Downtown Prince Albert. (File Photo/paNOW Staff)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Supporting The Environment

P.A. aiming for net-zero emissions by 2030

May 18, 2023 | 8:00 AM

The City of Prince Albert has a goal of producing net-zero emissions through its operations by 2030.

A motion from Mayor Greg Dionne was approved at the city council’s meeting earlier this week. It specifically focuses on tree planting in the community and using more carbon capture technology.

Dionne told paNOW he thinks it’s a target the city can hit as he believes they’re already close.

“All our street lights are LEDs, most of our buildings are on LEDs, and our last three purchases of (ice resurfacers) were electric.”

He also believes it’s important to set a goal, whether the city can reach it or not.

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“You have to have a date; you have to work towards something. If you just have it wide open, you’ll never do it.”

The number of trees planted will be a big reason whether or not the city can reach the goal.

While many people understand the importance of trees, some might not know how helpful they are in reducing emissions. They have the ability to combat climate change by absorbing and storing greenhouse gases.

Caitlyn Anhorn, a project coordinator for the Prince Albert Model Forest Association which does forest research and education in the region, said the city should also focus on education during their ongoing efforts.

“Just building up the next generation so they know the role of trees for the environment when talking carbon emissions.”

Along with reducing emissions, Anhorn noted there are many other benefits of having more trees in the community. This includes making severely hot days more bearable as they provide shade and also reduce the amount of heat coming from things like asphalt, concrete buildings, and different metals.

“You’ll (also) need less cooling in homes if it’s not as hot,” said Anhorn, meaning less expensive power bills for air conditioning and fans.

Meanwhile, Anhorn mentioned the non-profit would be more than happy to work on any tree-planting projects the city comes up with.

She noted they already have a strong relationship as the city has thrown its support behind the work the organization is doing as part of the ‘2 Billion Trees’ program.

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow