Ottawa 2020

Environmental Strategy

4.0 Making it Happen

In addition to the positive environmental benefits of adopting the strategic direction established in this document, its implementation will affect many functions and services of the City and the community. Some may have budget requirements that must be incorporated into the City's planning and budgeting process. Implementing the actions and programs associated with the strategic commitments will also be integrated with the implementation of the other plans. The beginning of the collaborative process that has been established through planning for Ottawa 20/20 provides an excellent basis for continuing to align efforts within the Corporation and the Community according to the Ottawa 20/20 guiding principles.

In determining the process for implementing the strategic directions of the Environmental Strategy, the experience of organizations such as the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI)6 and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities7 provide some key factors for successful sustainability initiatives, such as the following:

  • Integrated planning processes, that include ecological, social and economic factors together;
  • Coordinated direction and efforts of organizations - public, private and non-profit at local, national and international levels;
  • Collaboration and participation on development and implementation, with a strong representation from the community;
  • Decision-making and monitoring systems that consider and provide information in a way that balances social, financial and environmental considerations - this includes systems that strive to adequately "value" environmental aspects; and
  • Monitoring and reporting on their progress.

In addition to considering the above, implementation of the Environmental Strategy will follow the process set out in the Ottawa 20/20 Implementation Strategy. These include: development of a communication strategy (that targets both City staff and the community), incorporation of the environmental initiatives identified within this Strategy into the City's annual budgeting and long-term financial planning processes, the establishment of new legislative powers and sources to sustain funding, development of mechanisms to enhance Corporate learning, and monitoring on implementation progress through the annual Report Card.

6 ICLEI Canada. 2002. Local Strategies for Accelerating Sustainability - Case Studies of Local Government Success
7 FCM. 2002. Municipal Governments and Sustainable Communities: A Best Practices Guide; 2001FCM-CH2M Hill Sustainable Community Awards

Next: 4.1 Integration and Communication