In an effort to better support people in taking climate action and to figure out which climate initiatives should be prioritized, the City of Vitoria is launching a public engagement program to hear from Victoria residents.
“While climate change is a global problem, we all have a role in protecting the people and places we love by reducing our carbon pollution and getting ready for climate-caused impacts,” noted Mayor Marianne Alto in a news release. “Climate change affects everyone in Victoria, the way we live together, our environment and economy, and I encourage the community to share their experiences and feedback with us.”
The city has already implemented changes such as installing 90 public electric vehicle chargers so far, expanding the All Ages and Abilities Cycling Network, supporting people to make home heating and cooling improvements, opening misting stations throughout the summer for people to stay safe and cool, and reducing emissions and improving energy efficiency in new building construction.
Residents can participate in the Victoria Climate Action engagement by taking the survey, sharing ideas in the online discussion forum and registering for an online information session or attending a pop-up or open house, which will all be held throughout the city in September and early October.
The feedback will help inform the city’s updated Climate Leadership Plan, which will include updated high impact initiatives to reduce carbon emissions, and the new Climate Change Adaptation Plan which aims to keep the community safer from the risks of climate change.
City staff intend to present the two plans to Council next year, along with an engagement summary of all public feedback.
For the survey, discussion forum, and information on informations sessions, visit engage.victoria.ca/climateaction. The engagement period will go until Oct. 11.
