Tatham was retained by the Joint Muskoka Area Municipalities for the development of a Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Baseline Inventory for all corporate assets and Regional Climate Change Mitigation Plan (RCCMP) for the region’s six lower-tier area municipalities: Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Huntsville, Georgian Bay, Lake of Bays, and Muskoka Lakes.

The project focused on creating a baseline inventory of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, providing insight on emission reduction across municipal operations, and assisting the municipalities in achieving recognition through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Partners for Climate Protection (PCP) program.

Working closely with the area municipalities, Tatham assessed Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions, including stationary (direct and indirect) and mobile sources. The baseline inventory established a foundation for future planning and reporting, aligning with the PCP program milestones, including a comprehensive GHG emissions and operating cost forecast up to year 2050, accounting for projected population growth, municipal plans, as well as global warming and future climate data. Using this baseline, Tatham assisted in setting ambitious yet achievable GHG reduction targets for short-term (2030) and long-term (2050) goals.

Additionally, our team provided detailed recommendations and a clear plan with a list of projects and timelines. We completed cost analyses for GHG reduction strategies, allowing municipalities to prioritize initiatives that balance environmental benefits and financial considerations. The final plan completes the requirements of PCP milestones 1 to 3 and offers a tailored roadmap for each municipality to reduce GHG emissions, enhance energy efficiency, and prepare for a Net Zero future.