August 2024

On July 23 staff presented reports to Council highlighting progress from the past year of climate action. The Climate Emergency Action Plan, which aims to cut carbon pollution by 50% by 2030 and Climate Change Adaptation Strategy which prepares for and responds to the five main climate change related hazards affecting Vancouver: extreme heat, poor air quality due to wildfire smoke, drought, extreme rainfall, and sea level rise.

Staff presented a 17 per cent carbon pollution reduction since 2007, alongside other key highlights from 2024:

• Efficient water heaters: New standards for replacing water heaters that cost-effectively reduce carbon emissions, while making it quick and easy to get higher-efficiency models.
• Mass timber buildings: New incentives and guidelines to encourage the construction of high-rise mass timber buildings that reduce embodied emissions.
• Curbside EV charging: More options for third-parties (like BC Hydro) to invest in curbside electric vehicle charging stations across the city, making it easier to switch to an electric vehicle.
• Pedestrian-friendly Gastown: A welcoming and lively “people-first” pedestrian zone pilot with more space to walk, bike or roll, expanded patios, live performances and special events.    
• Tatlow Stream Restoration: The newest stream restoration project, adding practical climate adaptation through green rainwater management, constructed wetland, a water quality treatment system for neighbourhood stormwater, enhanced habitat for birds, pollinators and aquatic species and access to nature.
• Building upgrades for safe centres:  Upgrades to Carnegie Social Operations Centre and Kensington Community Centre with cooling and filtration systems will protect occupants against extreme heat and poor air quality and provide safe centres for vulnerable people during extreme weather events. These were made possible by a $5 million investment from the province and Union of BC Municipalities.

At this meeting, Council both approved the staff report outlining the scope and timeline for the process to develop the 2026-2030 climate plans and directed staff to make changes to the Vancouver building bylaw (VBBL) to allow natural gas for heating and hot water in new construction. Staff are working on Council’s direction related to the VBBL, which will have implications on the 2026-2030 climate plan planning process. Watch for an updated timeframe for public engagement on the 2026-2030 climate plans in a GC newsletter issue this fall.

YOUR TURN
 
Watch the Council presentation here (timestamp around 5:33PM).
 
Stay up to date on our climate action and event opportunities through @greenestcity on social media.
 
SUPPORTING: CLIMATE EMERGENCY, ADAPTATION

Great news for cyclists and scooter riders: free and secure bicycle parking is back this summer! The Bike Valet, a popular service offering free parking for bicycles, e-scooters, and other personal micro-mobility devices, is available throughout the city.

Take advantage of this convenient service as you bike or roll to your destination. Bike Valets are located at many seasonal spots and major events, including Gastown so you can enjoy a stress-free summer on wheels.

YOUR TURN

Stay updated on upcoming events featuring Bike Valet here and find seasonal Bike Valet locations here.

Volunteer with Bike Valet.

SUPPORTING: CLIMATE EMERGENCY

Last month, we announced that Lime has been selected by Council to launch a shared e-scooter system in Vancouver by late summer 2024. E-scooters are a great, climate-friendly way to get around the city whether you’re exploring, commuting or running errands.

The addition of Lime to Vancouver’s shared mobility network will help us reach our goal of having 2/3 of all trips in Vancouver be by walking, biking, rolling, or using public transit by 2030, providing more accessible and sustainable transportation options.

Lime will use docking to keep sidewalks and streets tidy. Features like slow zones, sidewalk detection, training mode, helmet selfies and sobriety testing will ensure a smooth and safe ride.

If you’re checking out Lime or using your own e-scooter remember these tips:

• Stay under 25km/h at all times
• Watch for potholes
• Remember to stay 1 metre away from parked vehicles to avoid the door zone
• Signal your turns and yield to pedestrians
• Walk your scooter on sidewalks and slow your roll on shared paths like the seawall

YOUR TURN

Learn more about the launch of Lime later this summer, starting first in Hastings-Sunrise and Grandview-Woodland.

Brush up on e-scooter safety and rules. 

SUPPORTING: CLIMATE EMERGENCY

In Metro Vancouver, about 60% of water use is outdoors, with overall usage increasing by 50% in the summer and early fall due to lawn watering and increased outdoor use. Fed by the Capilano, Seymour and Coquitlam Reservoirs our local water supply is an important resource for the region.

Climate projections tell us that Vancouver is expecting decreasing summer rainfall and longer rain-free dry spells, which can cause increased stress on trees and vegetation, low stream levels that endanger spawning fish, risk of wildfires in urban parks plus the potential for more watering restrictions.

Stage 1 watering restrictions are in place across Metro Vancouver from May to October. During extended dry spells, we may move to Stages 2 and 3 to further conserve drinking water. As we progress into the dry season it is important to keep up to date on restrictions in place.

YOUR TURN

Learn more about how we’re adapting to drought in Vancouver, where our water comes from,  and about water conservation (including ways you can conserve outdoor water use like grow bags and drought tolerant planting).

Keep up to date on watering restrictions and find out when you can water during current Stage 1 restrictions.

Protect our trees by watering trees, shrubs and flowers on your property and Vancouver’s urban forest.  

SUPPORTING: ADAPTATION