Councillor Leo Hauville put the motion forward at the meeting yesterday and implored councillors to declare 'we are in a state of climate emergency that requires urgent action by all levels of government, including by local councils'.

The motion collapsed after it received no seconder.

Arthur Bain addressed the councillors at the meeting and spoke for the motion.

"The motion put to council today has a sense of urgency. Climate change is an emergency," he said.

"I implore councillors to show leadership and this motion will enforce action this year."

At the March council meeting the decision was made that will see council hold a workshop on a range of issues regarding climate change and a subsequent report be brought back to council.

Because the motion collapsed, councillors did not engage in discussion over the proposed motion or issue of climate change.

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