April 2020 update
Due to the current pandemic, some Climate Action events have had to be postponed in to keep the community safe through physical distancing, including our community celebration for the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. See here for suggestions on how you can celebrate earth day at home.
Despite these changes, all climate action projects that can be accomplished from a distance are moving forwards. Staff are also leveraging this opportunity as much as possible to ensure any projects that require physical contact are ‘shovel ready’ for when it is safe for regular operations to resume.
Climate projects underway include:
Electric Vehicle (EV) and Electric Bike (E-Bike) Strategy
Applications to be a part of the EV and E-Bike Strategy Committee have now closed. Council will be selecting committee members and considering options for committee meetings that will comply with the recommendations of the Provincial Health Officer.
Corporate Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reporting
Staff have completed a 2019 inventory of greenhouse gas emissions from corporate municipal operations. This CARIP report for the province outlines our actions taken in 2019 to reduce both corporate and community-wide emissions. The report is posted here.
Saanichton Bike and Ride
Thanks to the efforts of the Saanichton Village Association, construction of a Bike and Ride facility on municipal property at 1945 Mt Newton Cross Road, east of the Fresh Cup Roastery Café parking lot, will begin this summer. This facility will provide a place for residents to park their bikes before riding transit or visiting Saanichton village and will include benches, bike shelters, bike parking spaces, secure lockers, a repair station, and more. Saanichton Village Association is the leader and fundraiser on this project; the District has partnered to make this great initiative a reality.
Transitions 2050
We are collaborating with other municipalities to accelerate home energy efficiency upgrades. The Transitions 2050 Program brings Central Saanich staff together with other Capital Regional District municipalities and partners to develop a pilot project that will supply homeowners with personalized recommendations and resources for home energy efficiency projects at low or no cost. In light of the pandemic, staff are collaborating on options to ensure this program is in compliance with current safety measures.
The pandemic has brought our community closer and shown us that collective action is possible. For Earth Day 2020, today, we ask you to think about a change you could make for the long term, like riding your bike or growing more fruits and vegetables at home.
