VICTORIA, BC — The City of Victoria will join forces with the respected International Council for Local
Environmental Initiatives to participate in a two-year pilot program to design and implement local climate adaptation programs. 
 
 “With green transportation being one of the community’s top priorities, climate change is clearly top of mind,” noted Mayor Dean Fortin. “This pilot will help ensure we are taking progressive steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
 
In addition to supporting the pilot, today Council also approved funding for a temporary Climate Action Analyst to assist the development of the Climate Action Program, including a Climate Resiliency Plan for the community. These funds will be matched through BC Hydro’s Sustainable Communities Program.
 
Today’s Council approval builds on two ambitious environmental targets set earlier this year when the City committed to the goal of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 33 per cent by 2020, and targeting 2012 for municipal operations to be carbon neutral. Both targets will live in a Climate Action Plan to be developed by the municipality. 
 
On top of targeting the reduction of community GHG emissions and energy consumption, the Climate
Resiliency Plan will outline a strategy for how the community will adapt current activities that impact climate change. The plan will include prioritized actions for improved transportation choices, integrated land use and transportation, new building practices, and opportunities for district energy generation and distribution.
 
Climate protection and energy use reduction will form a major part of Victoria’s new Official Community Plan, currently being developed through intensive community consultation.
 
Victoria has one of the lowest residential greenhouse gas emissions in the Capital Region due to our compact and connected urban design.