Climate change plan approved by Kelowna council

A framework for dealing with climate change and preserving Kelowna’s unique environment was approved Monday by city councillors who want to know more details before they start reviewing the 2023 budget.

The framework deals with everything from buying electric vehicles for the city’s fleet (producing one-third of the city’s greenhouse gases) to hiring a home retrofit coordinator to help property owners navigate a complicated government grant process.

Despite its many initiatives to fight climate change, the city experienced a 3.8-per-cent increase in greenhouse gas emissions from 2007 to 2018, noted the 87-page analysis by Chris Ray, the city’s champion of the environment.

Council endorsed the framework and its recommendations but as proposed by Coun. Loyal Wooldridge, directed city manager Doug Gilchrist to work with staff to bring back more information on its recommendations and priority items for the 2023 budget before the Dec. 8 budget deliberations begin.

The feedback from councillors was wideranging and illustrated shortcomings in the study’s research.

Coun. Mohini Singh focused on the city’s tree canopy – “nature’s air-conditioner,” as temperatures rise.

Urban forestry technician Tara Bergeson responded a 2017 study using LIDAR imaging (Light Detection and Ranging) found the entire city averaged 22 per cent while the downtown had 11.5 per cent tree coverage.

However, Coun. Luke Stack questioned whether LIDAR’s pulsed-laser scans included city green spaces and agricultural land. “Yes and no,” was the answer.

Since LIDAR measures anything above three metres, low orchards and vineyards would not register.

“Do we need to get more aggressive?” asked Singh, by declaring a climate emergency like many other cities and countries.

The framework aims for GHG emissions, not just declaring an emergency, said Ray, although it can be declared if councillors agree.

Coun. Charlie Hodge noted a 2007 study listed 278 wetlands in the city but “there’s nowhere near that number now.”

Those wetlands have a significant impact on GHGs and carbon dioxide, he commented, adding perhaps vehicle exhaust testing should return.

Coun. Brad Sieben asked about a construction and demolition debris reuse and recycling feasibility study, and learned city staff are already practising different ways of deconstructing city-owned homes.

Coun. Ryan Donn thought it would be beneficial to have a climate impact assessment on major projects “to remind us every week.”

Coun. Gail Given highlighted the retrofit “concierge” who would impact a broader cross-section of the community, and the city ensuring climate impact studies completed by other governments and agencies don’t sit on a shelf.

Coun. Maxine DeHart thought the next city budget process “will be very difficult.”