View a panel that explored options for how local governments can work together to leverage funds and capacity, and achieve greater emission reductions than by working alone. In each case, relatively small investments from local governments were combined into high-impact projects.
Part 1
The Case for Collaboration
Presenter: Robyn Webb, Climate Solutions Lead, CEA
Presentation starts at 9:03 minutes
There is “the case for collaboration” for climate work between neighbouring communities. The rationale is that while our communities have borders, our lives aren’t confined within these borders, nor are climate risks and vulnerabilities. By working together, communities can realize the main benefits of regional collaboration. They are:
- Shared workload, reducing staff capacity challenges
- Shared financial costs
- Consistency for homeowners on policies
- The hiring of staff with specific skillsets to work across different regions
- Potential for increased funding as funders are keen on collaboration
Part 2
East Kootenay Shared Community Energy Manager, Unlocking Collaborative Opportunities
Presenter: Megan Lohmann, Director of Strategic Initiatives, CEA
Presentation starts at 15:08 minutes
The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) has seen success in regional collaboration largely due to the East Kootenay Shared Community Energy Manager position. RDEK developed an aligned workplan that represented the shared needs and opportunities of the member communities while leveraging funding and capacity opportunities. The result was they were able to address three foundational priorities:
- Support trades and contractors from a regional perspective. RDEK focused on market transformation and capacity building by sharing resources and tools, maximizing learning opportunities with experts, and aligning with Provincial pathways.
- Policy and Planning Levers. A series of policy templates were created, which can be customized to suit each community.
- Implementing capital projects with regional-scale climate and co-benefits.
Regional Project Examples:
- Building a Legacy Project https://www.communityenergy.ca/projects/building-a-legacy/
- East Kootenay Organics Infrastructure Program https://www.communityenergy.ca/projects/east-kootenay-organics-infrastructure-program/
- Accelerate Kootenays https://www.communityenergy.ca/projects/accelerate-kootenays-ev-charging-network/
Part 3
Regional Retrofit Concierge Program in the Sea to Sky Corridor
Presenter: Danielle Weiss, Strategy and Collaboration Lead, CEA
Presentation starts at 35:03 minutes
“Retrofit Assist” is a regional retrofit concierge program that supports homeowners in their home energy upgrades. CEA came up with the final implementation model, but a willingness to collaborate between communities, funders, and partners, unlocked the funding needed to create the program.
Learn more about Retrofit Assist: https://www.retrofitassist.ca/
Part 4
Multiregional EV Charging Networks
Presenter: Danielle Weiss, Strategy and Collaboration Lead, CEA
Presentation starts at 41:27 minutes
Along with “Accelerate Kootenays,” CEA has worked with communities and partners to create other large EV networks that stretch across much of Western Canada. Strategically deploying charging stations can ensure that more communities gain the economic and environmental benefits from EV travel, all while supporting greater EV adoption.
EV Network Examples:
- Charge North https://chargenorth.ca/
- Peaks to Prairies https://peakstoprairies.ca/
- EVenture https://www.communityenergy.ca/projects/eventure/
Part 5
Regional Climate Service
Presenter: Nikki Elliott, Manager, Climate Action Programs, Capital Regional District
Presentation starts at 48:05 minutes
The Capital Regional District provides over 200 services, one of which is the Climate Action Service. Some current/recent projects include a regional energy retrofit program, Step Code industry engagement and policy recommendations, and an e-mobility awareness campaign and regional EV infrastructure. They also received a grant to create a massive regional data set that is now used to assess different scenarios around sea-level rise and potential tsunamis. The CRD organizes Inter-Municipal Groups that have been foundational in the success at this regional scale.
Learn more about the CRD’s climate work at: www.crd.bc.ca/climate