N環球 
Ottawa green groups launch Renewables-Ready Pledge, press election candidates to sign
Environmental Defence Canada and CAFES Ottawa today launched the "Ottawa Renewables-Ready Pledge," calling on all Ottawa municipal election candidates to commit to affordable renewable energy and battery storage over polluting gas-fired power. Eight sitting councillors and two mayoral candidates have signed so far.
Why it matters
Environmental Defence Canada and Community Action for Environmental Sustainability (CAFES Ottawa) launched the "Ottawa Renewables-Ready Pledge" on Oct. 15, calling on all Ottawa municipal election candidates to sign on to champion affordable renewable energy and battery storage over polluting gas-fired electricity generation. The organizers say the pledge lets voters see exactly where candidates stand on energy.
The pledge sets out three commitments: support responsibly sited wind, solar, battery storage and other non-emitting energy projects with meaningful community and Indigenous engagement; oppose new or expanded gas-fired electricity generation; and establish clear municipal standards for reviewing energy projects. The organizers stress that signing does not mean automatically approving any individual project. Eight sitting councillors and two mayoral candidates have signed so far, and more candidates can still join.
Background: the 2027 provincial procurement is the key
Ontario's next major electricity procurement is expected in 2027, when energy project proposals will come before municipal councils — municipal support is key to succeeding in the provincial process. The organizers cite data showing Ontario's latest procurement secured 1,115 MW of wind and solar at an average price of about $88/MWh, plus 640 MW of battery storage, with no gas plant proposals awarded contracts — evidence renewables and storage are now the competitive choice.
Emily Hunter, senior program manager for Ontario climate at Environmental Defence, said that "at a time when governments across Canada are backsliding on climate action, our nation's capital has an opportunity to lead" and "voters deserve to know where their candidates stand." CAFES Ottawa executive director Angela Keller-Herzog said Ottawa doesn't need new gas plants: "Every gas plant built today locks in decades of pollution our kids will pay for." Ottawa's climate targets are net-zero community emissions by 2050 and net-zero corporate emissions by 2040.
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