June 29, 2021 - City Council has adopted the Community Climate Action Plan(CCAP), which sets a course for reducing community emissions by 80% by 2050 while increasing our resilience to the impacts of climate change.

Council’s adoption of the plan is the last step in an extensive community engagement process that started in early 2019. The CCAP aims to guide, motivate, and inspire the City and the community to work together to reduce fossil fuel use and transition to a low-carbon future. It outlines a set of strategies, actions, and targets to reduce community greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 30% by 2030 and up to 80% by 2050 (over the 2007 baseline), which is in line with international efforts to limit global warming to 1.5°C.

“The plan’s targets are ambitious and achievable, reflecting the urgency to act while building on the foundation of climate action work in our community,” said Glen Cheetham, the City’s Sustainability Services Supervisor. “In fact, work is already underway on key strategies in the plan, such as expanding our connected bike network, building and retrofitting higher efficiency homes, preparing for organics collection, and transitioning to electric vehicles.”

The CCAP’s eight strategic focus areas—called Big Moves—target community GHG emissions sources primarily from transportation fuels; energy use in buildings; and waste by promoting low-carbon growth, sustainable transportation options, zero-carbon buildings, and a circular economy.

Some Big Moves will also increase our resilience to climate change (e.g. through local renewable energy generation and enhancing urban ecosystems). Municipal leadership on climate action is also highlighted, and work to decrease the carbon footprint of civic operations will spur the local green economy while increasing the efficiency of municipal services.

Achieving the CCAP’s targets will require effective implementation and contributions—large and small—from across the community. The plan includes short-, medium-, and long-term actions, and staff will now begin prioritizing short-term actions for consideration in the City’s budget planning process and Five-Year Financial Plan.

Implementing the CCAP is anticipated to generate many co-benefits, including improving air and water quality; creating a more connected, active, and healthy community; creating green jobs; and boosting the local economy.

The City thanks everyone who has taken time to learn about the CCAP and share their feedback. This input ultimately strengthened the CCAP and reflects the many voices heard throughout each phase of engagement.