Winter 2021 Update

Reach your goals and help Central Saanich meet our climate goals!

Do you have a New Year’s resolution to stay healthy or improve your health and wellbeing? If so, your goal aligns well with the District’s climate action goals.

While only 21% of all trips in the District are taken sustainably by active transportation and transit right now, we’re aiming for 50% by 2050! What trips could you do by foot, bike or bus this year?

Transportation accounts for two thirds of our total community GHG emissions, and driving is by far the biggest contributor. During the pandemic, more of us have been learning & working from home, hitting the trails for exercise and fresh air, and travelling less to do our part to flatten the curve. In 2021, let’s continue some of these habits by committing to driving less and using active transit more to create climate-resilient, equitable, and healthy communities!

A great place to start is by registering for Winter Go by Bike Day at https://gobybikebc.ca. On Friday, February 12, 2021, enjoy the first scents of spring on your bike, then log your ride online to be eligible for the chance to win great prizes!

Council highlights climate action as a priority

Central Saanich Council recently met to identify priorities for the remainder of the Council term. The 2021-2022 Priorities are:

Invest in Road Safety, Transit and Safe, Accessible Active Transportation
Invest in Climate Action and a Healthy Environment
Focus on Strong Local Economy and Supporting Agriculture
Manage Responsible Growth

These priorities influence the focus of the District staff and Council and determine the major projects for the coming two years.

Comment on the Draft Tree Protection Bylaw

Trees and ecosystems are vital to long-term climate resilience. We have drafted a new Tree Management Bylaw that would see stronger protection of permit trees and include replacement measures for trees that are removed. Please see LetsTalkCentralSaanich.ca/TreeBylaw to review the highlights and offer feedback.

Draft Active Transportation Plan to be shared for comment in February

We are looking forward to sharing the draft of the District’s first Action Transportation Plan soon. The draft plan will be presented to the community for feedback on LetsTalkCentralSaanich.ca/ActiveTransportation before being presented to Council. The plan will guide our investment in key projects and support us in applying for grants to start building a connected network that enables more biking and walking in Central Saanich. (Completing the plan hasn’t stopped us on pursing opportunities; in the past few months, the District has applied for grants that would enable five major active transportation projects.)

Free Webinar: Are you Considering a Heat Pump? ~ by Bring It Home 4 Climate Program

Heat pumps are the most efficient and climate-friendly heating and cooling system on the market today. Join friends and neighbours in this interactive webinar and learn what a heat pump is, the environmental & financial benefits of heat pumps, how to find a program registered contractor, and what rebates, financing offers and supports are available to help you upgrade your heating system.

Time: Tuesday, February 09, 2021 at 12 -1pm PST open to everyone!
Space is limited so make sure to register early! Register Here

A recorded version of the webinar will be made available soon for those that are unable to attended the live webinar. Please register for the live webinar or to receive the recording.

Double the Rebates offer extended!

To meet our climate goals related to greenhouse gas emissions and renewable energy, Central Saanich is targeting a 100% conversion of oil heated homes to electric heat pumps by 2030. We align with the region and province on this goal – and happily, this translates to financial support!

In response to both the pandemic and significant interest province wide, CleanBC Better Homes is extending their “Double the Rebate” offer by three months. If your home is heated by natural gas, propane, or oil and you are interested in switching to an electric heat pump or heat pump water heater, you could be eligible! Register for a promo code by March 31, 2021 to receive up to $6,000 in rebates. Your upgrades must be completed and invoiced by June 30, 2021.

Learn more at https://betterhomesbc.ca/rebates/double-the-rebate/.

Receive a Free Virtual Home Energy Check-Up

Central Saanich is proud to partner with the CRD on the Bring It Home 4 the Climate program. Visit bringithome4climate.ca to learn more, and register to get access to:

Free Virtual Home Energy Check-Up
- Kick-start your home energy improvement and climate-friendly home action plan and get expert advice online by phone or video call.
- The Free Virtual Home Energy Check-Up is designed to help you think about your personal or household goals and motivations for improving your home, and help identify any issues or concerns which could be solved by completing home energy improvements.
- Covid-safe virtual format
EnerGuide Home Evaluation Subsidies
Free Educational Workshops and Special Offers
Success studies from folks all over southern Vancouver Island

Plus, along with all CRD residents, access to the Free CleanBC Energy Coach Service and online resources.