Title
Climate Action Strategy 2026-2030
Recommendation
[At the July 15, 2026 Environmental Services Committee meeting, the Committee directed staff to include the CRD Climate Emergency Declaration in the Climate Action Strategy (attached as SUPPLEMENTAL).]
The Environmental Services Committee recommends to the Capital Regional District Board:
1. That the Board adopt the renewed Climate Action Strategy attached as Appendix A, with the inclusion of the CRD Climate Emergency Declaration, to guide the Capital Regional District (CRD) Climate Action and Adaptation Service through to 2030;
2. That staff be directed to review and report back on regional greenhouse gas reduction target alternatives for inclusion in the next update to the Regional Growth Strategy;
3. That the Chair on behalf of the Board send a letter to the Premier of BC and relevant ministers advocating for the full implementation of the recommendations of the CleanBC Independent Review, including continued funding for the Local Government Climate Action Program (LGCAP);
4. That staff establish all necessary processes and systems to direct all revenues from the sale of carbon credits - such as those generated under the federal Clean Fuel Regulation and provincial Low Carbon Fuel Standard - into CRD programs and projects aligned with the renewed Climate Action Strategy;
5. That staff establish continuous internal processes to seek opportunities that generate carbon credit and renewable energy revenues; and,
6. That staff report back on how these carbon credit revenues will be used to accelerate climate action, for the Board’s consideration and approval.
(WP - All)
[At the July 15, 2026 Environmental Services Committee meeting, the Committee also passed the following motions arising:]
The Environmental Services Committee recommends to the Capital Regional District Board:
7. That staff be directed to continue to research, in an effort to potentially strengthen the Strategy;
a. Explore tax break opportunities for retrofits in areas where the CRD holds land use authority,
b. Potential rebate programs for heat pump installation, and
c. Additional information providing context on why member municipality emissions are increasing or decreasing.
(NWA)