Climate Change Solutions Archives

Bomb cyclone provides reminder to be prepared

November 20, 2024/in BizNews This Week, Climate Change Solutions, Global Uncertainty/by Jim Zeeben

The bomb cyclone that swept through the region this week served as a good reminder to prepare for potential emergencies before winter. Coincidentally, so did the National Public Alerting System‘s test today (Nov. 20), which buzzed phones at 1:55 p.m.

You can prepare by making sure you have a plan for your business and your home, and that everyone knows what to do and where to find emergency kits. These should include non-perishable food, water and supplies to be self-sufficient for up to one week.

After a disaster-level event, your insurance provider can give you guidance on best practices for cleaning up and repairing damage.

In 2025, The Chamber plans to work with members, specifically smaller businesses, to help them build a crisis communication strategy. This will be a straightforward guide that can be consulted to help ensure you are prepared to communicate with internal and external stakeholders after an emergency. To learn more and help us develop this initiative, email communications@victoriachamber.ca.

RRU events demonstrate climate action leadership

November 7, 2024/in BizNews This Week, Climate Change Solutions/by Jim Zeeben

Royal Roads University is bringing together students, faculty and the community for a series of events and activities focused on climate action leadership.

Climate Week takes place Nov. 18-22, offering a combination of online and in-person events. Topics range from regeneration and systemic change to presentations about the power of food systems and tools for holistic climate action.

Saanich making plans to address major challenges

October 24, 2024/in BizNews This Week, Climate Change Solutions, Government Local, Housing, Transportation Options/by Jim Zeeben

It’s the biggest and most populous municipality on Vancouver Island, so, when the District of Saanich makes plans, it pays to pay attention.

Saanich has created a draft plan for Quadra McKenzie that will help transform the area over the next 20 years. The plan addresses challenges such as housing and climate change as well as suggesting ways to add public spaces, services and amenities.

The busy crossroads is home to the Saanich Operations Centre, which is undergoing a redevelopment project of its own. Property owned by the municipality will be leveraged to increase rental housing by as many as 600 units.

Saanich council also recently adopted an innovative road safety plan that aims to eliminate fatal crashes.

“I’m really excited to have the first road safety action plan on Vancouver Island,” Saanich Coun. Teale Phelps Bondaroff told the Times Colonist. “The approach we have here is a really good start to getting us towards Vision Zero.”

Vital Signs Report gives housing failing grade, again

September 26, 2024/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Climate Change Solutions, Fair Rules, Finding And Keeping Workers, Housing, Safe Communities, Streamlined Regional Regulations, Transportation Options/by Jim Zeeben

Greater Victoria has earned a “B” from this year’s Vital Signs Report, released yesterday by the Victoria Foundation. It’s the same score as last year.

“For nearly 20 years, Vital Signs has been helping the community identify and respond to the greatest challenges facing our region,” Victoria Foundation CEO Sandra Richardson said in a media release. “This year, the survey found cost of living, housing, and healthcare to be among the most important issues in Greater Victoria.”

The report looks at 12 areas and grades them based on data from a survey completed by more than 6,500 people as well as from sources curated by a local researcher

In the 2024 report, housing rated a D-, down from the D the area received last year. Health and wellness also fell from a B- to a C+ — as did the grade given to our standard of living.

Environmental sustainability earned a B, which is the same as last year.

On the positive side, sports and recreation increased from a B last year to a B+ this year. Belonging and engagement, arts and culture, and economy all stayed the same from last year.

The Vital Signs Report is available online at victoriavitalsigns.ca, as well as in print at various locations throughout the region.

New report shows practical benefits of ESG priorities

September 12, 2024/in BizNews This Week, Climate Change Solutions/by Jim Zeeben

A recently released report by Deloitte shows that a profound change has happened in recent years in the way Canadian companies are prioritizing their impact on climate and social policies.

The 2024 Sustainability Action Report shows that standards set by global regulatory bodies are being considered as part of business’s risk strategies. The report also found that executives are seeing the benefits of better understanding environmental, social and governance risks and impacts.

Embracing ESG improves brand reputation as well as talent attraction and helps build trust with the companies stakeholders, the report says.

Input sought on Uptown’s future as a transit hub

August 22, 2024/in BizNews This Week, Business And Economic Strength, Climate Change Solutions, Transportation Options/by Jim Zeeben

How will you be affected by plans to transform the Uptown neighbourhood through transit-oriented development? Find out and have your say as the first round of public engagement for the area is underway and will continue until Sept. 18.

Your feedback will help set the vision for the area, including a potential transit exchange connected to proposed new homes next to the Lochside and Galloping Goose regional trails. With connections to downtown Victoria, Gordon Head, the West Shore and the Saanich Peninsula, Uptown will become a hub for active transportation and transit in the region.

“BC Transit supports developments built close to transit hubs and corridors as more people will see public transit as a viable and accessible option and can live and work without complete reliance on vehicles,” BC Transit CEO Erinn Pinkerton said. “A transit exchange in this location would support improved regional connectivity, future increases in transit service levels, more direct bus routing and reliable, faster transit service.”

A -specific timeline for development will be available after preliminary planning work is completed.

“The District of Saanich welcomes this opportunity for people to provide feedback on this proposed development from the Province and BC Transit — a project that will help us implement our exciting vision for the Uptown-Douglas area,” Saanich Mayor Dean Murdock said. “We look forward to integrating housing, public transportation, convenient amenities and vibrant public spaces into what could become the heart or downtown of Saanich.”

Old Man Lake wildfire near Sooke finally contained

July 31, 2024/in Business And Economic Strength, Climate Change Solutions, Safe Communities/by Jim Zeeben

The wildfire near the District of Sooke that has been spreading smoky skies across the South Island is now officially categorized as contained.

Thanks to recent wet weather and the determined efforts of firefighters, the blaze is not expected to grow beyond its 230-hectare size. The fire was reported on July 22.

However, as crews continue to work on the blaze, Capital Regional District Parks and trails in the area, including the Sooke Potholes, remain closed.

“This is welcome news for people in Sooke,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “The fire discouraged people from going to that area, and you can imagine that has added to the difficulties facing businesses there. I encourage everyone to make an effort to get out and support those who experienced a drop in business due to the fires when it’s safe to do so.”

Province-wide plastics prohibition formally phased in

July 17, 2024/in Chamber Awareness, Climate Change Solutions/by Jim Zeeben

An initiative that was adopted early by Greater Victoria businesses is now in effect across the province. As of July 15, plastic shopping bags and single-use products are no longer allowed to be offered to customers anywhere in BC.

The province estimates that British Columbians threw out more than 340,000 tonnes of plastic items and packaging in 2019, equal to more than 65 kilograms of plastic waste per person.

Rebates aim to encourage solar power adoption

July 3, 2024/in Climate Change Solutions/by Jim Zeeben

BC Hydro has announced new rebates for the installation of rooftop solar and battery-storage systems. The rebates could save homeowners as much as $10,000. The Crown corporation generates energy for 95% of British Columbians.

The Chamber supports Climate Action Leadership, such as the work being done to transition the province to sustainable power sources.

BC Hydro is also planning rebates of up to $150,000 for businesses, local governments and others. More details on that plan will be available later this month.

Currently, 98% of the power generated for BC’s integrated grid comes from clean or renewable resources.

Fund helps municipalities cope with changing climate

June 5, 2024/in Climate Change Solutions, Government Federal/by Jim Zeeben

On Monday, the federal government announced $530 million to help Canadian municipalities adapt to the changing climate. The money will help cities and towns prepare for flooding, heat domes and other impacts on residents and infrastruture caused by weather events.

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities will administer the fund, which is a fraction of the $10 billion the FCM estimated is needed.

“In all, there are three funding streams that will provide substantial support for municipalities to carry out climate adaptation projects. In addition to support for climate adaptation planning, municipalities can apply for up to $1 million for implementation projects and up to $70,000 for feasibility studies,” the media release said. “Municipalities that have completed climate adaptation plans and/or risk assessments are eligible to apply. The deadline for applications is Aug. 14, 2024.”