Paris Marshall Smith
Sustainability Planner
Frequently Asked Questions
We will be updating this page as we receive questions and comments, please check back regularly.
1. How will the 35 new actions be funded?
The cost for this Plan is estimated at $1,000,000 plus staff time over the 4-year period. This estimate includes costs for a Climate Action Coordinator for 2 years to lead the implementation of RDCK Climate Actions and 4 Community Climate Ambassadors to lead community engagement and culture building. The remainder of the costs are primarily associated with the new actions identified.
Staff anticipate that a significant portion of the costs can be funded through Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program (CARIP) and Local Government Climate Action Program (LGCAP) with the remainder being covered primarily through grants over the 4-year life-cycle of the plan. No significant taxation is anticipated to implement this Plan.
2. How was this plan developed?
RDCK Climate Actions is built on 4 years (2019-2023) of internal and external engagement through the State of Climate Action, 100% Renewable Energy Plan, MyRDCK-MyIdea (internal engagement), review and integration of community plans and strategies including the RDCK Resource Recovery Plan, West Kootenay Transit Plans, and Official Community Plans. All these plans require extensive community engagement in their development. Please refer to page 32 of RDCK Climate Actions for a full break down of all the documents referenced in the development of RDCK Climate Actions.
Much of the RDCK Climate Actions is built on the engagement and feedback that came through the 100% Renewable Energy Plan process. Please refer to pages 219-229 of the 100% Renewable Energy Plan for details about the Community and Stakeholder Feedback.
Over 8 months (September 2022 and April 2023), the draft RDCK Climate Actions was shared with residents, First Nations, community groups and member municipalities. Staff conducted six online community sessions, two in-person community sessions, two radio interviews and had many phone conversations. These conversations were with residents across the RDCK and largely relayed a positive response to the Plan. Additionally, 54 jot form responses were received and 3 newspaper articles (Valley Voice, Creston Valley Advance and Nelson Star) were published. As requested by the Board, staff also met with individual groups to hear their specific concerns and questions.
3. How will this Plan be monitored and reviewed?
It is a 4-year plan with a scheduled review at year 2 (2025) and is focussed on identifying/finding solutions for climate action that reflect the diverse needs of RDCK residents. As it is implemented, residents will be able to shape and guide the outcomes of many of the actions. For example, the majority of the 35 actions that are not in existing workplans take the form of pilots, investigations and inquiries that will involve the community in development and outcomes.
4. Will adoption of this Plan automatically change bylaws?
This is a guidance plan, not a regulatory one, adoption of RDCK Climate Actions by the RDCK Board will not automatically change bylaws. We are not regulating with this Plan, we are taking action to investigate possible solutions and actions for rural communities. Yes, there are aspects in the plan that could be applied through the community planning process but not outside of it. If a community opts to actually use these suggested bylaws, then the standard, regulated process under the Local Government Act would require engagement and a public hearing. What gets adopted in the future will depend on each community.
4. How are bylaws established?
Establishing a bylaw in BC involves a structured process governed by legal requirements. The first step is to identify the need for a bylaw and determine its scope and purpose. Extensive research and consultation with stakeholders are crucial in drafting the bylaw. Once the draft is prepared, it goes through a series of readings and approvals bythe RDCK Board. Public consultation is an essential part of this process, providing an opportunity for community input and feedback. Following the readings and consultations, the bylaw undergoes a final adoption stage, typically involving a public hearing. If approved, the bylaw is then implemented and enforced by the designated authorities within the jurisdiction. Ongoing review and amendment of the bylaw may occur to ensure its effectiveness and relevance over time.
5. Compact Communities
The RDCK is seeking solutions that match the rural context of our region – that means working with you to understand what works or not.
Compact communities or complete communities is a planning concept (not an enforcement tool) that the Province of BC is exploring (no regulation or defined programing) as a way to increase servicing in under-serviced areas. It is included as an idea in RDCK Climate Actions that could be explored in Land Use and Planning by the RDCK Planners. This is not surveillance or monitoring of movement, this is specifically about increasing accessibility to essential services such as stable power, reliable internet, planning to reduce hazards like flooding and fires and access to parks and natural spaces.
6. Climate action & anti-racism in rural communities
In the context of the RDCK, it is imperative that climate action encompasses anti-racism efforts. Rural communities are not exempt from the consequences of climate change, and it is crucial to recognize that the impacts are not evenly distributed. Marginalized communities, including racialized populations, often face disproportionate vulnerabilities and bear the brunt of climate change impacts. By incorporating anti-racism into climate action, we can address the systemic inequalities that contribute to these disparities, ensure equitable access to resources and opportunities, amplify the voices of marginalized rural communities, and foster inclusive and sustainable solutions that leave no one behind in the face of the climate crisis.
The content on this page was last updated May 17 2023 at 7:58 AM