Regional District Climate Actions
The authority of regional districts is primarily determined by the Local Government Act. The jurisdiction over GHG reduction granted by this Act includes:
- Development cost charges
- Building permits and regulation (construction, repair, heating, appliances, etc.)
- Infrastructure development and maintenance, including solid waste, parks, transit
- Anti-idling bylaws
Regional districts must incorporate targets, actions, and policies into their official community plans by May 31, 2010 and their regional growth strategies by May 31st, 2011 – one year after Local Trust Committees are required to do so.
Examples of regional district actions in the Islands Trust Area include:
Capital Regional District
Climate Action Plan (formerly the Community Energy Plan). Passed by the CRD Board in February 2008, the plan is a strategy to manage energy consumption and GHGs throughout the region’s 13 municipalities and 3 electoral areas.
GHG Reduction Target. In February 2008, the CRD Board adopted a GHG target of 33% reduction in emissions by 2020 (from 2007 levels).
Bylaw No. 3510, CRD Climate Action and Adaptation Service Establishment. A bylaw to establish and provide climate action services in the Capital Regional District.
Capital Region Draft Strategic Plan (2009-2011). Climate action is a strategic priority in the 2009-2011 draft strategic plan. Goals within this priority include reducing regional GHG emissions by 33% by 2020 (based on 2007 as a base year) and strengthening capacity of member municipalities to achieve their own GHG reduction goals.
Regional Sustainability Strategy (formerly the Regional Growth Strategy). The CRD is currently working with local government partners to update the Regional Growth Strategy as a Regional Sustainability Strategy.
Salt Spring Island Transportation Commission. Established by the CRD in 2007, the Commission manages transit, cycling, and pedestrian infrastructure on the island.
Salt Spring Island Public Transit System. An island bus established as partnership initiative between the CRD and Ministry of Transportation.
Comox Valley Regional District
Regional Growth Strategy. The regional growth strategy (RGS) is being created over a two-year period (2008-2010) with an approved RGS policy document to be adopted by December 31, 2010.
Regional Sustainability Strategy Draft. Currently under development, the draft RSS outlines sustainability goals and actions to meet these goals, including: a reduction in overall carbon emissions by 80% by 2050 and a reduction in energy use per capita by 50%. These goals and actions will be incorporated into the Comox Valley RGS and OCPs.
Cowichan Valley Regional District
CVRD Environment Commission. A group of 15 community members appointed in April 2007 to provide advice to the CVRD Board on policy, regulations and issues related to the environment.
Environmental Strategy and Plan. Adopted by the CVRD Board in November 2008, the draft Environmental Strategy outlines ‘12 big ideas,’ including ‘get real about climate change,’ ‘be energy smart,’ and ‘clear the air to reduce carbon emissions.’ CVRD staff are now developing an implementation plan outlining priorities and actions consistent with this strategy.
Regional District of Nanaimo
Integrated Region-wide Energy, Air Quality and GHG Management Plan. Currently under development, this plan will set out a future energy and emissions strategy for the region, including targets and strategies to reduce GHG emissions from residential, commercial and industrial buildings; transportation; and solid waste.
Green Buildings Action Plan. A Plan adopted in 2007 to increase the number of green buildings in the Regional District of Nanaimo.
Regional Growth Strategy Review. The Regional Growth Strategy is currently under review. Significant possible changes that have been identified include targets and measures for reducing GHG emissions and reducing energy use; clearly stated sustainability principles and policies; and direction on creating complete, compact communities.
Powell River Regional District
The Board of Directors has identified sustainability planning as a priority issue. The PRRD does not have a Regional Growth Strategy, but has three rural area Official Community Plans: Texada, Southern Region, and Lund.
The Southern Region OCP is currently under review, including consideration of Bill 27 requirements.
Sunshine Coast Regional District
The SCRD is in Phase One of developing a Regional Growth Strategy that will incorporate Bill 27 requirements.
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