Climate Action

Table of contents

Overview of RDCK climate action

2019 –  The RDCK Board declared a climate action imperative to apply a low carbon resilience lens to decisions on building construction, energy systems, resource recovery, land use and transportation in 2019.

2022 –  In 2022, the Board adopted progressive science-based carbon pollution reduction targets of 50% below 2018 levels by 2030 and 100% by 2050.

2023 – The RDCK developed a Climate Action Strategy with the goals of reducing risks of climate change and supporting our communities in climate resilience. That strategy led the RDCK to develop a draft Climate Action Plan and hold an extensive public engagement process in 2023.

2024 – Staff used the feedback from the engagement process to develop RDCK Ideas for Climate Action. In April 2024, the Board directed staff to explore climate action priorities that are practical and affordable and based on RDCK Ideas for Climate Action. In order for an idea to move forward, staff would need to do a business case and bring it to the Board of Directors to vote on at a public meeting.

Ideas for climate action

RDCK Ideas for Climate Action is a list of ways the RDCK could support our community in adapting to a changing climate. It includes ideas on the following topics:

  • Improving transportation and mobility,
  • Planning for growth,
  • Encouraging energy efficiency,
  • Supporting farmers and investigating ways to improve water access,
  • Protecting and conserving water,
  • Mitigating risks from floods and geohazards,
  • Using a mobile wood chipper, and
  • Reviewing RDCK investments.

In April 2024, the Board directed staff to explore climate action priorities that are practical and affordable and based on RDCK Ideas for Climate Action. In order for an idea to move forward, staff would need to do a business case and bring it to the Board of Directors to vote on at a public meeting.

Ongoing climate action

While the RDCK is exploring new ideas for climate action, many climate action measures are already underway and have been in progress for years.

RDCK climate efforts that the Board has previously approved will continue. An example of these actions includes enhancing the Neighbourhood Emergency Preparedness Program.

Additional climate action that is required by the federal and provincial governments – such as capturing methane at landfills – will also continue.

For more information on climate action that is underway, please refer to the annual RDCK State of Climate Action report.

Public engagement

The RDCK held a public engagement process in 2023 to gather feedback on the draft Climate Action Plan. Residents had opportunities to provide feedback through a series of 20 open houses, a survey, dialogue circle conversations, emails, letters, webinars, an online discussion board and Community Ambassador outreach at community events. Staff used the feedback from the engagement process to develop RDCK Ideas for Climate Action.

More information

The content on this page was last updated June 5 2024 at 7:20 AM

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