Latest News

A new provincial program provides funding for local governments to accelerate climate projects in their communities.

Photo by Hannah Scott

B.C. launches new program to accelerate local climate action

By Richmond Sentinel

Published 4:01 PDT, Mon May 16, 2022

—

The new CleanBC Local Government Climate Action Program aims to foster stronger collaboration, planning, and action to reduce climate pollution and build protection for local communities.

The program will provide predictable, stable funding for municipalities, regional districts, and Modern Treaty Nations to accelerate local climate projects and build a better future for people in their communities.

"We're working with local leaders to address the climate crisis and create new opportunities for people in the clean economy with more funding support," said George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. "Local communities have been leaders in the fight against climate change, and this new program will accelerate their actions to cut pollution and build more resilient communities for everyone. We've listened to local leaders and designed a program that responds to their community priorities with funding they can count on each year."

Through Budget 2022, the province provided $76 million over three years for the Local Government Climate Action Program. Funds will be distributed to eligible governments based on each community's population and a base amount. Participating governments will be required to show funds have been invested in projects that support the objectives of the CleanBC Roadmap to 2030 or the Climate Preparedness and Adaptation Strategy.

"Our local government partners are facing the impacts of climate change head on," said Nathan Cullen, Minister of Municipal Affairs. "They are also on the leading edge of climate action, building resilient communities, and are preparing for the future. This new program will help communities of all sizes build a cleaner, better future for people across B.C."

The Local Government Climate Action Program was designed considering input from local governments, the Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM), Modern Treaty Nations, and the independent Climate Solutions Council.

"Local governments have led the way on climate action and this new provincial program will help municipalities further strengthen their work building cleaner, more resilient communities," said Laurey-Anne Roodenburg, president of UBCM and councillor for the City of Quesnel. "By working together with the province, we've helped make sure local government priorities are reflected in the design of this new program."

To be eligible, participating governments are required to sign on to the B.C. Climate Action Charter, complete a number of reporting requirements, and demonstrate matching funding or in-kind contributions for local climate initiatives equal to 20 per cent of their provincial allocation.

To learn more about the Local Government Climate Action Program, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/local-government-climate-action-program