Climate Action

What's new

The 2023 Climate Action Report is a requirement of all BC municipalities that have become signatories to the BC Climate Action Charter, and provides a means of tracking the progress that the City of West Kelowna has taken in meeting our commitment to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and in adapting to climate change, in both our corporate and community actions.

The City’s community climate action goals, as stated in the updated Official Community Plan, are aligned with the provincial emissions reduction targets and include a 40 per cent reduction in GHG emissions by 2030, from 2007 levels, a 60 per cent reduction by 2040, and an 80 per cent reduction by 2050 from 2007.

To learn more, please read the full report below.

To view our submitted 2023 Local Government Climate Action Program Survey, please click here.

Corporate Climate Action Plan (CCAP)

Council endorsed the City’s first Corporate Climate Action Plan (CCAP), which outlines corporate emissions and energy expenditures for City-owned assets (primarily buildings and fleet). The Plan also establishes a Corporate Emissions reduction target of 30% of 2021 emissions by 2030.

The plan sets out actions to: Lower emissions and reach greenhouse gas reduction targets; save on energy costs; demonstrate corporate leadership on climate action; and assist the City in fulfilling its commitments as a B.C. Climate Action Charter signatory.

Click the link to read a PDF version of the Corporate Climate Action Plan.

2022 Climate Action Report

The City reports on climate action annually, including corporate emissions and actions taken, as part of the Provincial Local Government Climate Action Program (LGCAP). Read the City of West Kelowna 2022 Climate Action Report.

Our Official Community Plan has been updated and outlines a target of an 80% reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2050 from 2007 levels.

Past reporting

The recorded level of Corporate Emissions, including the City's corporate and contracted services (measured in tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent or tonnes CO2 e) between 2014 and 2022 are as follows:

2,449 in 2023
2,501 in 2022
2,484 in 2021
2020 not reported due to COVID-19 pandemic
2,224 in 2019
2,371 in 2018
2,332 in 2017
2,124 in 2016
2,130 in 2015
2,085 in 2014

Read the 2021 Climate Action Report.

Climate Action projects in recent years

Annual Urban ReLeaf Program, offering reduced priced trees for residents to plant in the spring.
Adopted an updated Community Wildfire Protection Plan for the treatment of and preventative measures taken to reduce wildfire risk.
The City developed a Drought Response Plan.
The City purchased e-bikes for bylaw staff, to reduce vehicular trips and fuel consumption.
Boucherie Road Wine Trail Upgrade, including 2.8 kilometres of cycling lanes and 2.8 new lane kilometres of sidewalks, roundabouts, LED street lighting, boulevard trees and transit pullouts.
LED streetlight conversion pilot project.
Electric Vehicle Fast Charging Station on Brown Road.
Gellatly Road Upgrade, with sidewalks, cycling lanes, bus bays and street trees for 1.5km between the Cove Lakeside Resort and Rotary Park.
Brown Road Upgrade, with sidewalks, new water and sewer mains, curb and gutter, street trees and irrigated landscaping from Gossett Road to Main Street.
Westlake Road Upgrade from Highway 97 to Starlight Crescent, with bus bays, cycling lanes, crossing for protected turtle species, roundabout at Stevens Road, sidewalks and pedestrian crossings and upgraded turn lanes and accesses.
Silver LEED® Certified West Kelowna RCMP Detachment.
Rapid Bus expansion and exchanges at Elliott and Westgate Roads, in partnership with Government of Canada, Province of British Columbia, BC Transit and local governments.