Community Climate Actions
Islands Trust communities are actively working on issues – directly or indirectly-related to climate change and greenhouse gas reduction.
Community groups may wish to view our Funding Resources for Community Groups page for possible funding opportunities for climate change projects.
Trust Area Community Group initiatives are sorted into:
General
Potential Climate Actions for Salt Spring Island. This overview report is intended to form the starting point for a new Salt Spring Energy Strategy and Climate Action Strategy and to inform discussions regarding possible approaches to meeting proposed targets for GHG reductions.
Energy
Gabriola Climate Action Network (GabCAN), Gabriola Island. Proposing a ride share program and supporting eco-planning to reduce GHGs.
Renewable Energy Denman Island (REDI), Denman Island. Operate the IslandRideShare program and Green Flag program (car stop).
Salt Spring Energy Strategy. An island initiative coordinated by the Earth Festival Society, with the help of The Salt Spring Island Conservancy, Island Natural Growers and other island groups. The initiative aims to save energy, reduce GHGs, reduce air pollution, and achieve – at minimum – a 20% reduction in emissions by 2012.
Lasqueti Community Clean Energy Working Group, Lasqueti Island. A working group promoting the use of renewable energy, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and enhancement of energy security. The initial priority is raising funds for a Community Energy Plan with a focus on False Bay School and other public facilities on Lasqueti. Contact:
How-To Guide to Carbon Neutral Living on the Gulf Islands. A project to publish a ‘how-to’ book of local climate change solutions collected from local experts and activists. It will include a comprehensive list of local resources and community groups working on these issues. Contact:
Transportation
Moving Around Pender (MAP) Alternative Transportation Society, Pender Islands. Goal to make cycling and walking safer and more accessible, including the car stop program and a partnership with Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure to develop and designate cycling paths on the highways network.
Car Stop Program, Pender, Mayne, Hornby, and Gabriola Islands.
Initially launched by Moving Around Pender on North and South Pender Islands where 29 car stop locations now exist, the Car Stop Program is rapidly expanding to other Gulf Islands: 25 car stops are planned for implementation on Mayne Island in September 2009, and Hornby and Gabriola are well along in the planning process. Contact:
Transportation Advisory Committee (through LTC), Pender Islands. Working with Paths on Pender; bike path designated, working with MoT to create pullouts for community shuttle.
Gabriola Public Transit Committee, Gabriola Island. Reviewing need for a bus or other alternative transportation modes.
Non-Motorized Trails Committee, Hornby Island. Constructs and maintains trails for walkers, joggers, and bicyclists.
RealHornby, Hornby Island. Projects include a rideshare program coordinated through an online system. The program also included "ride offered" dashboard signs for use on inter-island ferries.
Community Bike Shed, Lasqueti Island. Community members on Lasqueti Island held three workshops on a location near the ferry to build a community bike shed. The structure was built using local recycled materials including salvaged cedar posts, a bike rack made from welded old bike parts and a roof made from recycled tires. The bike shed now provides shelter for 10 bikes when islanders go over on the ferry.
Green Buildings
Mudgirls Natural Building Collective, Lasqueti, Denman, and Salt Spring Islands. The collective builds affordable, energy efficient structures with local, natural and recycled materials.
Food Security
Community Food Program, Galiano Island. Community food program, emphasis on food security and practical ‘how-to’s’ e.g. cooking, canning etc.
SPUDS, Denman Island. A local food growing initiative.
Mayne Island Agricultural Society, Mayne Island. Increase emphasis on local farming activities and the local farmers market.
Pender Organic Community Garden Society, Pender Island. Building community garden space through individual plots, shared plots, and community supported agriculture. The project aims to enhance food security, reduce climate change impact, provide affordable and nutritious food, and foster sense of community.
Lasqueti Potato Co-op, Lasqueti Island. Inspired by similar groups on Cortes and Denman, members cooperatively grow organic potatoes on borrowed land to encourage local food security and community collaboration. Contact:
Lasqueti Saturday Market Association, Lasqueti Island. Organizing and promoting a weekly farmers market to support local food security and local economy.
Salt Spring Island Natural Growers (ING), Salt Spring Island. An association of organic growers that also provides community education in sustainable agriculture. Contact
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The Agricultural Alliance, Salt Spring Island. A key recommendation of the Spring Island Local Area Farm Plan, the Alliance supports local food production and distribution by linking growers, producers, retailers, and consumers. Contact: Anne Macey.
Salt Spring Island Farmers Institute, Salt Spring Island. A 110-year old organization that , supports farmers in their quest for sustainability and encourages the preservation and development of agriculture on Salt Spring Island through advocacy and education initiatives.
Crop Circle, Hornby Island. A discussion group working to strengthen local food security. Projects include promotion of "100 kilometer" dinners and a 10-acre community garden project.
Gabriolans for Local Food Choices, Gabriola Island Established a food charter for Gabriola community.
Gabriola Commons, Gabriola Island. Includes a farm management team and permaculture and community garden groups.
Natural Areas
Galiano Conservancy Association, Galiano Island. The Conservancy Association works to protect land and improve ecosystem health through restoration. Projects include a study of the impact of restoration treatments on forest carbon sequestration and a climate change education program.
Pender Islands Conservancy Association, Pender Islands. Promotes NAPTEP program and administers the fund that pays fees associated with qualifying NAPTEP applications.
Healthy Ecosystems Healthy Community Initiative, Salt Spring Island. Coordinated by two Salt Spring scientists, Drs. David Rapport and Luisa Maffi, the initiative will provide a comprehensive “health check-up” on SSI’s ecosystems; to assess the implications for the health and well-being of the community; identify key indicators of the health of ecosystems and community; create a solid basis for action to restore ecosystem health.
Community Sustainability
Institute for Sustainability Education and Action (I-SEA), Salt Spring Island. To facilitate and support the creation of a sustainable community. Projects include Eco-Options, a directory of local suppliers, builders and designers contributing to sustainable, green development on Salt Spring Island; design charrettes, village planning scenarios sketched and drawn; and GreenWise Map Development.
Environmental Action Group Encouraging Responsibility, Salt Spring Island. A high school youth group working to green school operations. Also publishes an eco-shopping guide and works with community retailers to eliminate use of paper and plastic bags.
Islands Sustainability Initiative (ISUNI), Mayne Island. Projects include the Cool Islands initiative to reduce GHGs (carbon offsets bought by participants used to finance sustainability projects), publication of climate change articles, local food dinners.
Gulf Islands Alliance. One of the priorities of the Alliance is to support a range of approaches to address climate change.
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