January 2024

Winter in Vancouver may not look quite like the rest of Canada, but we still need to prepare for severe weather. With climate change, we can expect warmer and wetter winters that are increasingly unpredictable. Last year, for the first time in recorded history, Vancouver received snow for six months in a row (November to April). Extreme winter weather events create transportation delays, power outages and damage to key infrastructure, as well as risks to health and safety. In particular, snow and ice makes it hard for seniors and people with disabilities to get around town.
 
Through the Climate Change Adaptation Strategy and Resilient Vancouver Strategy, we're actively working to address the impacts of extreme weather and other environmental stressors that are increasing due to climate change. Everyone can contribute by planning ahead, checking on vulnerable neighbours and preparing essential supplies, such as food, water, batteries and medication.
 
YOUR TURN
 
Here are a few ways you can prepare for extreme winter weather this season:

• Attend the online Emergency Preparedness Workshop on January 16 to learn how to prepare for disasters and emergencies in Vancouver like earthquakes and storms. You can also visit our website to learn more.
• Check out PreparedBC’s Severe Winter Weather and Storm Preparedness Guide.
• Volunteer to become a Snow Angel or request assistance if you need help clearing your sidewalk.
• Download the Alertable app to receive alerts from the City about emergencies.
• Report flooding by calling 3-1-1 or online with Van311.

 
SUPPORTING: ADAPTATION

The City’s Zero Waste team is inviting those who live in multi-unit residential buildings who are interested in reducing waste to join the Zero Waste Ambassador Program.
 
The Zero Waste Ambassador Program is free and designed to support waste diversion in apartments, condos, co-ops, rowhouses and townhouse complexes. Ambassadors receive training, educational materials and guidance to engage fellow residents in their building to reduce the amount of waste going to the landfill. Activities range from putting up informative posters in the recycling room to organizing events and activities like free swaps or battery collections.
 
This initiative supports the Zero Waste 2040 plan, which aims to eliminate waste at all levels through food waste prevention, proper composting, reusing materials and repairing products to extend their lives.
 
YOUR TURN
 
Become a Zero Waste Ambassador and support Vancouver to become a zero-waste city by 2040! Visit our website to find out more details and submit an application by January 31.
 
SUPPORTING: ZERO WASTE STRATEGY

CityHive is gearing up to deliver another cohort of its Youth Climate Innovation Lab, a program for youth ages 18-30 to learn how to create bold action on climate change and collaborate with municipalities, civic institutions and community organizations on solutions.
 
The program helps young people in Metro Vancouver of all careers and communities–from arts, to academic, to faith-based communities and sports teams–to explore local climate issues and build practical skills and tools to take climate action. Prior knowledge about climate change is not required.
 
Each cohort explores a focus area of local climate action: past themes have included buildings and infrastructure, transportation and mobility and climate resilience. As a part of the experience, participants have the opportunity to contribute to addressing a real-world local climate challenge identified by one or more of CityHive’s various partners, including the City of Vancouver.
 
YOUR TURN
 
The next cohort will be announced in the coming weeks; follow us or CityHive on social media to find out when you can sign-up to participate.
 
Check out CityHive’s webpage to learn more.
 
SUPPORTING: CLIMATE EMERGENCY

Addressing climate change in Vancouver depends on all of us. In addition to personal actions you can take to reduce carbon pollution in your own life, there are many actions you can take–with neighbours, in your community or on our own–that can help to scale-up our impact and support organizations and governments to take bold action. This year, we urge residents to get involved in actions to support meaningful change.
 
Some examples include:

• Making your voice heard in City policy and planning by participating in Shape Your City surveys and advisory committees that influence land-use planning, transportation, green space, housing and more.
• Getting involved with organizations that contribute to sustainability and climate action – local opportunities are listed at the end of this newsletter each month.
• Staying informed by attending solutions-based dialogues and events and sharing what you’ve learned with family, friends or neighbours to build awareness.
• Volunteering and participating in free zero waste events or ecological restoration projects throughout the year.  

• Keep Shape Your City bookmarked for opportunities to make your voice heard on climate initiatives and register to speak at Council meetings.
• Keep your eyes peeled on our social media (and this newsletter) for opportunities to join advisory committees. (The Climate Friendly Buildings Advisory Committee is accepting applications until January 22).
• See Climate Outreach’s handbook to help you have a conversation on climate change.
• If you’re looking to take personal actions with significant impact, switching to clean/renewable energy will make a difference. Replace your gas furnace with an electric heat pump or walk, cycle, take the bus or electric vehicle to get around.

 
SUPPORTING: CLIMATE EMERGENCY, ADAPTATION