City of Chilliwack is launching a public consultation process looking for ways to further reduce greenhouse gases.
Those who answer a new survey will be contributing suggestions for the city’s climate action plan aiming to reduce community greenhouse gases emissions by 30 to 45 per cent by 2030 from 2007 levels, and reach net-zero emissions by 2050 to align with provincial and federal targets.
“When Chilliwack signed onto the BC Climate Action Charter in 2007, we knew we needed to take steps to reduce our environmental impact,” said Chilliwack Mayor Ken Popove. “While coordinated efforts are needed from every level of government, there are actions the City of Chilliwack and our community members can all take to mitigate the effects of climate change, and we look forward to hearing the community’s ideas through this consultation process.”
Climate action in Chilliwack so far:
• Lighting upgraded to LED;
• Investing in cycling and pedestrian infrastructure;
• Fleet greening;
• Tree planting, and more.
In 2011 council adopted climate plans that provided “a baseline of energy use and resulting emissions.” They also set reduction targets, and identified actions to support those targets.
Both the ‘community’ climate action plan, and the ‘corporate’ climate action plan focused on city operations, are being updated to guide officials on further actions to help meet emissions targets.
To fill out the online survey go to engagechilliwack.com/climateaction or to get consultation details, or pick up a hard copy of the survey from City Hall (8550 Young Road) during business hours.
The survey is open until April 30.
The survey and other consultation opportunities are looking for concrete actions that can be taken with regard to buildings and transportation, as the largest contributors to “core community emissions.”
A virtual townhall consultation session is on April 12, starting at 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. A presentation on the proposed climate action plans will be on offer, and registration is required by email to environment@chilliwack.com
Cottonwood Mall will also see a climate-oriented pop-up consultation booth set up April 2, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. near the food court.
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