Sooke 2030 Climate Action Plan: Implementation

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.

Sooke residents can bring scotch broom to a complimentary drop-off station at the District of Sooke Parks Yard at 2070 Kaltasin Road on Saturday afternoons, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm from May 27^th to June 17^th.

After a two-day pilot in 2022 and significant positive feedback, along with funding through the Province’s Local Government Climate Action Program, the District is extending the hours for this service for 2023.

“We hope to eventually extend the program to more yard waste, but for now are focusing on the species that is easily recognizable and poses a considerable risk to native plants and our wildfire hazard,” Jessica Boquist Parks and Environmental Services Coordinator says. “We have a limited capacity at the yard and we need to ensure we can dispose of all that is gathered appropriately.”

Scotch broom is an invasive woody shrub first introduced to southern Vancouver Island in the 1850s, was previously sold at Greater Victoria plant nurseries and grows throughout the region. It presents a wildfire hazard and competes with native plant species, even changing the chemistry of the soil. The district encourages residents to remove broom on their property or participate in a local “broom busting event” hosted by Sooke Broombusters or Juan de Fuca Community Trails Society.

“Ideally, remove broom when in bloom by cutting at the base of the plant instead of pulling, to limit soil disturbance and prevent weed seeds from germinating,” advises Boquist. “It’s helpful to restore sites where broom has been removed with native plants such as Oregon grape or red currant,” she adds.

In addition to the community-wide Broombusting event on April 21^st, support Sooke Broombusters and Juan de Fuca Trails Society with local broom-busting events and the complimentary drop-off program for Sooke residents, the District is also partnering with Edward Milne Community School on neighbourhood invasive species community events during the months of May and June.

Learn more:

• Sooke Broombusters
• Juan de Fuca Community Trails Society
• Sooke FireSmart Program
  • Ashlene Akatarian, FireSmart Coordinator: 250.642.5422, ext. 688

Book a Free FireSmart Home Assessment:

• Book online or call 250.642.5422 to book your appointment by phone

The District of Sooke invites residents to a community clean up and broom-busting blitz at 2280 Pyrite Drive on Friday, April 21^st from 10 am to 1 pm! Equipment and complimentary refreshments will be provided.

The event is taking place in celebration of Earth Day and provides an opportunity for residents to come together with a common cause – removing invasive scotch broom, clearing litter and enjoying time in nature.

“This event is a great way to meet like-minded members of the community,” says Jessica Boquist, Parks and Environmental Services Coordinator. “It’s incredible to see the amount of invasives we can tackle by coming together with this sort of area-specific blitz.”

Along with District parks staff, volunteers from the Sooke Broombusters and Juan de Fuca Trails Society will be on hand to guide participants. No experience is necessary.

While tools will be available on loan for the event, supplies are limited. Residents with broom-cutting loppers are encouraged to bring them if they have them. Those attending are asked to dress for the weather – the event will be a go, rain or shine!

Get FireSmart!

Also at the event, a FireSmart Information Station. “Broom is a keen ignition source. Working to remove the species can have a big impact on mitigating our wildfire risk,” shares Ashlene Aktarian, the District’s FireSmart Coordinator. “Sooke’s wildfire risk is more significant than many realize. I’m hoping to connect with residents to help the community be more proactive in the face of our (wildfire) risk,” Aktarian says.