ClimateChange

British Columbians are embracing zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) faster than any other jurisdiction in North America, according to the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation.

“We’ve just been watching the climate crisis and what’s been happening in the world. I feel like at this point this is one of the ways I see us starting to solve it because it’s pretty desperate right now,” said Teegan Walshe.

Storm damage to seawalls and properties in Qualicum Beach has highlighted the importance of alternative mitigation strategies such as green shore projects.

Sheila Watt-Cloutier, a Nobel Peace Prize nominee for her advocacy work in showing the impact of global climate change on human rights, will be the sixth keynote speaker in VIU’s Engaged Citizens Speaker Series.

City council deferred discussion on a grant that would allow the city to complete its 20-year Parksville Community Park stormwater management master plan in five years, but would still leave the city on the hook for about $1.9 million of the cost.

The CleanBC Program for Industry was awarded most creative climate solution from the Under2 Coalition, which is a global alliance of state and regional governments committed to ambitious climate action in line with the Paris agreement.

There were 48 heat-related deaths recorded in the Island Health authority between June 25 and July 1, according to the BC Coroners Service.

“This is just the ‘canary in the coal mine’ for the species at risk,” said James Arden, manager of parks and facilities, in his report during council’s Oct. 18 regular meeting.

The event was part of demonstrations across the country, including many Island communities, such as Port Alberni, Duncan and Victoria.

The RDN said walking and cycling are common recreational activities in French Creek, but few use the area as a connection route between Qualicum Beach and Parksville for commuting or other purposes, due to a lack of sidewalks, lack of wide shoulders on the roads and limited trail networks.