Whereas the Ministry of Municipal Affairs announced in May 2021, without consultation, the cancellation of the of the Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program CARIP without identifying any new funding for the development, implementation or administration of local government climate action programs, undermining the ability of local governments to participate in climate action initiatives; And whereas 187 local governments in British Columbia have voluntarily signed onto the Climate Action Charter and by doing so have been able to access the Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program; And whereas under the CleanBC Plan, the Province of British Columbia recently amended the Climate Change Accountability Act to include a sectoral GHG emissions reduction target of 59 to 64 below 2007 levels by 2030 for buildings and communities, requiring the development and implementation of comprehensive climate action initiatives and regulatory programs by local governments: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM ask the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change to replace CARIP with a new, non-competitive funding program commencing in the 2022 fiscal year that provides equivalent or better funding to all local governments, enabling them to be effective and accountable partners with the Province.
Ministry of Municipal Affairs Local governments across BC continue to demonstrate leadership and commitment to taking action on climate change. The Province remains committed to working with local governments to reach our climate goals and make life better for people across British Columbia. Building on the 2018 CleanBC strategy, the recently released CleanBC Roadmap to 2030 is a more ambitious climate plan to reach governments 2030 emissions reductions targets and build a strong, low-carbon economy. The Roadmap includes actions across eight pathways including four pathways with particular relevance for local governments: low-carbon energy; transportation; buildings; and communities. Under these pathways, the Roadmap connects to the work of local governments, and their communities, through several priorities: - New requirements to make all new buildings net-zero emissions by 2030 - A focus on zero-emission vehicles with a goal of 90 percent ZEVs by 2030 and 100 percent by 2035 - An accelerated shift towards active transportation and public transit - A goal to reduce distances travelled in light-duty vehicles by 25 by 2030. The Roadmap builds on previous supports for local governments including the CleanBC Communities Fund and the implementation of an Active Transportation strategy and grant program. The Roadmap to 2030 also commits the Province to establishing a new program to support local government climate actions through flexible, predictable funding. We hope to have more information on that soon. Additionally, government has set aside 11 million specifically to support local governments in creating complete, compact communities. CleanBC Roadmap to 2030 link: https:www2.gov.bc.caassetsgovenvironmentclimate-changeactioncleanbcclea…