As new information comes out on the speed of global warming, many countries are stepping up climate targets to reach them earlier and cut emissions further. However, in BC FortisBC is still developing fossil gas for buildings by promoting RNG. Also, over a dozen municipalities have opted to accelerate building bylaws requiring new construction to be using renewable sources for heat and hot water by choosing Emissions Level 4 (EL4) which aims to set the path to zero operational carbon in all types of new buildings by 2030.

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Here is sample wording to create a letter to Mayor and Council. Copy, paste, and send!  (Links below HOW TO Send)

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To Mayor and Council:

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Begin by using your own words.

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• Personal letters are much more powerful than form letters.

• Keep it concise (300-400 words). Draw on personal examples to describe why you’re passionate about climate change. Say why this issue is important to you, back it up with evidence, and summarize with an opinion of what should be done.

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Introduction (sample wording)

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Congratulations for Declaring a Climate Emergency and creating a bold Community Climate Action Plan. Together these initiatives provide a sound basis for Penticton to make progress to address the climate crisis.

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Our city stands at an historic crossroads. Your government is signalling a new direction to reduce carbon emissions, but you must turn more sharply and then hold the course. Choosing to enact a bylaw for all new buildings to use renewable energy sources for heat, hot water and cooking will reduce our community's emissions greatly.

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I urge you to make the following changes to make the plan to reduce emissions even stronger:

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Choose several main points to make:

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1. Set the building bylaw to ZCSC EL4 starting in January 2025 instead of 2030 for all Part 9 (residences) and Part 3 (Multi Unit Residential Buildings and Commercial) construction. Waiting six more years to match the BC government targets only makes the task of getting to net zero more difficult.

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2. Direct staff to work with advisory groups to hold Climate and ZCSC educational seminars for builders and developers on how to build to Net Zero while keeping construction costs in check.

 

3. Direct staff to strongly inform the public of the HELP program for loans to retrofit existing homes to be closer to Net Zero Carbon emissions.

 

4.  Hire a Climate Concierge to assist homeowners in how to choose retrofits and apply for provincial and federal government rebates, educating on the health benefits and cost effectiveness of using clean every.

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End on a positive note:

• Thank you for considering these important climate solutions.

• We know you are committed to making life better for Penticton residents.

• We can make meaningful change and create a better future.

• We can be leaders in the Okanagan Valley taking bold action to reduce emissions.

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