Kelowna Climate Coalition Input on Climate Resilient Kelowna Strategy (CRKS)
- KCC Team
- May 31, 2024
- 15 min read
DRAFT
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for discussion and review on Sunday June 2, at 6-8pm.
Introduction
As the City of Kelowna navigates the complex landscape of climate change and sustainability, it is crucial to adopt comprehensive strategies that address key drivers of climate resilience. This document outlines various strategies and actions that the city can implement to phase out fossil fuels urgently, improve energy efficiency, enhance public engagement, and ensure equitable distribution of environmental benefits. The aim is to create a robust framework for sustainable urban development that meets CleanBC targets and promotes long-term ecological balance.
Key Drivers (no comments on 7, 8, 10)
Reduce Reliance on Vehicles
Transition to Efficient, Low-Carbon Vehicles
Create Low Carbon, Efficient, Resilient Buildings
Support Low Carbon Resilient Energy
Create Complete, Compact, Resilient Communities
Employ Nature-Based Solutions
Reduce Emissions from Waste
Increase the Resiliency of Infrastructure and Assets
Improve Climate Emergency Preparedness
Demonstrate Corporate Climate Leadership
Comments on Each 'Driver'
Key Driver 1: Reduce Reliance on Vehicles
Kelowna needs a big vision for rapid transit to connect all parts of our city and region. Kelowna needs to lead in collaborating with neighboring cities on supportive land uses.
benefiting the entire city.
Strategy T1: Create fast and reliable transit. Figure 15: We take issue with this graphic; it should be on a proper scale. It shows cycling is right next to an electric car for higher emissions - this is highly inaccurate. The graphic needs a scale to it.
T1.1 New Transit Maintenance & Operations Centre (includes infrastructure for electric bus conversion). If this is to be used as justification, there needs to be stronger links to how this will ACTUALLY result in fewer emissions. The construction of a yard does not result in reduced emissions. We understand increased service might, but there is no guarantee of this, and barely a reference to it in the document.
Dedicated Transit Lanes. This should meet the Institute for Transportation & Development Policy (ITDP) Gold Standard for Bus Rapid Transit. The City should evaluate the proposed system under the ITDP criteria or pay for a formal evaluation.
More frequent transit (e.g., increased service hours for custom transit, on-demand transit service). RapidBus with full signal priority, queue jumping, and other BRT-lite features should be included on all frequent routes, with a set definition of frequent. This should include HandyDart and align with shift work.
Transit pass program expansion, including the option to expand the discounted funding pass program to reach more of those in need. What steps are being taken to collaborate with Okanagan College (OC) to implement a UPass equivalent.? Has the City engaged with OC employees, the Okanagan Transit Alliance, and other stakeholders; if not, will you?
Implement all biking infrastructure projects in the TMP. Commit to All Ages and Abilities (AAA) for all future bike lanes, and expand mode-shift projects to align with CleanBC mode shift targets. As a senior I would like to bike more than I do but I do not feel safe doing so. An opportunity to talk to planners about what I as a senior would need to feel safe on a bike lane would be useful. So let’s get some public input arrangements going re biking infrastructure.
Increase investment in crosswalk safety, signals, and flashers. Implement a Continuous Sidewalk design standard for all non-arterial roads and urban centers.
Increase investment in a Neighbourhood Traffic Calming Program. Ensure that majority support equals implementation (currently if 31% are against, projects will not go ahead), and focus on protected intersections, neck downs, and other safety measures beyond speed bumps.
Improve bike and sidewalk year-round maintenance: Increase to high or critical priority.
Develop and implement the Employer Commute Trip Reduction program. Has the City committed to a Parking Cash-out program instead of a free parking pass program for employees? Will large employers be encouraged to enroll in the transit pass program?
The City’s Transportation Master Plan misallocates funding to many road expansion projects supporting car-dependent sprawl rather than sustainable transportation
Key Driver 2: Transition to Efficient, Low-Carbon Vehicles
T5.2 Offer additional residential charging incentives for multifamily residential buildings. Align this with the exact wording of T5.1 (implement EV-ready requirements).
T8.4 Develop and implement a Traffic Mobility Plan to increase the efficiency of existing traffic flow. What are the specific plans for implementing “give way” roundabouts, considering their effectiveness on major highways and small roads (in the UK)
Avoid enlarging intersections and adding roads/lanes, as this increases car trips.
Goals like improving incident response would be better served by transit lanes, center-turn lanes, or bike paths.
Key Driver 3: Create Low Carbon, Efficient, Resilient Buildings
B1.6 Leverage data and modeling to explore opportunities for targeted retrofit programming for specific archetypes, neighborhoods, or equity-seeking groups. Yes, this is low hanging fruit.
B1.8 Promote government, utilities, and other third-party retrofit financing and incentives for energy efficiency retrofits. Investigate financing retrofits through local improvement charges with credit unions.
(Gap): Promote retrofits following a zero-carbon pathway.
B3.1 Investigate and implement policies to reduce local barriers to building to the highest Energy Step Code and/or Zero Carbon Step Code. Remove the word “or.” This is critical and both should be implemented as soon as possible.
B3.2 Accelerate Energy Step Code and/or Zero Carbon Step Code adoption. Remove the word “or” to emphasize both efficiency and low carbon. Heat pumps for heating/cooling and hot water should be prioritized in new builds starting Jan 1, 2025 at the latest. Why does it make sense to build without heat pumps now only to need a retrofit within a few years?
Mark Bernhardt, CHBA BC vice-president said heat pumps are low-hanging fruit for Kelowna in a recent webinar. Ask Mark to present to Council before they vote
B3.3 Collaborate with industry, service organizations, utilities, and other government levels to promote incentives and training around energy-efficient and low-carbon building practices. Include post-secondary institutions and local businesses. What collaborative efforts is the City considering?
B4.1 Advocate to higher levels of government to add heat-risk reduction elements to the local building code, such as thermal insulation, roof reflectance, space cooling requirements, and shading. Yes, agree this is critical
B4.2 Investigate policy options to integrate climate-resilient roof spaces for buildings in neighborhoods projected to experience increased urban heat island effects: Yes, agree it is critical
(Gap) Support and educate the building community on low-carbon materials and tools to determine embodied carbon.
Key Driver 4: Support Low Carbon Resilient Energy
EN1.2 Support the identification and development of regional renewable natural gas (RNG) resources, such as anaerobic digestion of food scraps and waste decomposition. As long as it involves capturing methane already being produced. Do not aim to increase methane production. Use correct terminology by referring to "natural gas" as "fossil gas."
In this section we are not seeing "Ban methane in new builds" - why not?
Key Driver 5: Create Complete, Compact, Resilient Communities
C1.1 Embed a climate and health lens in growth management plans. Apply this to urban center planning, neighborhood plans, etc.
Launch a mixed-use zoning program in current exclusionary Euclidean zone areas.
Discontinue policies allowing single-story big box stores.
I don't know where this would fit in, but closing off neighbourhoods to through traffic as is done in many other cities to make quieter streets with less traffic. (included in general comments below also)
C2.3 Consider opportunities to adjust parking requirements and on-street parking management to support infill development.
Follow the examples of Spokane, High River, and Edmonton by abolishing Parking Minimums within the Permanent Growth Boundary.
C3.2 Develop “Model City Climate” to inform growth management decisions.
Consider adopting a climate budget and using climate accounting to reduce overall emissions year on year.
Key Driver 6: Employ Nature-Based Solutions
N2.1 Implement the Sustainable Urban Forest Strategy to enhance the urban tree canopy.
Many cities have implemented bylaws to protect trees on private property, ensuring that tree removal is regulated and that replacement trees are planted. This is essential for maintaining and expanding our urban canopy. Kelowna should follow suit by creating a private property tree protection bylaw that requires permits for tree removal and mandates tree replacement.
Whenever homeowners request to cut down a tree, they should receive educational materials highlighting the benefits of trees and the importance of urban forestry. This can help foster a culture of tree preservation and encourage residents to consider alternatives to removal.
Trees planted today will mature in 30-40 years, providing long-term benefits similar to investing in a retirement savings plan. Immediate tree planting action is necessary to ensure that future generations enjoy the environmental, economic, and social benefits of a thriving urban forest.
We need diversity of species.
Emphasize that 78% of our trees are on private property with no current protection. The city will not be able to keep up with replanting trees on city property or boulevards when we lose trees on private property. Not every private lot is going to be part of all the developments that will be happening. There will still be a large segment of the city that will remain just as it is now. The trees on those properties need to be protected with a private property tree bylaw. Educating people about the significance their one tree has to their immediate vicinity is crucial as it is to the city as a whole as well. (Orchard Park removed several trees from their parking lot in the past few weeks to create more parking spaces. ) Tree removal permit requirements would give us a way of counting the loss of trees on private property.
Assist with the cost of using an arborist. Not everyone can afford to have trees pruned, etc.
The 2011 SUFS estimated Kelowna had 3.3 million trees valued at $1.1 billion. However, the current report indicates the value of trees in 2023 at only $9.8 million. It would be good to have the $ amounts clarified as to what valuing system they looked at in 2011, and is it the same as what they looked at in 2023. And if not, can they come up with a value of the trees in 2023 using the same criteria as they used in 2011 so we can see if there is a gain or loss?
There are many statements in the Sustainable Urban Forest Strategy (SUFS) about how important trees are. I particularly like the fact that trees result in less use of water because of the cooling effect they provide. Water availability is also an important problem we will face in the future, so let's discuss trees and water together.
There are yearly numbers given for trees needed to be planted to reach the targeted goals for tree canopy coverage in various parts of the city. Not all trees that are planted survive. Does the number account for the percentage of young trees that will not survive the planting process, or should the number be revised upwards?
Use the 3-30-300 rule to plan where parks and green spaces should be created and enhanced. Adjust it to suit Kelowna's arid climate but use the idea as a guide to creating good neighbourhoods.
"increasing the tree canopy coverage in our Urban and Core areas could help reduce the number of people impacted by heat waves by 20 percent"...important because that is going to impact the health care system which is already struggling to keep up with current health issues. So significant savings of health care costs down the line.
Key Driver 9: Improve Climate Emergency Preparedness
EP1.3 Ensure Accurate Emissions Reduction Tracking
How will the City provide accurate evidence and data to show progress on emissions reduction from 2016 to 2023? What steps will be taken to ensure the inclusion of accurate data in future reports, and how will the statement that “Kelowna could exceed the 40 percent reduction target by 2030” be substantiated?
General Comments:
The Climate Resilience Strategy does not set Kelowna on a credible trajectory to achieve its current climate targets, let alone the higher level of ambition required within the next five years.
While the plan includes many actions, the critical issue is how these actions contribute to phasing out fossil fuels in buildings and transportation and protecting the city from the growing impacts of the climate crisis.
It’s not clear how the actions align with meeting both short-term and long-term targets. Most actions lack concrete, quantifiable commitments and mainly reference the existing Official Community Plan and Transportation Master Plan, which have resulted in car-oriented tall, sprawl, and strip mall development.
In the background text on the website, it states, “The Climate Resilient Kelowna Strategy outlines actions to put us on a path to reduce community greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 40% below 2007 levels by 2030 (and net zero emissions by 2050), while helping us become more resilient to climate change impacts.” Focus on the phrase “PUT US ON A PATH”; this implies we will not achieve these targets. What will actually be achieved in real numbers? This is a fundamental question that should be asked.
Modeling the Future, P. 21: Emissions Reduction Figure 9. We are in 2024, and the figure shows actions starting in 2016. Where are we in 2023 in actual numbers? Without lines, it’s tough to say exactly, but it looks as though we should be about 80-100 Kt less than where we were in 2016. There is no evidence provided to show if we are on track. What does the evidence and data say? Without accurate data, the inclusion of the model in the report and the statement “Kelowna could exceed the 40 per cent reduction target by 2030” is highly misleading or downright false.
What is not discussed are the projects that contradict or work against achieving climate targets. For instance, $5.3 million allocated to road projects in 2024.
Kelowna needs a big vision for rapid transit to connect all parts of our city and region. The city must lead in collaborating with neighboring cities on supportive land uses.
Kelowna must revise area structure plans (sprawl), as they are outdated, assume continued car dependence, are unaffordable, contribute to congestion, and do not align with new provincial regulations. These plans should support sustainable transportation and reduce infrastructure costs while protecting Kelowna’s natural areas.
The City’s Transportation Master Plan misallocates funding to many road expansion projects supporting car-dependent sprawl rather than sustainable transportation benefiting the entire city.
On buildings, there needs to be a clear commitment to adopt the zero-carbon step code, promote heat pumps, especially during replacements or new air conditioning purchases, and engage with trades to encourage these measures.
For commercial and multifamily buildings, energy benchmarking should be required, not just promoted, along with water benchmarking and building performance standards. The city also needs to commit to zero emissions for its buildings and reduce embodied emissions.
Remove reliance on Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) in energy modeling,, as it assumes the province's 16% target by 2030 would be allocated to Kelowna's buildings, which is not a credible assumption. FortisBC’s resource modeling has proven insufficient supply for 100% decarbonization of buildings.
Community-wide action and education, as well as a climate lens in decision-making, are acknowledged as necessary. The disconnect between community and climate action needs bridging through political leadership, a credible way to evaluate climate impacts, and a platform for community collaboration.
In 2011, there were estimated to be 3.3 million trees in Kelowna valued at $1.1 billion. The current report does not specify the number of trees but states the value of trees in 2023 is $9.8 million, indicating Kelowna is falling behind on tree canopy needs.
We are only 5.5 years from 2030 and need more urgency. Insufficient action will lead to climate migration from Kelowna, with people already considering leaving due to extreme heat.
Questions to address: How do we add teeth to the strategy? How do we measure and adjust along the way? What happens if targets are not met?
Energy poverty is a concern as people cannot afford to run air conditioners in May, let alone during summer.
Kelowna has no target to fully decarbonize municipal buildings.
Research and development at major manufacturers are now focused solely on heat pumps, not gas furnaces.
Tree canopy targets are insufficient, particularly the 12% in urban centers where the heat is already extreme.
There is no focus on embodied carbon.
Area Structure Plans need updating to reflect the current climate reality and align with Clean BC targets and the Safe Mobility Action Plan.
Car share should be offered more widely in multifamily residential buildings, with education/experience days arranged.
Collaboration with post-secondary students, such as having Okanagan College graduates install heat pumps and heat pump water heaters in the Okanagan Mission Activity Centre, is needed.
Will the City greenhouses grow native plants, not just annuals?
A Sustainable Events Checklist should be implemented for all catered city events.
Apply a climate lens to new hires’ duties, (i.e. for Landscape Design Technicians, include asking for knowledge and experience with native plantings..
The survey should allow more opportunity for written feedback, providing sincere engagement opportunities.
Synergy with WaterSmart and FireSmart initiatives should continue.
A 3-30-300 rule is needed for tree canopy.
I dont know where this would fit in, but closing off neighbourhoods to through traffic as is done in many other cities to make quieter streets with less traffic.
Comments as Questions (below)
Key Driver 1: Reduce Reliance on Vehicles
T1.2 Dedicated Transit Lanes
How does the City plan to meet the ITDP Gold Standard for Bus Rapid Transit? Will the proposed system be evaluated under ITDP criteria, and if so, when?
T1.3 More Frequent Transit
Does the plan for more frequent transit include RapidBus features like full signal priority, queue jumping, and other BRT-lite elements on all frequent routes? Will HandyDart services be included and aligned with shift work schedules?
T1.5 Transit Pass Program Expansion
What steps are being taken to collaborate with Okanagan College to implement a UPass equivalent and expand the discounted transit pass program to reach more people in need? Are there plans for direct transit routes to the airport?
T2.1 Implement All Biking Infrastructure Projects
How does the City plan to commit to All Ages and Abilities (AAA) for all future bike lanes and expand mode-shift projects to align with CleanBC mode shift targets?
T2.2 Increase Investment in Crosswalk Safety
What are the specific plans for implementing a Continuous Sidewalk design standard for all non-arterial roads and urban centers?
T2.3 Increase Investment in a Neighbourhood Traffic Calming Program
How will the City ensure majority support for implementing traffic calming measures, and what focus will be given to protected intersections, neck downs, and other safety measures beyond speed bumps?
T2.11 Improve Bike and Sidewalk Year-Round Maintenance
What steps will the City take to prioritize year-round maintenance of bike paths and sidewalks, making it a high or critical priority?
T4.1 Develop and Implement the Employer Commute Trip Reduction Program
Has the City committed to a Parking Cash-out program instead of a free parking pass program for employees? Will large employers be encouraged to enroll in the transit pass program?
Key Driver 2: Transition to Efficient, Low-Carbon Vehicles
T5.2 Offer Additional Residential Charging Incentives for Multifamily Residential Buildings
How will the City ensure that additional residential charging incentives align with the exact wording and requirements of T5.1?
T8.4 Develop and Implement a Traffic Mobility Plan
What are the specific plans for implementing roundabouts, considering their effectiveness on major highways and small roads in the UK? How will the City avoid enlarging intersections and adding roads/lanes, which could increase car trips?
Key Driver 3: Create Low Carbon, Efficient, Resilient Buildings
B1.6 Leverage Data and Modeling for Targeted Retrofit Programming
How will the City use data and modeling to identify opportunities for targeted retrofit programming for specific archetypes, neighborhoods, or equity-seeking groups?
B1.8 Promote Government, Utilities, and Third-Party Retrofit Financing
What steps will the City take to investigate and promote financing retrofits through local improvement charges with credit unions and other third parties?
B1.11 Promote Zero-Carbon Pathway Retrofits
Will the City introduce specific initiatives to promote retrofits that follow a zero-carbon pathway?
B3.1 Investigate and Implement Policies to Reduce Barriers to the Highest Energy Step Code
What policies will the City implement to reduce local barriers to adopting the highest Energy Step Code or Zero Carbon Step Code, and how soon can these be implemented?
B3.2 Accelerate Energy Step Code and Zero Carbon Step Code Adoption
How will the City ensure the removal of the word “or” to emphasize the adoption of both efficiency and low carbon? Will heat pumps for heating/cooling and hot water be prioritized in new builds?
B3.3 Collaborate to Promote Energy-Efficient and Low-Carbon Building Practices
What collaborative efforts will the City undertake with industry, service organizations, utilities, and other government levels to promote incentives and training around energy-efficient and low-carbon building practices? Will post-secondary institutions and local businesses be included?
B4.1 Advocate for Heat-Risk Reduction in Local Building Codes
How will the City advocate for the inclusion of heat-risk reduction elements in the local building code, such as thermal insulation, roof reflectance, space cooling requirements, and shading?
B4.2 Integrate Climate-Resilient Roof Spaces
What policy options is the City considering to integrate climate-resilient roof spaces for buildings in neighborhoods projected to experience increased urban heat island effects?
B4.3 Advocate for FireSmart Features in the BC Building Code Update
How will the City support and educate the building community on low-carbon materials and tools to determine embodied carbon, while advocating for the inclusion of FireSmart features in the BC Building Code Update?
Key Driver 4: Support Low Carbon Resilient Energy
EN1.2 Develop Regional Renewable Natural Gas Resources
How will the City ensure that the development of regional renewable natural gas (RNG) resources focuses on capturing methane already being produced and not increasing methane production? Will the City use correct terminology by referring to "natural gas" as "fossil gas"?
Key Driver 5: Create Complete, Compact, Resilient Communities
C1.1 Embed a Climate and Health Lens in Growth Management Plans
How will the City apply a climate and health lens to growth management plans, such as urban center planning and neighborhood plans? Are there plans to launch a mixed-use zoning program in current exclusionary Euclidean zone areas?
C2.3 Adjust Parking Requirements to Support Infill Development
How will the City consider adjusting parking requirements and on-street parking management to support infill development? Will the City follow examples from Spokane, High River, and Edmonton by abolishing parking minimums within the Permanent Growth Boundary?
C3.2 Develop “Model City Climate” for Growth Management Decisions
What steps will the City take to develop “Model City Climate” to inform growth management decisions? Is there consideration for adopting a climate budget and using climate accounting to reduce overall emissions year on year?
Key Driver 6: Employ Nature-Based Solutions
N2.1 Implement the Sustainable Urban Forest Strategy
Does the current number of trees to be planted account for the percentage of young trees that will not survive, or should the number be revised upwards to ensure targeted goals for tree canopy coverage are met?
N2.3 Create a Private Property Tree Protection Bylaw
Is there a plan to create a private property tree protection bylaw requiring permits for tree removal and replacement? How will the City address this long-standing goal of the Kelowna Tree Protectors (KTP)?
N1.4 Maintain or Expand the Current Fuel Treatment Program
What actions will the City take to ensure that trees planted now will be mature in 30-40 years, and how will this be prioritized? How does the City plan to start tree planting actions as soon as possible to ensure future benefits?
N3.6 Develop a Natural Environment Strategy with Regional Responses
How will the City integrate the importance of trees in reducing water use due to their cooling effect into the natural environment strategy? What steps will be taken to discuss trees and water together, considering future water availability issues?
Key Driver 9: Improve Climate Emergency Preparedness
EP1.3 Ensure Accurate Emissions Reduction Tracking
How will the City provide accurate evidence and data to show progress on emissions reduction from 2016 to 2023? What steps will be taken to ensure the inclusion of accurate data in future reports, and how will the statement that “Kelowna could exceed the 40 percent reduction target by 2030” be substantiated?
Key Driver 10: Demonstrate Corporate Climate Leadership
CL1.1 Address Projects Contradicting Climate Targets
How will the City address projects that contradict or work against achieving climate targets, such as the $5.3 million allocated to road projects in 2024? What measures will be taken to ensure that all projects align with the climate targets set by the City?
Comments