New program supports climate action projects in B.C. communities

The B.C. Government is launching a new program to support projects addressing climate change in local communities.

The new CleanBC Local Government Climate Action program will provide funding for municipalities, regional districts and Modern Treaty Nations to undertake or accelerate local priority climate projects.

The intent of the funding is to support projects that help reduce emissions locally and help communities adapt and prepare for climate change impacts, such as installing a district energy system; converting civic facilities to electricity; or creating climate resiliency against extreme heat or against flooding.

The funding can also be used to plan for future climate projects and to build staff capacity to address climate change locally.

“We’re working with local leaders to address the climate crisis and create new opportunities for people in the clean economy with more funding support,” said George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy.

“Local communities have been leaders in the fight against climate change, and this new program will accelerate their actions to cut pollution and build more resilient communities for everyone. We’ve listened to local leaders and designed a program that responds to their community priorities with funding they can count on each year.”

The province has allocated $76-million over three years for the program, with funding to be distributed to eligible governments annually based on population and a base amount of roughly $38,000.

The Local Government Climate Action Program replaces an old program that was simply a rebate based on carbon tax payments, and this new funding stream will end up supporting smaller communities who would have received just $10,000 under the previous model.

“That [funding] allows every community, small communities, medium communities, Interior communities, to take some necessary actions on climate change, whether it is reducing emissions, approaching carbon neutrality or creating a safer, climate resilient community for people,” said Heyman, adding that no community in B.C. is going to receive less than they had under the previous program.

“Our local government partners are facing the impacts of climate change head on,” said Nathan Cullen, Minister of Municipal Affairs.

“They are also on the leading edge of climate action, building resilient communities and are preparing for the future. This new program will help communities of all sizes build a cleaner, better future for people across B.C.”

To be eligible, participating governments must sign on to the B.C. Climate Action Charter, complete a number of reporting requirements, and demonstrate matching funding or in-kind contributions for local climate initiatives equal to 20 per cent of their provincial allocation.

The funds will be distributed at the end of the summer.

Heyman noted that rural, urban, large and small communities were consulted when designing the program, with a special focus on the interests of small rural communities. He also stated that Kamloops and Summerland were especially key in helping design the program.

Heyman added the Local Government Climate Action Program will build on other investments that are available through CleanBC to help meet the province’s emission reduction targets.