Presentation: COMMUNITY CLIMATE ACTION STRATEGY

PURPOSE:

1. To summarize comments from the referral to Council’s Advisory Committees
2. To recommend that the Community Climate Action Strategy be adopted by Council Resolution.

BACKGROUND:

The Community Climate Action Strategy a. Focused on mitigation (reducing greenhouse gas emissions) b. One part of the Town’s climate action that includes a. Corporate Energy and Emissions Plan (2012) b. Future adaptation plan for coastal inundation from tsunami risk and sea level rise c. Provides the foundation for climate action policies the Official Community Plan. d. An online resource guide to educate, assist and encourage residents to reduce their emissions.

• Presented to Committee of the Whole on February 8, 2022
• Parks, Recreation and Environment Committee reviewed March 22, 2022
• Community Development Advisory Committee reviewed on April 26, 2022

Joint Advisory Committee

a. Electric vehicle charging stations in new developments b. Reduction of energy use in buildings c. Tree protection and planting incentives d. Promoting community engagement e. Corridors and gateways for future population f. Transit passes g. Transportation impact assessments h. Easy access to services

PREAC

a. Preference to implement the highest Energy Step Code level for all new buildings b. Annual vs biannual review of performance targets

• Population growth and development
• Transportation

CDAC

a. Providing information to the public in an accessible manner b. Efficiency of different modes of public transportation c. Importance of maintaining the rail corridor through View Royal d. “Granular” level thinking to promote change in individuals’ habits e. Support for flexible work schedules f. Considering Town funding to support heat pumps and youth bus passes g. Support for Town operations and projects to be conducted through the lenses of the Strategy and the Active Transportation Network Plan h. Construction perspective

DISCUSSION

• Web content will highlight action portions of the strategy, while still retaining valuable background information details
• Supported by a resident’s guide which will be updated on a more frequent basis to highlight new programs and new sources of information that residents can take to reduce GHG impacts.

CONCLUSION

• A critical first step on our shared pathway to a low carbon future
• Will require significant collaborative effort, reconsideration our everyday habits, and ongoing policy shifts from all levels of government to achieve our bold GHG reduction targets.

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT the 2022 Community Climate Action Strategy be adopted.