Sooke 2030 Climate Action Plan: Implementation

Active School Route signs are being installed on safe routes to schools as a community-based initiative to encourage students to walk or wheel to school.

As sidewalks and trails are extended in Sooke, the program looks to shift travel to and from local schools to provide a healthy way for families to start their day – and help manage vehicle congestion that occurs around school sites.

The campaign is beginning with École Poirier Elementary as the largest elementary school in Sooke after District of Sooke staff approached Poirier Principal, Tess Vally, and Parent Advisory Council President, Jen Temple, with the idea. For students who live within walking or cycling distance from school, or for parents or guardians who might be commuting to Victoria for work, making use of an Active School Meeting Spot offers a transportation alternative with many benefits:

• Active school travel helps school-aged children meet the recommendation to accumulate at least 60 minutes per day of moderate to vigorous physical activity, which is associated with improved physical and mental health.
• Increasing physical activity specifically associated with the school journey increases alertness and attention during the school day. Physical activity supports healthy brain development, which can lead to improved learning and academic outcomes.
• Reducing the number of children being driven to school reduces greenhouse gas emissions and particulate air pollution around the school, improving air quality.
• Reducing traffic volumes creates safer school zones.
• Less congestion around schools can help save everyone time, especially during busy mornings.

Additionally, given the Church/Thoup Roundabout and Charters Corridor Projects, the active school routes may offer a creative solution to managing the anticipated construction-related vehicle traffic while work is completed.

A map showing walking and biking routes, along with meeting spot locations for families with students attending École Poirier Elementary is available here.

The District of Sooke will be working with École Poirier Elementary to receive feedback on the initiative with hopes of adapting and expanding the program to other schools in Sooke.

Quotes:

Mayor Maja Tait, District of Sooke –

“People are often creatures of habit and given. Sidewalks and trails were limited in Sooke, so driving became the norm and now that safe routes are available, many might not know they exist.

As the infrastructure improves, we’re looking to connect with residents and encourage alternative transportation where most feasible. This is a cost-effective, creative solution that has the potential to make a real impact for families in Sooke.”

Amanda Dowhy, Sooke School District Interim Board Chair –

“Walking or wheeling to school can help set students up for a lifetime of success. Increasing daily physical activity supports everything from improving cardiorespiratory fitness to lowering the risk of developing health conditions to improved concentration in the classroom. The research also supports that when students use active modes of transportation, it contributes to a strengthened sense of community and I think that’s something we can all benefit from.”

Jen Temple, Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) President –

“It’s the role of the Parent Advisory Committee to inform and support École Poirier parents/guardians to optimize the school experience for families, and the Active Routes to School Campaign is a chance for us to do just that. On behalf of the PAC, I’m grateful for the support from the District – providing us with supplies such as reflectors and umbrellas as a part of this program in an effort to help remove barriers to participating. Our Poirier Black Bears are an active bunch and their families have proven over these past few years to be so supportive, as such, I’m very much looking forward to being a part of this campaign and working together to support the health and well-being of local families.”

Active Routes to Schools is a priority identified in Capital Regional District Active School Travel Plans and the Sooke 2030 Climate Action Plan.

Learn more:

• sooke.ca/activeschoolroutes
• Active School Route Parent Handout

The District of Sooke is receiving $30,000 in funding from ICBC through their community road safety program to create two new crosswalks and install five flashing systems in the community --- helping make pedestrian travel safer.

This phase of crosswalk improvements includes:

• A new crosswalk with flashing lights on Phillips Road by SEAPARC front entrance;
• A new crosswalk with flashing lights on Grant Road by French Road;
• Flashing lights added to the Phillips Road crosswalk at the SEAPARC back entrance;
• Flashing lights added to the Church Road crosswalk on the Stickleback Urban Trail and Poirier Active School Travel Route; and
• Flashing lights added to the Otter Point at Rhodenite crosswalk.

Safely getting around town is important in any community. In Sooke, through recent budget engagement, residents are expressing this as one of the top priorities for our community.

Further, vehicle emissions are the greatest contributor of greenhouse gas emissions in Sooke. Notably, travel within Sooke produces nearly the same amount of emissions as travel to and from Sooke. “If we are going to make an impact toward our goal of reducing emissions by 50% by 2030, we need to ensure people feel safe walking around town,” says Mayor Tait. “While there is much more work to do, this is welcome progress. I extend my appreciation to our funding partners for helping with efforts for a safer, healthier Sooke. ”

The total project budget is approximately $50,000 with $20,000 being funded by District of Sooke Climate Action funding, made possible thanks to support from the Local Government Climate Action Program.

The work will be completed this fall.

The Community Climate Action Seed Funding Pilot Project is off to an exciting start with 11 projects each being awarded seed funding as Sooke works towards reducing our emissions by 50% by 2030.

"This is a goal that we can achieve by working together,” says Mayor Maja Tait. "In this first year of implementation of our Climate Action Plan, the focus is on building a foundation and community capacity as next priority areas are identified."

The Sooke 2030 Climate Action Plan was adopted in principle in July 2022 and funding through the Provincial Local Government Climate Action Program provided monetary support to get the program going without impacting property taxes.

Community Climate Action Seed Funding in 2023 is being allocated to:

• Growing Community in the Edward Milne Community School Garden ($2,020);
• Fireweed Society's Sooke Education Strategy and Community Engagement ($5,000);
• Friends of Sooke Parks Society's Park Enhancement Program ($5,000);
• Fair Trade Book Publication and Event ($1,000);
• North Sooke Community Association FireSmart Street Project ($1,000);
• 606 Water Group's Operation Watershed ($6,000);
• Sooke Country Market supporting volunteer capacity ($5,000);
• Sooke Region Tourism Association's alignment of climate action visions with the Sooke 2030 Climate Action Plan ($5,000);
• Transition Sooke Community Garden Project ($3,500);
• Zero Waste Sooke (Transition Sooke) Repair Cafe and Swap and Shop Events ($2,500); and
• The Pointe at Sunriver's FireSmart Project ($1,000)

A Pathway to 2030

A simplified formula for reducing community emissions and reaching the 2030 target is recognizing changes in home heating and transportation. An approximate 7% per year reduction in emissions means 250 residents transitioning to heating and cooling systems such as a heat pump and transitioning from combustion engine travel to other methods such as travel by transit, carpooling or travel by electric vehicle.

"There seems to be confusion and concern about emission reduction strategies being costly or cumbersome," shares District's Communications Coordinator, Christina Moog. "As with many things – some items cost more and some less. Our focus on the implementation of the Climate Action Plan is, ultimately, enhancing the quality of life for all citizens in Sooke and being fiscally prudent in the process. When we think about time and cost-saving benefits, we get excited! Often solutions that bring about emission reduction have these other benefits in common and that's where our focus currently lies."

On an annual basis, the District revisits the Sooke 2030 Climate Action Plan to identify a project list for the following year. Other initiatives set to take shape in 2023 include:

• Municipal fleet assessment and initiation of a replacement policy of municipal vehicles with zero-emission alternatives;
• Complete low-carbon resilience and accessibility audits on all municipal facilities, prioritizing upgrades where feasible and highest risk;
• Upgrades to transit stops;
• Collaboration with School District 62 to identify alternative pick-up/drop-off solutions to reduce traffic congestion related to school operations; and
• Initiating efforts to develop a co-working space – improving access to remote-work options in Sooke to reduce the need to commute for work.

A report on emission reduction progress (or lack thereof) given current growth is expected later this year.

Meeting our emission reduction targets will take all of us, working together.

We're hearing from residents about how changes they are making are helping save them money. With the current economic realities many are facing, this is welcome news!

Hear from Sooke residents David and Carol. Their combination of solar panels, heat pump and electric vehicle has made a big impact on greenhouse gas emission reductions. Their experience is that a heat pump offered the most affordable means to heat (and cool) their home and with solar, their energy bill was less than $4 for the year!!

Thanks to David and Carol for sharing their story!

The District of Sooke is launching a Community Climate Action Seed (CCAS) Funding Program to support and encourage resident, non-profit organizations and community groups that have ideas for community-based climate action projects.

Up to $40,000 is available this year through the Provincial Local Government Climate Action Program with grants of up to $1,000 available for individuals who are initiating community-based projects and $10,000 for not-for-profit organizations leading local initiatives.

Applications must demonstrate:

• A direct benefit to the community
• Support the implementation of the Sooke 2030 Climate Action Plan
• Improve resiliency to climate change and community wellness
• Foster neighbourhood pride and community connection

Some examples of potential projects include:

• Food security and garden exchange initiatives
• Farm-to-table and neighbourhood emergency preparation events
• Repair and waste reduction education and events
• Tree planting
• Invasive species removal and restoration events
• Neighbourhood FireSmart collaboration
• Community education events such as rainwater harvesting or gardening
• Walk and roll safety initiatives

Grant applications are being accepted from June 1 to 30, 2023.

Submit the online application form during the intake period here:

• CCAS APPLICATION FORM

Follow the implementation of the Sooke 2030 Climate Action Plan at letstalk.sooke.ca/sooke2030.

At the May 23, 2023 Council Meeting, Council unanimously support the Community Climate Action Seed (CCAS) Funding Stream.

On June 1, 2023, individuals, community groups and neighbourhood champions will be able to apply for funding to support community-based initiatives that benefit the District of Sooke in areas of:

• adapting and responding to the changing climate
• increasing biodiversity
• working towards a health, sustainable and resilient community and/or;
• facilitating neighbourhood connections.

The intake period for 2023 will be open June 1-30, 2023 with decisions being presented for Council endorsement at the July 24, 2023 Council meeting.

Yesterday, 61 youths participated in “Setting Sail to Invasive Species", a new community program through the implementation of the Sooke 2030 Climate Action Plan. The team honed in on English Ivy surrounding cedar trees and litter in the area.

A huge thank you to teachers Mr. Gale, Ms. Mullin and Mr. Clark from EMCS and their remarkable students for their active participation and engagement.

If you are interested in stewarding your neighbourhood, please contact cmoog[at]sooke.ca. Equipment is available on loan to assist with neighbourhood stewardship events.

At the May 23, 2023 Regular Council Meeting, Council will receive a staff report on a Community Climate Action Seed (CCAS) Funding Stream Pilot Project.

The District of Sooke has up to $40,000 available to support individuals, community groups and neighbourhood champions within the 2023 budget for this program.

The intent is to engage members of the community to facilitate activities that support Sooke residents in meaningful action that aligns with the Sooke 2030 Climate Action Plan with a goal of fostering local vibrancy, connection, and area stewardship and care through a collaborative, community-minded approach.

• See the report here >>

By inherently applying consideration for the environment, we will enhance the quality of life in Sooke – for generations to come. It will take all of us, working together, to reach an emission reduction target of 50% by 2030.

We're hearing from residents about how changes they are making are helping save them money. With the current economic realities many are facing, this is welcome news! So, we're putting together videos from residents for residents. Coming soon! Hear from your neighbours as they share their stories.

Do you have a story to share?

Please contact Christina at cmoog[at]sooke.ca.