The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD), in collaboration with the Town of Gibsons, the District of Sechelt and the Sechelt Indian Government District, is seeking comment on the draft Sunshine Coast Community Energy & Emissions Plan (CEEP).
"The plan was developed through extensive consultation with residents, businesses and elected officials," said Dion Whyte, manager of sustainable services at the SCRD, in a news release. "Action to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is strongly supported by the residents and businesses we engaged with throughout this process."
The draft CEEP was received by the municipalities and the SCRD infrastructure services committee the week of Feb. 9. As a final consultation opportunity for residents and businesses, the draft CEEP has been posted to the SCRD and municipal websites for review and comment.
"Our collective response to the challenge presented by climate change and energy security is a critical issue for the Sunshine Coast community," added SCRD board chair Donna Shugar. "Local governments have to demonstrate a leadership position and this plan gives us the road map we need to make real progress."
The B.C. Climate Action Charter, along with a series of other provincial initiatives, requires that local governments take meaningful steps towards energy and GHG emission reductions. According to the SCRD, currently, residents and businesses on the Sunshine Coast generate over 350,000 tonnes of GHG emissions per year, while spending over $100 million annually to purchase energy (most of which leaves the Coast without benefiting the local economy). By 2031, GHG emissions are forecast to increase to 410,000 tonnes per year if we maintain business as usual.
"The plan has been developed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while supporting the vitality and sustainability of our communities," added Shugar. "Upon completion of the plan, local governments on the Sunshine Coast will be in line with the B.C. government's mandate to set targets and be proactive about planning for climate change."
An emission reduction target of seven per cent below 2007 levels (20 per cent below the business as usual forecast for 2031) was recommended for the municipalities and the SCRD as a whole.
An alternative, a "deep green" target aligned with the B.C. government's emission reduction targets, is also presented.
The draft plan is available at www.scrd.ca for public review and comment until March 19. Following this, necessary amendments will be made before it is presented for final adoption.
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