Communities throughout the province were recognized for their climate leadership, and have been supported in taking further action, with over $7 million from the Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program.

“Local governments are taking significant strides to address climate change,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “A record number are measuring their emissions this year, and we’re here to support communities that are advancing initiatives and innovations that make life better for people by protecting our environment.”

In total, 45 local governments in B.C. are carbon neutral, including newly carbon-neutral communities such as Lumby and Kitimat-Stikine Regional District.

Local governments that report annually on the actions they are taking to reduce their carbon footprint are eligible for the Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program (CARIP) grant. CARIP provides a refund to local governments equal to 100% of the carbon taxes they pay. In 2018, local governments will receive over $7 million in support of their climate action initiatives.

“Local governments in British Columbia are integral partners in meeting our climate action goals, showing tremendous leadership and commitment,” said George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. “I welcome the communities who have achieved carbon neutrality for the first time this year. Our government is focused on seeing strong, sustainable and clean economic growth that makes life better for people living in B.C.”

Demonstrating a provincewide commitment to addressing climate action at the community level, 187 out of 190 local governments have signed on to the B.C Climate Action Charter.

To see this year’s CARIP grants for specific local governments in B.C., visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/CARIP_2017.pdf

Quick Facts:

• The Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program summary report details some of the impressive actions that communities around the province have taken: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/british-columbians-our-governments/local-governments/planning-land-use/carip_2017_summary.pdf   
• The Province and the Union of B.C. Municipalities established the voluntary B.C. Climate Action Charter in 2007.

Learn More:

For more information about the Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/local-governments/grants-transfers/climate-action-revenue-incentive-program-carip