FAQs
- Upgrading our underground infrastructure to withstand all types of hazards including earthquakes and the increased frequency and severity of heavy rain and snow events.
- Helping ensure everyone has a place to cool down during dangerous heat by opening misting stations during the summer and publishing maps and information on how to stay cool.
- Equipping community centres to serve as hubs for emergency preparedness, response and recovery from all hazards, including climate-related hazards such as extreme heat.
- Installing portable tanks during dry periods to water trees in our urban forest.
- Supporting people to make home energy improvements, such as switching to an all-electric heat pump, which keeps homes cool in the summer and cozy in the winter, in addition to reducing carbon emissions.
Why is the City updating its Climate Leadership Plan?
The Climate Leadership Plan guides the City’s work to reduce carbon emissions and support the community in taking climate action.
The City of Victoria created its first Climate Leadership Plan in 2018 and declared a climate emergency in 2019.
Since then, we have been working hard to implement the plan, including six high impact initiatives to reduce our carbon emissions. Learn more about those here.
We are updating the Climate Leadership Plan to reflect the latest scientific data and best practices, changes in our population and new information about local climate impacts.
The new plan will show the progress we’ve already made and will feature updated high impact initiatives to reduce our carbon emissions.
The updated Climate Leadership Plan will also align with the City’s new Official Community Plan (OCP), Council’s updated Strategic Plan objectives and Council member motions.
What is the City doing to reduce carbon emissions?
The City is working to reduce carbon emissions by taking action in the following areas: transportation, buildings, waste and municipal operations. Transportation and buildings make up more than 90 per cent of our community emissions.
In the transportation sector, the City is increasing access to active transportation options, such as expanding the bike lanes and the All Ages and Abilities Cycling Network and making the switch to electric vehicles easier by installing more electric vehicle chargers in the city.
The City is reducing carbon pollution from buildings by implementing the B.C. Zero Carbon Step Code, requiring new buildings to minimize carbon emissions. We support the regional Home Energy Navigator program, which helps residents make their homes more climate friendly.
The City is also supporting the electrification and energy efficiency of strata and market rental buildings with the Rental Apartment Retrofit Accelerator Pilot Program launched in May 2024 and a strata energy program coming this fall.
Zero Waste Victoria is the City’s plan to reduce waste disposal by 50 per cent by 2040 through waste reduction, reuse and recycling. In its first three years, Zero Waste Victoria successfully reduced the amount of materials going to the landfill by 3,500 tonnes each year. This represents 15 per cent of the City’s waste reduction target for 2040.
What actions can I take to reduce emissions?
There are many actions people can take to reduce their personal carbon emissions.
Using active transportation (walking, riding or rolling), taking public transit and switching to an electric vehicle are transportation options that contribute to a more vibrant and sustainable city.
To reduce emissions from homes and residential buildings, you can go all-electric and switch out fossil fuel heating systems for efficient options like heat pumps. To maximize the benefits of home upgrades, we recommend doing other energy efficiency improvements at the same time, such as upgrading insulation and windows.
People can also make a difference by reducing the amount of waste that they generate. You can do this by composting all kitchen scraps, bringing your own mug and reusable bags when you leave the house and buying second-hand and local products.
We also encourage people to reduce energy use by taking actions like reducing hot water use, DIY air sealing with supplies from a local hardware store and wearing a sweater inside instead of turning up the thermostat.
It’s also a great idea to have conversations about climate change with friends and family, take part in local climate action groups and events, and to seek out information and resources about climate change.
What can I do to prepare for the impacts of climate change?
Over the last several years, Victoria has experienced more frequent extreme weather due to climate change, including the 2021 heat dome and the 2021 atmospheric river event.
Preparing for any emergency is an important climate adaptation strategy that everyone can take.
Some basic first steps include understanding the types of hazards that may affect you, making an emergency plan, assembling emergency kit items and getting connected (e.g., signing up for Vic-Alert and connecting with neighbours to form a network that can support one another during an emergency).
Tips on preparing for emergencies, free emergency workshops and more is available at VictoriaReady.ca.
What is the City already doing to adapt to climate change?
Victoria is experiencing the impacts of climate change, from dangerous heat and dry summers to more frequent and severe storms year-round.
The City is doing many different things to adapt to the changing climate, such as:
What is a Climate Change Adaptation Plan and why does the City need one?
Over the last several years, Victoria has experienced more impacts of climate change, including the 2021 heat dome and the 2021 atmospheric river event.
A Climate Change Adaptation Plan is a proactive strategy to help communities prepare for and respond to climate change impacts.
This plan will outline actions to safeguard people, infrastructure and ecosystems as weather patterns shift and extreme events are more common.
The plan will also outline how we are planning to prepare and respond to the impacts of climate change to City service delivery and assets, and how the City will support residents and community-based organizations in taking adaptation action.
By anticipating challenges and building resilience through collaboration across City departments, local organizations and the public, this plan will ensure that our community continues to thrive in a changing climate.