06-11-2024 - No. 06The City of Niagara Falls, Ontario
Resolution
Eamonn Horan-Lunney
Senior Director Canada Policy
Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative
P.O. Box 1332,
New Lenox, IL 60451
Sent via email: Eamon n.HL(a),glslcities.orq
Dear Eamonn Horan-Lunney:
RE: Transforming the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Basin into a Thriving
BlueGreen Economic Corridor While Safeguarding Our Freshwater Resources May
2024 Resolution
This is to advise that at the May 28, 2024 Council Meeting in the City of Niagara Falls,
the following resolution was adopted with respect to the above noted matter:
No. 6
June 11, 2024
Moved by: Councillor Victor Pietrangelo Seconded by: Mona Patel
WHEREAS the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Basin forms the largest
freshwater ecosystem in the world, providing drinking water to more than 40 million
people and serving as the foundation of our communities' economic prosperity; and
WHEREAS basin communities collectively comprise the world's third largest economy,
generating $6 trillion in economic output annually; and
WHEREAS heavy industry and manufacturing has predominated in parts of the basin,
often degrading our water quality and perpetuating environmental challenges in
disadvantaged communities; and
WHEREAS basin -wide ecosystem restoration efforts are yielding significant economic
dividends for local communities; and
WHEREAS the U.S. federal government's $4.17-billion investment in the Great Lakes
Restoration Initiative since 2010 and the Canadian federal government's recent
commitment of $420 million are two important contributors to this virtuous circle
between environmental protection and sustainable economic development; and
WHEREAS some experts anticipate climate -related migration to basin communities to
grow as conditions worsen in arid and coastal environments in Canada and the United
States, with freshwater access being a major advantage; and
WHEREAS Canadian and U.S. residents are increasingly keen to live, work, invest and
play in vibrant communities with ample access to environmentally -friendly lifestyles,
jobs, development and recreation; and
WHEREAS the blue economy is growing exponentially, with the basin's freshwater
catalyzing increased economic opportunities for innovative businesses, waterfront
revitalization and the cruise and shipping industries; and
WHEREAS the green economy is growing quickly, with sustainable industries on track
to see revenues exceed $5 trillion by 2025, with consumers across all ages and
demographics increasingly demanding green products and services; and
WHEREAS federal, state, and provincial governments in Canada and the United States
are beginning to take bold action to drive blue-green economic transformation; and
WHEREAS in Canada, the federal government is developing a Blue Economy Strategy
to encourage economic innovation and investment in shoreline communities, as well as
make progress on decarbonization goals; and
WHEREAS Ontario recently outlined a comprehensive approach to harness the
potential of the marine sector for economic, environmental and social benefits in the
province, complementing the Quebec government's maritime strategy; and
WHEREAS in the United States, the federal government is investing billions of dollars to
enhance coastal resilience, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and nurture the creation
of new green and blue industries; and
WHEREAS Illinois and Michigan are two Great Lakes states that are establishing
themselves as leaders in the clean -energy revolution, having signed into state law
ambitious plans to expand clean and renewable energy, reduce greenhouse gas
emissions and create jobs in the climate sector; and
WHEREAS building a thriving freshwater economy requires attracting green and blue
industries to foster job creation and climate and water innovation; harnessing clean,
accessible waterfronts as drivers of economic revitalization and equitable communities;
implementing clean and renewable energy sources to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions and build livable communities; and expanding sustainable, integrated,
waterborne commerce, mobility and tourism; and
WHEREAS the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative was founded in 2003 as a
coalition of local elected leaders working collaboratively to promote the economic,
environmental and social health of basin communities, making the Cities Initiative the
ideal organization to facilitate sustainable, resilient and inclusive economic development
while safeguarding our freshwater resources.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
• The Cities Initiative will launch the Mayors Commission on Economic
Transformation at its Annual Conference in Montreal, QC, May 15-17, 2024, to
promote sustainable, resilient and inclusive economic development basin -wide
and appropriate freshwater stewardship for the benefit of current and future
generations
• The Mayors Commission on Economic Transformation will develop the Action
Plan for the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Economic Transformation, 2025-
2035, a roadmap for basin communities to capitalize on this historic moment to
become a globally -renowned, blue-green economic corridor, which will be
released at the Cities Initiative's next Annual Conference in Milwaukee, WI, in
May 2025
• The Action Plan for the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Economic Transformation,
2025-2035 will map paths for municipal action to support the following:
• Industrial Transformation: attracting green and blue industries to foster job
creation and climate and water innovation while protecting the basin's
unparalleled freshwater ecosystem.
• Energy Transformation: implementing clean and renewable energy
sources to respond to the expected growth in clean energy consumption
for businesses, industries and residents.
• Transportation Transformation: expanding sustainable, integrated and
water -borne commerce, mobility and tourism.
• Waterfront Transformation: developing shorelines intentionally by weaving
Together multiple uses, including residential and recreation, to create
accessible and thriving economic centers.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Mayor James Diodati and the City of Niagara Falls
pledge to work closely with the Cities Initiative and its members to guide the Mayors
Commission on Economic Transformation and advance its mission."
AND The Seal of the Corporation be hereto affixed. Carried Unanimously
....................................... ....................................... l
WILLIAM G. MATSON, CITY CLERK JAMES M. DIODATI, MAYOR
If any further information is required, please contact the undersigned at 905-356-7521,
x4342.
Yours Truly,
Bill Matson
City Clerk, City of Niagara Falls