August 2022
IN THIS ISSUE
- Vote for the future you want in the upcoming municipal election
- Attend BC CAPE’s Healthy Climate Solutions Fair
- Bike to shop to support local businesses this summer
- Access new heat pump resources for stratas and co-ops
- Check out local events and green opportunities
NOTEWORTHY: On July 22, City Council approved the Vancouver Plan, a strategic framework to guide growth and change to 2050 and beyond. The Vancouver Plan contains the first comprehensive citywide ecological strategy, making Vancouver more climate resilient by restoring ecosystems and protecting green space and tree canopies. It coincides with Vancouver’s future transit network and supports our climate target of having more people living within an easy walk or roll of their jobs and daily activities. Learn more about the Plan in this video.
WHAT WE’RE READING: CBC Radio Canada has created an interactive tool about urban heat islands. Enter the first three digits of your postal code to see how your neighbourhood compares with others across the city and region, depending on the presence of vegetation and other factors. Find resources on how to stay cool and safe during hot weather here. You can also sign up to be a citizen scientist and record temperatures in your home during heat events here.
VOTE IN VANCOUVER’S MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO SHAPE THE FUTURE YOU WANT
- Vote on Election Day, Saturday, October 15 from 8 am to 8 pm at any of the voting places (list available on September 6).
- Vote in advance on October 1, 5, 8, 11 or 13 from 8 am to 8 pm at any of the advance voting places (list available on September 6).
- Vote by mail – with free return postage. Starting on September 6, voters can request to vote by mail at vancouver.ca/vote.
Why vote?
Our elected officials make important decisions that directly affect our daily lives. They shape how we design our city, which includes land-use planning decisions and climate policy to reduce carbon emissions, along with climate resiliency and equity. Voting is an opportunity to share your values and be active in creating the future you want.
In 2022, the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released its latest Assessment Report, which included reports on climate impacts, adaptation and vulnerability and on mitigation. The reports confirm that cities are increasingly at risk due to climate change, and are a growing source of carbon pollution. The changes necessary to address these challenges require bold action in cities and by urban decision makers at all levels in partnership with the private sector, civil society and other urban stakeholders to limit emissions.
YOUR TURN
Find out if you are eligible or already registered to vote at vancouver.ca/vote. If not, you can also register when you vote in October.
The candidates for Vancouver’s election will be officially announced on September 16. After this date, you can read about the candidates in the Voters' Guide that will be available at your library, community centre and other public places. Candidate information will be available in the online Voters’ Guide and the Plan Your Vote tool. You can also watch for or organize town halls and all-candidates meetings where candidates will discuss key issues, such as climate action.
SUPPORTING: CLIMATE EMERGENCY, ADAPTATION
JOIN BC CAPE’S HEALTHY CLIMATE SOLUTIONS FAIR
On August 20 and September 17, the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE) is putting on its inaugural Healthy Climate Solutions Fair to highlight the health impacts of the climate emergency, and point the way to a healthier future.
The fair includes a range of displays featuring climate solutions across BC and Canada that also promote planetary health, a foundation to healthy environments which are necessary for thriving, healthy communities. Some of the solutions, like greening buildings and transportation, are also key components of Vancouver’s Climate Emergency Action Plan and are crucial actions to put us on track to cut City-based carbon pollution in half by 2030.
The Healthy Climate Solutions Fair is supported by the Canadian Association of Nurses for the Environment (CANE), For Our Kids Vancouver, The Society Promoting Environmental Conservation (SPEC) and 350Vancouver.
YOUR TURN
The Healthy Climate Solutions Fair will take place on August 20 and September 17 from 11am to 3pm at the Milton Wong Plaza in Olympic Village. Check out the website to learn more about the event and exhibits, and stop by for a visit on one of the fair days.
SUPPORTING: CLIMATE EMERGENCY
BIKE TO SHOP THIS SUMMER TO SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES AND THE PLANET
For some, hopping in a car or ordering delivery may feel like the best way to bring home groceries, household items and other necessities. But what if it was easier than you thought to transport daily essentials while supporting local businesses? HUB Cycling’s Bike to Shop campaign is underway to help make shopping by bike a regular part of your routine.
From now until August 21, local businesses in neighbourhoods across Metro Vancouver are offering freebies and sweet deals for people biking to their businesses. HUB Cycling is also providing online and in-person learning resources to help you cycle safely.
In Vancouver, nearly 40% of our carbon pollution comes from burning fossil fuels to power gas and diesel vehicles. Choosing alternatives to driving as part of our daily routines can enhance health, save money and help us meet our climate action goal of cutting our carbon pollution in half by 2030.
YOUR TURN
Learn more about Bike to Shop and register as a participant here. Shopping by bike is easier than you think, check out these resources that you can use all year long:
- Plan your route using HUB Cycling’s free cycling maps.
- Utilize safe bike parking options like local bike valets and Translink’s parkades and lockers.
- Use the Streetwise Cycling Online resource to build your cycling skills and knowledge.
SUPPORTING: CLIMATE EMERGENCY
HOME ENERGY RETROFIT HELP FOR CONDO AND CO-OP RESIDENTS
As extreme heat events caused by climate change become more frequent, the need for cooling our homes is no longer only about comfort, but about health. Making the switch to a heat pump not only provides your home with cooling in the summer and heating in the winter, but can also shrink its carbon footprint.
For stratas and co-ops interested in making this switch, the Bring It Home 4 Climate program has now been extended to owners and renters of multi-family buildings including those living in apartments, condos and cooperative housing. The new Heat Pump Retrofit Guide for Strata and Co-op Buildings also provides information about heat pumps and their benefits, and advice for planning and organizing a ground oriented or low-rise multi-unit residential building heat pump retrofit project.
In Vancouver, nearly 60% of our carbon pollution comes from burning fossil fuels to heat and cool our buildings. Electric heat pumps are powered by 97% renewable hydroelectricity, which means that making your home more comfortable and safe year-round is also a climate action.
YOUR TURN
Are you interested in free advice from energy experts to help you make improvements to your multi-family unit or building?
- Check out resources and information provided in the Heat Pump Retrofit Guide for Strata and Co-op Buildings.
- Register for a virtual home energy check-up or speak with an energy coach to see what rebates are available through Bring it Home 4 Climate.
- Find a full list of available resources for multi-family buildings in Vancouver here.
SUPPORTING: CLIMATE EMERGENCY
When attending in-person events please follow COVID-19 health & safety precautions.
Exhibitor Recruitment: UNA-Canada One Earth – One Choice Festival
Ongoing
UNA-Canada’s environmental festival is taking place this fall on September 24. Interested sustainable businesses that are passionate about the environment can apply to exhibit at the festival.
Apply online, in person event
Participant Recruitment: Vancouver’s City Greenway Study
Ongoing
SFU researchers are recruiting Vancouver residents for a study on the City’s greenways to hear more about how these greenways benefit them, or what they’d like to see change.
Online
Forest Harmonies
August 18
Stroll through the park while listening to local musicians and visiting interpretation stations to learn more about how nature and music have been connected since the beginning of time.
Pacific Spirit Regional Park
Living Well with Urban Wildlife
August 20
Many animals have adapted to life in the city, such as raccoons, squirrels, coyotes, and backyard birds. Meet some of your wild neighbors and learn how to interact with them in a way that keeps you and the wildlife safe.
Pacific Spirit Regional Park
Reuse and Recycle Drop Off
Aug 20
Bring your unwanted electronics, computers, small appliances, power tools, light bulbs, phones, used clothing, and much more to our free Reuse and Recycling Drop-off Event.
Magee Secondary School parking lot
Stanley Park EcoStewards
August 20 and September 3
Volunteer with the EcoStewards to help manage and remove invasive plant species from the park’s ecosystem. In addition to participating in hands-on invasive species removal, you will also learn about local ecology and conservation issues.
Stanley Park
Vitamin Sea: Taking Care of the Ocean in a Time of Climate Change
August 24
Sea level rise adaptation expert, Angela Danyluk, explores the impacts of climate change on the ocean and what we can do to help, by considering themes of ecological restoration, reconciliation, and collaboration.
Online
Repair Cafe
September 10
Book a timeslot and get in person repair help for your gadgets, small appliances, computers and clothing in need of fixing.
Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House
Volunteering with the Bicycle Valet
Ongoing
The Bicycle Valet’s volunteer team provides informative resources and valet-style parking at events in and around Vancouver. Join the team to support Vancouver’s cycling community and get free entrance to events.
In person events, sign up online
Seasonal Farmer’s Markets
Various
The Trout Lake, Riley Park, Kitsilano, West End, Downtown, and Mount Pleasant markets are all now open. Visit the website to learn about local farmers, food producers, and creators at each market and plan your visit.
Various
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