March 2025

Looking for a fun way to stay active, build healthier habits and connect with your community in the month of April?

Join the free WALK30 Challenge, a friendly 30-day competition to walk 30 minutes a day. Sign up alone or team up with friends, coworkers and family to participate in this walking challenge. Compete with others across Vancouver, New Westminster, and Burnaby to see who can log the most walking minutes.

Nearly 40% of carbon pollution in Vancouver comes from burning gas and diesel in our vehicles. By choosing to walk, you’re not just improving your health, but also helping Vancouver reach its goal of making 2/3rds of all trips by active transportation and transit.

YOUR TURN

Register for the WALK30 Challenge now and all through April to get moving. The top walkers with the most minutes can also win amazing prizes!  
Plus, you can join weekly community walks led by BEST Mobility to explore Metro Vancouver’s trails and meet new people.

SUPPORTING: CLIMATE EMERGENCY 

As a rainy city surrounded by the Fraser River and ocean, water is an integral part of our city, shaping the culture and biodiversity we cherish as Vancouverites.

Did you know that Vancouver is home to over 200 rain gardens which help manage rainfall where it lands, in harmony with nature? These rain gardens are a form of Green Rainwater Infrastructure (GRI) that uses plants and soils to capture, clean and reuse rainwater, reducing the burden on traditional sewer systems and flood risks.

All types of GRI can help reduce climate risks and enhance Vancouver’s resilience to climate change. It can slow down and hold on to rainwater during periods of severe rain, retain water to maintain plant health during drought conditions and help to cool our city during extreme heat events. GRI also enhances local biodiversity and contributes to the mental and physical well-being of communities.

YOUR TURN

March 22 is World Water Day, here are some ways you can celebrate and steward water systems in Vancouver:

• Join the Neighbourhood Cleanup Kickoff at Still Creek on March 15 from 10am-12:30pm. All cleaning equipment will be provided, with light refreshments at the end. 
• Learn more and explore the map of Green Rainwater Infrastructure in your area. 
• Apply to be a Green Streets volunteer and join hundreds of gardeners caring for planted traffic circles and street corners across Vancouver. 

SUPPORTING: CLIMATE ADAPTATION, HEALTHY WATERS PLAN, RAIN CITY STRATEGY

Vancouver’s urban forest is home to 160,000 street trees, thousands of park trees and 713 hectares of forest, all of which contribute to our health and enjoyment through cleaning our air, capturing carbon and supporting biodiversity. Our urban forest also plays a key role in protecting us from climate change hazards by:

• Absorbing rainfall and runoff during extreme rainfall events and reducing urban flooding. 
• Providing shade during extreme heat events and reducing the “urban heat island effect” in which paved landscapes absorb and radiate heat and prevent healthy airflow. 
• Improving air quality during wildfire smoke events by removing carbon, ozone, sulfur dioxide and airborne particulate matter.

YOUR TURN

Here are three urban forest related opportunities for you to explore this spring and summer: 

• Celebrate the cherry blossom season with the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival. Participate in events across the city like guided tours, workshops and fairs from March 26 to April 28. 
• Ensure your landscaping is climate-friendly. Check out the Metro Vancouver’s Tree Guide to explore over 230 species of climate change resilient trees or Grow Green Guide for guidance on non-invasive, drought resistant plants.
• Adopt a young street tree and water it this summer to contribute to a stronger, healthier urban forest. 

SUPPORTING: CLIMATE ADAPTATION, URBAN FOREST STRATEGY

The Zero Emissions Building Exchange (ZEBx) has initiated work to better understand home energy usage as part of the NearZero research program. This program aims to make buildings in BC more climate-friendly, with funding from BC Hydro and the City of Vancouver.

Burning gas for space heating and hot water in buildings, accounts for over half of all carbon pollution generated in our city. Research programs like NearZero bridge knowledge gaps between modelled and actual building performance, which will help us better understand how to reach our goal to cut carbon pollution from buildings in half by 2030, from 2007 levels.

YOUR TURN

Help inform the future of innovative building practices and receive valuable insights about your home. Visit NearZero for full terms of eligibility apply by March 31.

SUPPORTING: CLIMATE EMERGENCY