Click here to see the full document and survey.
Introduction
Reaching net-zero emissions and adapting to a changing climate will require a whole-of-society approach. The new Local Government Climate Action Program (the Program or LGCAP) aims to catalyze the efficient flow of financial resources, data and knowledge between Modern Treaty Nations, local governments, and the Provincial Government to allow for cost effective, impactful, locally implemented climate action. For more information about the Program you can refer to the website and Program Guide.
What is climate action?
For the purposes of this program, a climate initiative or action is one that reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and/or strengthens resilience to the impacts of climate change (adaptation). This includes (but is not limited to): climate-related hazards; integrating climate change measures into policies, strategies and planning; improving education, raising awareness of climate change causes and solutions, increasing human and institutional capacity with respect to climate change mitigation and adaptation, and impact reduction and early warning systems.
Information collected will:
- Highlight local government and Indigenous climate leadership;
- Profile action by including local government and Modern Treaty Nation emissions, resilience and climate action performance data in the annual Climate Change Accountability Report;
- Help inform policy development and monitor progress on achieving provincial and local climate objectives; and
- Support provincial efforts to better collaborate with and support communities to advance climate action.
The survey was informed by:
- Feedback from local governments, Modern Treaty Nations and ministerial partners;
- National and international GHG reporting protocols; and
- The CDP (global disclosure system).
Instructions
*Please do not provide any personal information (e.g. email, phone number) in the survey.
Survey: Word Version
A survey template (i.e. a Word version) is available on the Local Government Climate Action Program webpage. The template can be used to gather information from staff across departments.
Then simply cut and paste into the online version where you'll be submitting the survey.
Survey: Online Version
SimpleSurvey allows multiple users to access your survey, though two people cannot enter information at the same time.
- For other users to contribute to your survey, simply share the unique link with your team members.
- Users must select "Save and continue later" when they are done updating the survey but not ready to submit.
Required fields are indicated with a red asterisk (*). You will not be able to submit the survey and attestation form without completing these fields.
- Some fields have formatting considerations (i.e. numbers only). You will not be able to submit the survey and attestation form until all required fields are completed properly. The red text error message will indicate what is needed.
Attestation Form
The attestation form is filled in after survey questions are completed. It is the second page of the SimpleSurvey submission.
- The attestation form is where the Chief Financial Officer, or equivalent position, attest to the following:
- That Local Government Climate Action Program funding has been, or will be, allocated to climate action.
- That Local Government Climate Action Program funds held in reserve will be spent by March 31, 2025.
- That a completed and signed version of this form and survey contents will be publicly posted by September 30, 2023.
Requirements
1. Reporting
- Report on at least one project linked to objectives from the CleanBC Roadmap to 2030 and/or Climate Preparedness and Adaptation Strategy. If your community reports one initiative related to one sector (e.g. buildings) you have satisfied this requirement. Funding for the project(s) does not need to come from this program.
- Attest that funds will be allocated to climate initiatives before submitting your survey.
- For communities with populations of 15,000+, measuring and reporting local government or Nation's corporate emissions is required.
- Optional open-ended questions asking for one or more initiatives related to climate action may be highlighted in the LGCAP Year 2 Summary Report or other Program materials to acknowledge innovative local climate solutions.
2. Deadline to submit the survey & attestation form
The deadline for submitting your survey and attestation form is 4 PM PDT on July 31, 2023.
3. Posting the survey & attestation form publicly
- The design / format of the form can be changed however all information from required questions must be included.
- Optional questions and answers can be omitted.
- The deadline to post the survey and attestation form publicly is September 30, 2023.
Download a copy for your records!
Once submitted, you can download a copy of the completed survey and attestation form (PDF, Excel, and Word options). If you close this window before the download link appears, please reach out for a copy of your submission.
Support
If the survey is accidentally submitted, a submitted survey needs to be revised, or if you have any questions, please reach out to us at LGCAP@gov.bc.ca. We will be happy to provide assistance.
Thank you!
The LGCAP Team