IN THIS ISSUE

When Council approved the Climate Emergency Action Plan (CEAP) in 2020, they also directed Vancouver Economic Commission (VEC) to develop a complementary plan to support businesses and workers in Vancouver to make an equitable and profitable transition to net zero. This resulted in the Zero Emissions Economic Transition Action Plan (ZEETAP), released earlier this year, which focuses on advancing climate action and ensuring businesses and workers can benefit from, and be supported through, the transition to a fossil fuel-free economy.

ZEETAP supports CEAP’s target of cutting Vancouver’s carbon pollution in half by 2030, while integrating four economic goals:
1.    Maximizing the economic opportunities of climate action
2.    Minimizing the challenges and costs of taking climate action
3.    Accelerating voluntary action to address climate change
4.    Championing equity and justice in all aspects of climate action and economic development

Like CEAP, ZEETAP recognizes that while the climate emergency is a daunting challenge, it is also an opportunity to create a strong green economy in an equitable city that priorities health, safety and connected communities.

YOUR TURN

Learn more about ZEETAP here. VEC also offers programming and events that support businesses and workers in the transition to a resilient, inclusive, zero-carbon economy.

SUPPORTING: CLIMATE EMERGENCY

A new park is coming to False Creek, a unique area where city and water meet. Once a place with a diverse ecosystem where Host Nations stewarded healthy relationships with land and water, the shoreline of False Creek was dramatically altered in the 1900s to support industry. The streams that once flowed into False Creek were filled-in as the city grew, burying thriving ecosystems and depleting healthy land and water.

In 2021, the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation assembled a stakeholder advisory group to support two-way communication between the project team, key stakeholder communities, and the broader public. Host First Nations have been invited to collaborate on the design of the new park and now, staff are gathering community values to help shape the future of East Park.

Together, we have an exciting opportunity to create a new kind of park that reinstates Indigenous values, and improves our resilience to sea level rise and climate change by supporting ecosystems and adaptation measures in False Creek. Adding greenspace to our urban areas can help reduce the urban heat island effect during hotter summers and heat events. 

YOUR TURN

We invite you to envision a new kind of park in Olympic Village that supports the renewal of the False Creek waterfront between Creekside Community Centre and Science World. We are seeking your feedback until December 8. 

SUPPORTING: BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY, ADAPTATION

Convenient access to home charging can encourage more people to choose electric vehicles (EVs), but many multi-unit rental buildings were constructed before the introduction of our EV requirements for new buildings, and don’t have EV charging. To support Vancouver residents in the transition to zero emissions vehicles, the City now offers a retrofit program for existing rental buildings.

Owners or managers of rental buildings that meet the eligibility requirements can apply to have City-owned EV chargers installed. The City will cover up to $93,000 for the infrastructure, including the EV chargers, with a financial contribution of $2,000 required from the applicant. The program is offered in partnership with the BC Hydro Clean BC Go Electric rebate program.

In Vancouver, nearly 40% of our carbon pollution comes from burning gas and diesel in our vehicles. Ensuring that charging infrastructure is accessible to more people, regardless of where they live, is an important piece of equitable climate action.

YOUR TURN

Landlords and managers of rental buildings can review the eligibility requirements and apply for charger installation here. If you rent in a multi-unit residential building you can share this newsletter with your landlord. 

SUPPORTING: CLIMATE EMERGENCY

Cargo bikes are a growing trend in Vancouver and across the globe - for good reason. They are efficient, cost-effective and provide a healthy way to deliver goods in the city. Cargo bikes produce less noise and air pollution, helping businesses cut their carbon pollution. Did you know that some models of cargo bikes can carry up to 250 kg – the same weight as a baby grand piano or a male lion? (We don't advise the latter in particular).

To help Vancouver businesses make the switch to sustainable, active transportation, the City created the Cargo Bike Toolkit for Businesses. It provides an overview of best practices, and information on how companies can adapt to delivering goods and services using cargo bikes. By 2030, a Climate Emergency Action Plan goal is that two thirds of all daily trips in Vancouver will be by active transportation and transit, and cargo bikes are a great opportunity for businesses to contribute to that target.

YOUR TURN

Interested in how a cargo bike might support your business operations, or a local business you support? Learn about the benefits, regulations and rebate opportunities by downloading the Cargo Bike Guide for Businesses.

SUPPORTING: CLIMATE EMERGENCY