SEPTEMBER 2023

To increase family housing options across the city and advance our climate objectives, City staff have been exploring ways to allow more Missing Middle housing, and this month, Council will be considering zoning changes to allow “multiplexes” which could provide up to six homes on a lot (depending on lot size).

The proposed changes will also simplify and align existing regulations across all low-density (RS) zones to make it easier to build new and diverse housing. More homes on a single lot means that more people, including families with children, can live in close proximity to existing schools, shops and services. The new housing will also be energy efficient. This work supports our Climate Emergency Action Plan and Vancouver Plan directions to create more complete, connected neighbourhoods.

YOUR TURN

Vancouver City Council will hear from the public on September 14 before making a decision.

Review the Council report containing final recommendations for new regulations to permit multiplexes as a new missing middle housing option and simplified regulations for other housing options in low-density neighbourhoods.

Share your thoughts with Council about this work by sending in your comments or signing up to speak at the Public Hearing on September 14, in person or by phone.

SUPPORTING: CLIMATE EMERGENCY, VANCOUVER PLAN

Is your organization planning a project for 2024 that supports climate action in Vancouver? We have a grant for that!
 
The Greenest City Grant program offers grants for place-based, community-driven initiatives that help advance climate action, including the City of Vancouver’s Climate Emergency Action Plan, while advancing equity in our city. Through these grants, we hope to foster climate leadership and collaboration, create opportunities for innovation, and mobilize community climate action throughout Vancouver, with a specific focus on addressing inequities and under-represented groups.
 
 To be eligible:

• Applicants must be a registered charity, BC society, social enterprise, or First Nations Band
• Projects must take place in and benefit Vancouver
• Applicants may apply for up to $50,000 and matching funds are encouraged
• Projects may be 1 - 2 years in length.

Since 2012, we have funded $4 million to community-led projects. Successful past recipients have focused on improving access to active transportation, energy efficiency education, climate literacy and leadership training, and more.
 
YOUR TURN
 
Our grant has a two-step application process and we are inviting organizations to submit an Expression of Interest before October 16. For more information on the grant and application process, visit the Greenest City Grant website. You can also sign up for our info session on October 6.
 
Are you a teacher or parent with a project to help students use active travel? We also offer Walk Bike Roll Mini Grants of up to $500 for Vancouver public secondary and elementary schools. Learn more and apply for a Walk Bike Roll mini grant between September 25 and November 3.
 
SUPPORTING: CLIMATE EMERGENCY

It can be hard to know where to start when making your home more climate-friendly; sometimes it helps to learn what your neighbours and peers have already done.
 
Funded by BC Hydro, Vancity, B2E and the City of Vancouver, the Climate Friendly Homes Tour aims to empower homeowners and create opportunities to learn how others are making the transition by opening the doors of climate-friendly homes to the community.
 
Homes will open their doors to the public from across the city, and subject matter experts will be onsite to help visitors learn about the benefits of heat pumps, highly efficient and airtight building envelopes, electric hot water heating systems, induction cooking stoves, solar PV, EV charging, heat recovery, smart home systems and more.
 
Over half of Vancouver’s carbon pollution comes from burning natural gas, a fossil fuel, to heat and cool our buildings. By learning more about how you can start the journey towards making your home climate-friendly, you are helping towards our Climate Emergency Action Plan goal of cutting carbon pollution in half by 2030.
 
YOUR TURN
 
The Climate Friendly Homes Tour will take place on October 14. 

• Visit the webpage to see a map of participating locations
• Do you have a Climate Friendly Home? Sign your home up to participate in an open house by entering your home into the Tour Map.

SUPPORTING: CLIMATE EMERGENCY, CLIMATE ADAPTATION

The Renfrew Ravine Moon Festival returns for its 21st year this September under the theme of ‘Water’s Wisdom,’ with events taking place at Slocan Park and Renfrew Ravine Park. Presented by Still Moon Arts Society, the Moon Festival 2023 is a celebration of eco-arts and community engagement that highlights the Still Creek watershed.
 
The City is exploring ways to better manage rainwater in the Still Creek watershed and restore its natural water cycle by using green rainwater infrastructure. We are partnering with Still Moon Arts Society to connect with community members in the Still Creek watershed and share information about new green infrastructure projects, such as wetlands, rain gardens and rainwater tree trenches, to help capture and filter rainwater at key sites.
 
Initiatives like this help to protect, revitalize and restore natural areas, which supports the Rain City Strategy, the Climate Emergency Action Plan and the Climate Change Adaptation Strategy.
 
YOUR TURN
 
Learn more about what we’re doing to manage rainwater - City staff will be at the Moon Festival’s Harvest Fair on September 23 to answer questions.
 
Visit the Renfrew Ravine Moon Festival webpage to view the full festival schedule and register for any of the following workshops and events:

• September 9 to 29: various eco-arts workshops
• September 23: Harvest Fair, Streamside Lantern Installation and Lost Streams Parade
• September 29: Consciousness of Streams Finale event

SUPPORTING: CLIMATE EMERGENCY, CLIMATE ADAPTATION, RAIN CITY