Moving to the second phase of its 10-year climate change action plan will cost Port Moody more than $1.1 million.
An additional $803,995 is expected to be covered by various grants, although the future of some provincial funding is uncertain beyond 2024.
A report that was to have been presented to council at its meeting Jan. 10 but was put off until a future date, said 45 actions over the next two years have been identified to continue moving the city toward its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40 per cent from 2007 levels.
Some of those actions include;
- accelerate adoption of the BC Energy Step Code for the construction of new residential and commercial buildings that would make them more energy efficient and resilient
- develop a retrofit program to encourage and facilitate the implementation of energy efficient upgrades, like low-carbon heating systems, in existing buildings, as well as offer top-ups to existing incentive programs
- explore the feasibility of creating pedestrian priority zones in the city
- create a zero-waste strategy for civic facilities and events
- implement a policy to encourage the development of complete, compact communities that reduce residents’ dependence on getting around by car
- advocate for upgrades to school air conditioning
- enhance extreme weather awareness and preparedness
- devise a plan to bring universal water metering to Port Moody
According to the report, Port Moody has achieved almost 60 per cent of its goals for the first phase of its climate action plan, with five projects complete and another 18 still in the works. But most of those were about gathering information and developing strategies.
For the city to attain its longterm goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, “action needs to start now,” said Laura Sampliner, Port Moody’s senior sustainability and energy coordinator. “Staff are confident that based on the information and technology available today, that the actions in the Phase Two climate action implementation strategy are a major step towards success in a changing climate.”
Port Moody council adopted its climate action plan in 2020.
It’s to be carried out in five phases, with reviews every two years.
Among its 18 goals are:
- all buildings in the city to have zero emission heating and hot water systems by 2050
- 40 per cent of passenger vehicles in the city, and 25 per cent of commercial vehicles, to be electric by 2030
- achieve zero waste emissions by 2050
