Development & Community Sustainability Services
Climate
Climate Initiatives in the RDCK
As the RDCK explores new climate projects as part of the RDCK Ideas for Climate Action, many initiatives have been in place for years and will continue.
These include Board-approved efforts like enhancing the Neighbourhood Emergency Preparedness Program, and climate actions required by federal and provincial governments, such as methane capture at landfills, will move forward as planned.
For more information on these ongoing efforts, refer to the annual RDCK State of Climate Action reports.
In 2019, the RDCK Board declared a climate action imperative to incorporate a low-carbon resilience approach in decisions on building, energy, land use, and transportation.
In 2022, the Board set science-based carbon pollution reduction targets of 50% below 2018 levels by 2030 and 100% by 2050.
In 2023, the RDCK developed a Climate Action Strategy to reduce climate change risks and support community resilience, leading to a draft Climate Action Plan and extensive public engagement.
In 2024, feedback from the engagement process was used to develop RDCK Ideas for Climate Action, with priorities to be explored for practicality and affordability before moving forward with Board approval.
Learn more about RDCK Climate Action History
RDCK Ideas for Climate Action is a list of ways the RDCK could support our community in adapting to a changing climate. It includes ideas on the following topics:
- Improving transportation and mobility,
- Planning for growth,
- Encouraging energy efficiency,
- Supporting farmers and investigating ways to improve water access,
- Protecting and conserving water,
- Mitigating risks from floods and geohazards,
- Using a mobile woodchipper, and
- Reviewing RDCK investments.
In April 2024, the Board directed staff to explore climate action priorities that are practical and affordable and based on the RDCK Ideas for Climate Action. For an idea to move forward, staff would need to do a business case and bring it to the Board of Directors to vote on at a public meeting.
Learn more about RDCK Ideas for Climate Action
In 2023, the RDCK conducted a public engagement process to gather input on the draft Climate Action Plan. Residents contributed feedback through 20 open houses, a survey, dialogue circles, emails, letters, webinars, an online discussion board, and Community Ambassador outreach at local events. This feedback directly informed the development of RDCK Ideas for Climate Action.
Learn more about the Public Engagement Feedback