Whereas since 2008 the provincial Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program CARIP has provided local governments across BC with funding critical to achieving their commitments under the Climate Action Charter CAC, allowing them to build staff capacity, develop policy and plans, and leverage capital to advance local climate action plans that support provincial climate action strategies and goals; And whereas the cancellation of CARIP without local government consultation, and without a clearly defined replacement program, undermines the ability of local governments to support local climate action plans, the Provinces CleanBC climate action strategy, and new provincial sectoral emission reduction targets; And whereas both local governments and UBCM have prioritized climate action, and have implemented a range of initiatives to create energy efficient and weather resilient communities; And whereas the Province has neither clarified whether it is actively working on a replacement funding program nor the nature, scope, amount and timing of such a program: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM call on the Province to immediately develop a CARIP replacement program which provides: - annualized funding that is equal to or greater than CARIP; - formula based funding that recognizes varying local capacity for climate action; and - maximum flexibility on eligible projects that support local needs and priorities.
Ministry of Municipal Affairs The Province is committed to working with local governments to reach our shared climate goals and make life better for people across British Columbia. CARIP was introduced, in part, to encourage local governments to sign the Climate Action Charter CAC. Since the program launched a decade ago, 187 local governments have signed the CAC, more than 50 local governments have achieved carbon neutrality in their corporate operations and many others have taken significant steps toward reducing emissions in their communities. The Ministry heard from many local governments on the wrap-up of CARIP, and the feedback received will inform our work exploring new ways to support local governments in reducing emissions and creating complete, compact, energy efficient communities. As part of this work, Ministry staff are supporting Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy staff in developing a new funding program for local governments that is flexible, predictable and supports the advancement of local climate action goals. Ministry staff will keep local governments informed of the development of this work including through the revitalized Green Communities Committee, a partnership between UBCM and the Province to support local government climate action.