IN THIS ISSUE

The goal of the Adopt a Catch Basin program is to empower residents to take care of their neighbourhoods by keeping catch basins (which you might know as storm drains) free of debris and leaves. Now in its fifth year, the program has seen 5,000 of the City’s 45,000 catch basins adopted to date.

Catch basin adopters provide a valuable service to the community and local ecosystems by: 

• Decreasing flooding and keeping streets safer for drivers and pedestrians
• Minimizing garbage from washing into adjacent waterways like False Creek that are also habitat for species such as salmon 
• Protecting homes and businesses from costly impacts of flooding

During the fall and winter seasons in particular, catch basins need attention as rain begins to fall, and leaves and snow block catch basins. Climate change means that Vancouver will experience 35% more intense heavy rain events and 21% more rain on the wettest days by 2050, so local actions like this can make a difference.

YOUR TURN
 
There are still over 40,000 catch basins that need adopting and 6,200 of them are considered “needy” and prone to flooding. Maintaining your catch basin is easy, just check to make sure it’s clear of debris, litter and leaves. If you’re unable to clear the clog and it’s causing flooding, report it online or by using Van311. Be sure to follow the safety guidelines when tending your catch basin. 

Visit www.vancouver.ca/catchbasin to select and name a catch basin near you.

You can also attend an upcoming community catch basin and litter clean up party:

• Sunset Community Centre 6810 Main Street – November 5
• Renfrew Park Community Centre 2929 E 22 Avenue – November 12

SUPPORTING: ADAPTATION, RAIN CITY STRATEGY

Across Vancouver, class is back in session, and our School Active Travel Programs are working to provide safe, fun and climate-friendly ways for students to get to school – including our School Streets program.

The School Streets program creates a car-free block beside a school that is open to walking, biking and rolling during drop-off and pick-up times. Participating schools have witnessed improved safety and an increase in students using active travel to and from school. This program encourages physical activity in a safe environment, and helps students to develop a better understanding of their neighbourhood, building a sense of community.

Burning fossils fuels like gasoline and diesel in our vehicles creates nearly 40% of Vancouver’s carbon pollution, so choosing active transportation for your school commute is a great way to cut emissions while also reducing congestion and air pollution.

YOUR TURN

Interested schools can apply to participate next spring by completing an Expression of Interest before November 4 here.

Walk Bike Roll Mini Grants of up to $500 are also currently available to Vancouver public elementary and secondary schools for projects and activities that encourage and support active transportation for students. Discover past projects and apply before October 28 here.

SUPPORTING: CLIMATE EMERGENCY

Waste Reduction Week in Canada motivates learning, behaviour change and innovation when it comes to reducing what we throw away. In support of this campaign, many landmark buildings will be illuminated in green from October 17 to 23.

Vancouver is working to become a zero waste community by 2040, and increase sustainable resources, along with a healthy economy, and vibrant neighbourhoods through the elimination of solid waste.

YOUR TURN

Waste Reduction Week activities are happening throughout October. Here are some highlights:

• Reuse and Recycling Drop-off (October 22): Bring your unwanted textiles, batteries, light bulbs, electronics, and small appliances to our last drop-off event of the year at Kitsilano Secondary School
• Zero Waste Fair (October 29): Bring your bikes, gadgets, small appliances, computers, and clothing in need of fixing to City Hall. Register to get a ticket for a repair time slot or a zero waste seminar.

SUPPORTING: ZERO WASTE

Congratulations to this year’s cohort of Sustainability Scholars for completing another year of inspiring research. 
 
Since 2010, UBC’s Sustainability Initiative and the City of Vancouver have worked together to provide UBC graduate students an opportunity to work on projects that advance social and environmental sustainability across Vancouver. Over 206 projects have been completed to date, with many providing valuable research that supports implementation of the Climate Emergency Action Plan, Climate Adaptation Strategy, Healthy City Strategy, Equity Framework and more. 
 
A few examples of the projects completed this year include:

• Identifying best practices to mobilize community towards meaningful climate action 
• Rethinking Street Pavement Rehabilitation Practices to Support the Urban Forest
• Creating an accessible and equitable public drinking water foundation strategy 
• An investigation of ways to integrate rapid transit stations with affordable housing
• Research to re-imagine the Stanley Park seawall through an exploration of living shoreline alternatives

YOUR TURN
 
Want to learn more about these projects? Check out all the Scholar reports in UBC’s project library. We've also been highlighting some of the Scholar’s work, research and outcomes in more depth on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram - follow us there.

SUPPORTING: CLIMATE EMERGENCY, ADAPTATION