Staff Report (Planning): Climate Action

Staff Report (Planning): Climate Action

2nd Floor · 877 Goldstream Avenue · Langford, BC Canada · V9B 2X8
T · 250-478-7882 F · 250-478-7864

to
Council

Date:
May 21, 2019

Department:
Planning

Subject:
Climate Action

Background

Earlier this year, the CRD Board passed a motion to the effect that:

• The Capital Regional District Board declare a Climate Emergency;
• That the CRD take a leadership role to work towards achieving carbon neutrality in the region by 2030;
• That the Board Chair write to all local governments in the region requesting that they also declare climate emergencies and commit to working towards climate neutrality by 2030;
• That staff be directed to submit a Letter of Intent for the $1 million Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions Theme Partnership Program by the deadline of February 15 2019, to address the question: “How can the Capital Region achieve carbon neutrality by 2030?”

The City of Langford has now received a letter from the CRD Board requesting that the City of Langford also declare a climate emergency, and commit towards working towards climate neutrality by 2030.

Since making this declaration, it has been reported to Langford, by CRD staff that a number of other constituent municipalities in the CRD have passed motions to the effect that they are declaring a climate emergency and will work towards climate neutrality. These include: The City of Victoria, The District of Oak Bay, The District of Saanich, The Township of Esquimalt, the Town of View Royal, The District of Highlands, the District of Sooke and the Islands Trust. The CRD provided no indication that the District of North Saanich, the District of Central Saanich, the District of Metchosin or the City of Colwood had passed such a motion.

Commentary

The City’s Official Community Plan, in concert with Federal and Provincial climate action initiatives (such as the Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program, or CARIP, and changes to the building code) already point the City in a direction towards carbon neutrality and positive action towards combating climate change. While declaring a climate emergency may seem to be a somewhat dramatic or symbolic gesture, it would be in keeping with what other municipalities in the CRD are doing and present a united front against the potentially devastating effects of climate change. Stating an objective, with respect to carbon neutrality, simply frames that which the City has and is currently working towards.

Financial Implications

No apparent negative implications.

Legal Implications

No apparent negative implications.

Options

Option 1:

That Council:

1. Declare a climate emergency; and
2. Continue to work toward carbon neutrality;

Option 2:

That Council take no action at this time with respect to either a climate emergency or carbon neutrality goals.

Respectfully submitted,

Concurrence:
Matthew Bladwin, MCIP, RPP, Director of Planning

Concurrence:
Adriana Proton, Manager of Legislative Services

Concurrence:
Cory Manton, Manager of Parks and Recreation

Concurrence:
Michelle Mahovlich, P.Eng, P.Geo, Director of Engineering

Concurrence:
Leah Stohmann, MCIP, RPP, Deputy Director of Planning

Concurrence:
Michael Dillabaugh, CPA, CA, Director of Finance

Concurrence:
Braden Hutchins, Director of Corporate Services

Concurrence:
Darren Kiedyk, Chief Administrative Officer

:mgsb