TOWN OF VIEW ROYAL COUNCIL REPORT - CLIMATE ACTION REVENUE INCENTIVE PROGRAM - 2014 CLIMATE ACTIONS SURVEY
A report presenting the 2014 Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program (CARIP) survey results, detailing the Town's progress toward corporate carbon neutrality.
TOWN OF VIEW ROYAL COUNCIL REPORT
TO: Mayor and Council DATE: February 26, 2015 FROM: Jeff Chow, MCIP, RPP, Senior Planner MEETING DATE: March 3, 2015 FILE NO: 1855-03-11450 Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program 2014
CLIMATE ACTION REVENUE INCENTIVE PROGRAM – 2014 CLIMATE ACTIONS SURVEY
RECOMMENDATION:
THAT the February 26, 2015 report from the Senior Planner titled “Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program - 2014 Climate Actions Survey” be received.
CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER’S COMMENTS: I concur with the recommendations.
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICE’S COMMENTS: I concur with the recommendations.
PURPOSE OF REPORT
To present the 2014 Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program Actions Survey as a public report on the Town’s plan and progress towards meeting climate action goals.
BACKGROUND
The Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program (CARIP) is a conditional grant program that returns one hundred percent of the carbon tax paid for in fuel purchases. To be eligible for the CARIP grant, local governments must:
A. Sign on to the BC Climate Action Charter and by doing so commit to take action and develop strategies to achieve the following three goals:
- Become carbon neutral in their corporate operations by 2012 The Town was “making progress” in 2012 as permitted by the Province. In 2013 the Town achieved carbon neutral operations in 2013 by actively working to minimize greenhouse gas emissions and by purchasing a small amount of carbon offsets.
- Measure and report on their community Green House Gas (GHG emission) profile The 2010 Community GHG emission profile was published January 2013 and will be a baseline for comparison future years to measure progress.
- Create complete, compact, energy efficient rural and urban communities The Town continues to work towards this goal through continued implementation of the Official Community Plan and other plans and programs.
B. Report publicly on their plan and progress towards meeting their climate action goals. Instead of an interim and final report using the CARIP Public Reporting Template provided by the Province, the reporting will now take the form of two online surveys – the Climate Actions Survey and the Carbon Neutral Progress Survey. The Climate Actions Survey describes actions undertaken in 2014 and planned for 2015. The Carbon Neutral Progress Survey provides an analysis net greenhouse gas emissions from municipal (including contracted) operations.
DISCUSSION
The 2014 Climate Actions Survey is attached to this report. Highlights include the following:
- Removed and replaced Craigflower Bridge with greatly improved pedestrian walkways, bicycle facilities, wheelchair accessibility, and space for alternative transportation modes
- Continued construction of a Public Safety Building with air source heat pumps and LED lighting to replace an aged, energy inefficient fire hall
- Constructed Phase 1 of Chilco Trails project to provide local recreation opportunities in Thetis Vale subdivision
- Installed 30 community garden plots at View Royal Park to support awareness of food security and local food production
- Continued volunteer-based invasive species removal / native plant restoration program at Portage Park educate the public and keep trees healthy for carbon sequestration
- Replaced a 1993 one-ton truck with a fuel-efficient Mitsubishi Fuso
- Supplemented funding for park improvements at Portage Park with community amenity contributions from nearby developments
- Supported design and construction of E&N Rail multi-use regional trail segments through Town
- Staff participation in Bike to Work Week to promote alternative transportation
Actions expected for 2015 include the following:
- Completion of the Public Safety Building that will feature energy saving components such as air source heat pumps and extensive LED lighting
- Replacement of an outdated solid waste collection truck with a compressed natural gas fueled vehicle
- Continue to support construction of E&N Rail multi-use regional trail segments through Town
- Staff participation in Bike to Work Week to promote alternative transportation
The next steps in the CARIP Program are for staff to calculate the net 2014 greenhouse gas emissions from municipal/contracted operations for the Carbon Neutral Progress Survey. It is anticipated that the results will be presented to Council in the few months, along with options for achieving carbon-neutral operations, such as purchasing offsets or initiating carbon reduction projects.
RECOMMENDATION
THAT the February 26, 2015 report from the Senior Planner titled “Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program - 2014 Climate Actions Survey” be received.
SUBMITTED BY: Jeff Chow, MCIP, RPP, Senior Planner
REVIEWED BY: Lindsay Chase, MCIP, RPP, Director of Development Services
ATTACHMENTS
- 2014 Climate Actions Survey (8 pages)
Document Images
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