Delta continuing to prepare for and adapt to climate change

Flood management, the cycling master plan and environmental assessment information are just some of the things that Delta’s Climate Action and Community Liveability Advisory Committee will be focusing on in 2022.

Mandated to provide advice on climate change and environmental considerations to council, the committee provided them with a report on 2021 achievements and plans for 2022 during Delta’s council meeting on Feb. 7.

“This is an outstanding group of individuals who care deeply about the future of our city and the future of our planet, and I continue to be very thankful for their ongoing contributions to our city,” said Coun. Dylan Kruger, who chairs the committee.

This year, they’ll be helping update Delta’s Community Energy and Emissions Plan, collaborating with the Mayor’s Youth Council on climate action and community engagement-related issues, and providing feedback on Delta’s Cycling Master Plan and Flood Management Strategy.

They’ll also be providing feedback on referred inter-agency items related to Burns Bog Ecological Conservancy Area Management Plan, on Vancouver Landfill and waste management policies and initiatives, and on the ongoing implementation of the Birds and Biodiversity Conservation Strategy, the Electric Vehicle Strategy and the Urban Forest Strategy and action plan.

Finally, they’ll be reviewing environmental assessment information for the proposed Roberts Bank Terminal 2 project, the Deltaport Fourth Berth project and any other major external project proposals referred by council.

“As we continue to deal with the impacts of climate change, climate mitigation and adaption, the work of this committee is going to increase in importance and relevance. It’s a group that continues to push the city to do better and to be bolder on our climate initiatives. It is great to have the support of Coun. Guichon and our staff on that, as well,” said Kruger.

Guichon, vice-chair of the committee, also emphasized the importance of the work being done and her appreciation for being part of it.

In 2021 the group met six times, one of which was a joint meeting with the Mayor’s Youth Council, to receive delegations, information on numerous projects and strategies and offer advice.

Among the long list, they looked at and discussed the Deltaport Fourth Berth project, the Electric Vehicle Strategy implementation, the Urban Forest Strategy, single-use plastics and wildfire management.

They also supported FortisBC’s Renewable Gas program, as well as Delta continuing to provide the multi-lingual energy conservation program Empower Me in 2022.