A City of Powell River initiative to welcome more residents to use active transportation such as cycling, to get around the community, is being recognized as a potential game-changer by the Community Energy Association (CEA).
According to a media release from the CEA, the game-changer program provides local governments with access to CEA’s staff expertise in order to develop a local climate action initiative that has the potential to drive change within communities. The program is new in 2021 and is part of a suite of CEA programs and services intended to provide enhanced support to communities during this decade of climate action, the release stated.
“We are thrilled to have been selected by the Community Energy Association for the game-changer grant initiative,” stated mayor Dave Formosa. “Creating safer, more inviting, and beautiful streets that welcome people to walk and cycle will benefit everyone in our community, especially children, seniors, and people with disabilities. Safe and comfortable streets will help us attract young families, tourists, and boost economic development opportunities in our unique small city by the sea.”
Transportation accounts for more than 70 per cent of Powell River’s greenhouse gas emissions, and driving personal vehicles is the main mode for getting around the community, the release stated. Nevertheless, Powell River is fairly compact, and the city envisions a future where people of all ages and abilities can easily and comfortably get around using active transportation: cycling, walking or public transit, according to the release, and the game-changer project will help the community get there.
Delivered in conjunction with CEA, accelerating active transportation will assist the city in making progress on its active transportation goals, specifically by developing a public engagement strategy and internal implementation, and change management strategy, assisting the city in securing external funding for active transportation infrastructure, and updating relevant plans, policies, and regulations. The work will build off Powell River’s Park and Trails Master Plan and the 2021 Bicycle Network Strategy.
“For all communities to reach their targets for greenhouse gas emission reductions this decade, significant changes have to be made,” stated Dale Littlejohn, CEA executive director. “Communities across BC are already implementing many of the known, high-impact solutions to reduce emissions, and some are ready to push the boundaries of what is possible. Communities such as Powell River are game-changers; they are advancing bold initiatives with the potential to have impacts beyond their borders. We’re proud to leverage our expertise and assist them in understanding the complete picture of emissions associated with where we live and work.”
CEA is a member-based, nonprofit organization working since 1995 to help communities reduce emissions, conserve energy, and progressively transition to a low-carbon, resilient economy. See the game-changer web page for more info: communityenergy.ca/cea-game-changer-grant.
