Energy and Greenhouse Gasses (GHG's) are taking an increasingly important role in North American life. The impacts of energy security and stability are felt by everyone at an every-day level all over North America in hydro bills, gas bills, and at the pump by consumers filling vehicles. Energy and GHG management predominate the news, directly impact Climate Change, and affect everything from individual household budgets, to regional power outages, to extreme weather events (wildfire, flooding, etc.).

The Squamish Community Energy Action Plan (CEAP) emerged from a preliminary energy and GHG management discussion paper that is part of the Smart Growth on the Ground concept plan. Squamish was also selected as one of four cities internationally that was assessed for energy and GHG management in the 'Bridging to the Future' exercise, and this provided the District with a 2005 baseline GHG inventory. As of 2005, Squamish residents generated 7.62 tonnes of greenhouse gasses per person, per year.

At a municipal level, the case to review Energy Efficiency and Greenhouse Gas emissions is being emphasized by changes in legislation from the Provincial Government. Bill 27-2008 (Green Communities) identifies new responsibilities for municipalities in terms of greenhouse gas reduction, but also identifies new tools to help communities achieve reductions realistically (ie: Development Cost Charge credits, parking standard reductions and credits). The province is assertively encouraging municipalities to join the BC Climate Action Charter, and the provincial government also introduced the Carbon Tax, which took effect on July 1, 2008. The Carbon Tax is scheduled to increase incrementally every year to 2012. At a provincial level, there is a clear message that the 'status quo' approach to energy and emissions is no longer feasible.

The Community Energy Action Plan (CEAP) is made up of the following components:

• District Energy/Neighbourhood Energy Utility (NEU) Catalyst Project
• Sustainability Block (S-Block) Catalyst Project
• Multi-modal Transportation Hub (Transpo-Hub)
• Municipal Green Building Policy
• Green Building Policy
• Regional Energy Discussion Paper

Some components have received preliminary endorsement from Squamish Council as they move from concept to action, and others are in the early stages of policy development.

To read more about these components, please click here:

Squamish has been the fortunate recipient of numerous grants that have helped fund the development of Energy and GHG reduction concepts and policy development in the Community Energy Action Plan, including the Community Action on Energy and Emissions GOLD award in 2007, and was given honorable mention at the  UBCM meeting in September 2008. The 2005-2008 Council also established themselves in a Champion role, through initiatives like the 12-Step Pledge and participating in the One Change, One Year Challenge.