Sustainable Cobourg was formed in the summer of 2008 to educate and increase the public’s understanding of Climate Change, its impact and the importance of changing attitudes and practices that contribute to the emissions of Greenhouse Gases.

By organizing and participating in local projects such as urban planning, energy conservation and renewable energy, water quality and protection, waste reduction, climate change, farmland protection, transportation, personal health, developing a sustainable, local economy and enhancing the quality of life in Cobourg and it’s neighbours, Sustainable Cobourg endeavours to put into practice the principles of sustainability.

Sustainable Cobourg’s focus is primarily on the Town of Cobourg, but planning and growth issues in surrounding towns and rural areas (environs) that affect Cobourg are also within the scope of our vision.

Sustainable Cobourg is comprised of five advisory groups. These groups were created to focus on various areas of concern. They research and develop policy, organize activities, advocate around issues and coordinate public events. Advisory Groups are under the supervision of the Board.

They are:

• Seniors Advisory Group

Consults and informs about opportunities to address concerns and interests around sustainable living as we age.

• Town Hall Advisory Group

Advocates for sustainable development in Cobourg and addresses current concerns with sustainable development with the Town.

• Bicycle Action Committee

Aims to improve and grow  Cobourg’s bicycling culture.

• Food Action Advisory Group

Promotes accessibility to affordable local food and information on nutrition, food sources and local food programs. 

• Eco Action Advisory Group

Supports a range of  initiatives aiming to have a positive impact on the environment.

BE PART OF SOMETHING THAT WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Purpose

The purpose of Sustainable Cobourg is to support, engage and implement activities that maintain and enhance the environmental, physical, economic, and social health of Cobourg residents by promoting sustainability within the Town of Cobourg and its neighbours.

“Sustainability”  is a state in which the demands placed on our earth by people and commerce can be met in a way that doesn’t infringe or compromise the ability of the earth  to carry on so future generations can also be provided for. It includes strategic dimensions of human/planet interactions that can be classified as: environmental stewardship, social responsibility and economic resilience. It can also be expressed in the simple terms of a golden rule for society:

“Leave the world better than you found it, take no more than you need, try not to harm life or the environment, make amends if you do.”

– Drawn from “The Ecology of Commerce” by Paul Hawken

Vision

Our vision is of Cobourg as a sustainable community. One where the values of environmental stewardship, social responsibility and economic resilience are reflected in individual, community, business, and government behaviours and are consistently supported through sustainable products, policies, purchases, programs, and actions.

This vision covers all areas of human interaction with the planet including the protection and restoration of natural areas of wildlife, the efficient and sustainable use of natural resources, protection of water and agricultural land and the minimization of waste and pollution.

Mission

Sustainable Cobourg will:

1. Actively promote change toward sustainability
2. Promote and coordinate research and innovation in Cobourg in the field of sustainability
3. Plan and implement sustainable practices and activities throughout Cobourg and it’s neighbors
4. Encourage and facilitate the involvement of all Cobourg residents in applying the principles, methods, and practices of sustainability.

Sustainable Cobourg is a not-for profit, for benefit, paid membership organization, incorporated in 2008, that is comprised of individual and corporate members who set goals, directions and actions for balancing the environmental, socio-cultural and economic pillars of sustainability.

Accomplishments

2012

Cobourg Civic Award to Sustainable Cobourg for the BAC’s assistance in developing the town’s Master Transportation Plan

2018

G. Ludorf-Weaver, President of Sustainable Cobourg receives prestigious Town of Cobourg Environmental Civic Award for 2018

2019

Environmental Club of CCI Winners of Sustainable Cobourg’s Student Sustainability Award for a project on Zero Waste

Acknowledgements

First Nations

We (Sustainable Cobourg) will begin this event by acknowledging that we are meeting on indigenous land; the traditional territory of the ANISHNABEK, HURON-WENDAT, HAUDENOSAUNEE, OJIBWAY/CHIPPEWA peoples. This territory is covered by the WILLIAMS TREATY.

We recognize and deeply appreciate their historic connection and importance to this place. Long before today, as we gather here, there have been indigenous peoples who have been its stewards. Their connection to nature, their understanding of the importance of protecting water, their respect for the land, are a great legacy. We are in their debt.