Local resident disappointed the climate and diversity committees not continuing in Pembroke

Local resident Dorian Pearce is extremely disappointed that the City of Pembroke will not continue with the Climate Action Advisory Committee and the Diversity Committee this term of council. Pearce sees this as a step backwards for Pembroke and was shocked after finding out they wouldn’t be part of the new term of council.

As the founder of the Pembroke Climate Action Advisory Committee, Pearce is worried important initiatives will not move ahead and wrote a letter to the Mayor and councillors hoping to get the committees reinstated.

Pearce says Pembroke deserves a City Hall that represents the whole community. The local resident adds neighboring communities such as Renfrew, Arnprior and Petawawa have started diversity or climate committees based on the work that Pembroke has done.

Pearce would like to see the two committees be active or hear how the City plans address the situation.

Ron Gervais says as Mayor of the City of Pembroke he exercised his prerogative to implement the slate of committees for the new term. The Diversity Advisory Committee, Climate Action Advisory Committee, Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee and Seniors’ Advisory Committee will not be part of the new term of council.

Gervais says he will personally ensure that the City of Pembroke remains cognisant of diversity, equity, and inclusion as we move forward and goes on to say he will personally continue to be involved in the Multicultural Festival. Gervais says the City plans to create an Indigenous Heritage Mural and has resources on diversity, equity and inclusion on their website. Gervais says City staff have inserted funds into the draft 2023 budget for council to consider implementing a Diversity Action Plan.

The Mayor says the Climate Action Advisory Committee has been reworked to be included in a related committee known as Keeping Pembroke Beautiful. Gervais says Pembroke has enrolled in the partners for Climate Protection Program and the City has budgeted funds to completed the first milestone.

Gervais says comprehensive master plans are also set to be completed in the near future which will present significant opportunities for public comment on recreation and seniors’ issues.

The Mayor encourages residents to apply to the committees that have been advertised with a closing date of December 16th, 2022.

You can read the full statement from the Pembroke Mayor online.

(written by: Rudy Kadlec)