Mayors pledge to create ‘blue-green corridor’ along Great Lakes-St. Lawrence region

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, and Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson have joined forces to transform the Great Lakes-St. Laurence Lowlands into a “blue-green economic corridor of the 21st century.” This declaration, supported by over 260 mayors, was signed at the annual conference of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative in Montreal.

The commitment outlined in the declaration focuses on attracting blue and green industries to the basin’s communities, promoting clean waterfront areas, establishing renewable energy sources, and developing sustainable commerce, mobility, and tourism through waterways.

During the signing ceremony, United States Ambassador to Canada David Cohen highlighted the significant investments made by both the US and Canada to improve freshwater ecosystems in the region. The mayors also shared their proud achievements in protecting the water of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence basin.

However, the issue of plastic pollution and forever chemicals remains a concern for the region. Pierre Ouellet, delegate to the initiative’s board of directors, emphasized the need to address pollution from microplastics and perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) at the source.

Ironically, after the mayors signed the agreement to reduce plastic pollution, plastic bottles of water were offered to participants at the conference. This oversight highlighted the importance of implementing sustainable practices in all aspects of event planning.

Moving forward, the mayors and stakeholders involved in the initiative will continue to work towards creating a more environmentally friendly and economically sustainable corridor in the Great Lakes-St. Laurence Lowlands.