, discussed how her city is developing municipal infrastructure with climate change in mind. Located on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River about 40 km. east of Montreal, she noted that the expansion of Montreal’s port is at the heart of Contrecoeur’s economic development. The city’s actions to adapt to climate change include expansion of the water filtration facility; separation of the sewer and stormwater systems; building audits; flood protection and shoreline erosion measures; and a sustainable development action plan.
Closing out the session, Tom Berry, Senior Planner with Stantec, discussed project funding. He emphasized the fiscal challenges of responding to climate change and urged cities to have a funding strategy for their resilience programs. He highlighted funding best practices, including cost understanding, scope clarity, direct and indirect benefits and approaches to implementation. He reviewed recent fiscal stimulus funding in the U.S. and Canada and North American funding trends, and detailed potential resiliency funding programs in the two countries.
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Moderated by Mayor Bill Steele of Port Colborne, Ontario, session two focused on preparing for the socio-economic impacts of climate change. Our guest experts covered a range of disciplines and had a wealth of knowledge to share.
First, we heard from Shelly Hartfield from the American Queen Steamboat Company, who spoke to the value of tourism in the region and why we need to cushion the industry from negative climate impacts. She also elaborated on the industry’s projected growth in the region and opportunities to build out the Great Lakes cruise industry.
Then we heard from Beth Gibbons of the American Society of Adaptation Professionals, who expanded on the complexities of climate migration. While it is hard to know exactly where people will move, Gibbons described the key drivers that cause people to move, including factors related to climate change such as drought, sea-level rise, and wildfires, among others.
Next, we heard from Aaron Barter from Waterfront Toronto, who showcased Toronto’s success in redeveloping their shoreline to benefit the environment and their economy. Barter described their efforts to boost flood protection in the Port Lands and explained how shoreline development can benefit both the environment and the economy.
Finally, we heard from Jon Allan from the University of Michigan and the International Joint Commission’s Great Lakes Water Quality Board (among other roles), who challenged communities to reimagine their relationship with their shoreline to be more accepting of coastal variability rather than expecting a static environment. Allan also urged communities to consider how their efforts to plan for climate change will impact their ability to get loans and funding down the road, stating that those who fail to plan, may miss out on key opportunities to fund their work.
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Advisory Council on Coastal Resilience Report Out
During the Annual Meeting, we had an opportunity to hear from the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative’s Mayors Advisory Council on Coastal Resilience. The group has been researching and exploring coastal needs since the start of the year through a variety of platforms.
First, we gained perspective on preliminary results from a recently completed Coastal Resilience Needs Assessment Survey. The survey was conducted in partnership with the University of Illinois Applied Research Institute and received over 240 responses from across the basin. Early analysis of results revealed that Great Lakes and St. Lawrence communities are in need of greater expertise and staff support, with an anticipated need of more than $2 billion to address coastal resilience challenges over the next five years.
Then we heard from Council members Mayor Brian Saunderson (Collingwood, ON), Councillor Clare Latimer (Chatham-Kent, ON), Mayor Shaun Collier (Ajax, ON), Mayor Gino Moretti (Saint-Anicet, QC), and Mayor Jim Carruthers (Traverse City, MI) who elaborated on efforts put forth by the council in recent months. The members described a recent summary put forth by the council summarizing coastal needs impacting the region's communities. The summary covered needs in the following areas:
- Coordinated planning and comprehensive solutions
- Broad engagement and strategic education
- Operational tools and complete data
- Supportive and accessible funding opportunities
The Council plans to leverage these findings to draft a suite of recommendations that will boost resilience in coastal communities across the basin, with a final report to be published early in the new year.
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Mayors Water Equity Commission Report Out
The Cities Initiative’s Mayors Commission on Water Equity reported its recommendations for addressing critical water equity challenges in the Great Lakes region. Convened in December 2020, the Commission is developing a policy agenda focused on lead in drinking water, water affordability, urban flooding, and water workforce development. The Commission’s chair, Mayor Billy McKinney of Zion, Illinois, moderated the session, which included reports on key recommendations from Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, and Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley.
The mayors reflected on how their water equity priorities are addressed in the bipartisan infrastructure bill passed just weeks before in the U.S. Senate. While it doesn’t meet all our water needs, it will provide substantial investments that represent a huge step forward.
Gary, Indiana Mayor Jerome Prince concluded the session by highlighting key priorities for addressing the Commission’s water equity recommendations, including:
- Securing funding is needed to remove all lead water lines. The $15 billion in the infrastructure bill is not enough to remove all lead lines, estimated to cost $40-$60 billion. The remaining funding will need to come from the reconciliation bill or annual appropriations.
- Persuading state governments to disperse drinking water and clean water State Revolving Fund (SRF) dollars as grants vs. loans. The infrastructure bill allows states to allocate up to 49% of their SRF funding as grants. Cities need to persuade their states to maximize this amount to ensure the funding goes out quickly and has the greatest impact.
- Providing funding for low-income water affordability assistance and water workforce development programs authorized—but not funded—in the infrastructure bill.
- Seeking funding in annual appropriations bills to meet remaining water equity needs and supporting policy changes in upcoming water resources legislation.
The Water Equity Commission will finalize and release its full report later this year.
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Upcoming 2021 Webinars - Save the Dates
Simultaneous English and French interpretation is available on all webinars below.
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Leveraging Your Waterfront to Transition your Community
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November 19
Keeping Our Water Clean for a Stronger Fishing Industry
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December 16
Funding Your Projects in the Post-Covid Economy
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