February 2024

**Why am I receiving this newsletter?**

If you don't recall subscribing to this newsletter and wonder why you are receiving it, it's likely because you signed our recent heat pump petition. We discovered after the fact that by default, the petition page adds you to our newsletter mailing list. If you like this newsletter and want to continue to receive it you don't need to do anything; you will continue to receiving monthly updates from the Nanaimo Climate Action Hub. To unsubscribe, simply scroll to the very bottom where you will find a 'click here' link that will do the trick.

Greetings from Heather Baitz, NCAH Board President

I hope everyone has had a chance to enjoy the sunshine we have seen here and there this week. We are now more than half way through the winter, and I'm hearing about lots of spring gardening plans!

While we enjoy the start of brighter and milder days, let's keep in mind the work we must continue to focus on together in the face of this climate emergency. Last week concerns were raised about ongoing drought conditions given the inadequate snowpack we're seeing again this year.

As an organization we kicked this year off to a great start with our Annual General Meeting, held on January 27th. Thank you to all of you who were able to come!

We had a great meeting, including an interactive session in which members shared ideas for initiatives and priorities for this year. We shared a fantastic potluck dinner and enjoyed the creative croons of Dan Parker. I am also excited to welcome two new board members: Deanna Fourt and Aragorn Klockars!

I look forward to seeing many of you get even more involved this year. Stay tuned for updates on new climate action opportunities this year. There is sure to be something for everyone!

Warmly,

Heather

NCAH is Bringing Your Voice to Victoria!

On February 26th Larry Whaley will lead the NCAH Affordable Heat Pump Delegation to Victoria to deliver your message on heat pump affordability to B.C.'s ministers of Energy, Mines & Low Carbon Innovation (Hon. Josie Osborne) and Social Development & Poverty Reduction (Hon. Sheila Malcolmson).

Add your voice to this collective action by signing the petition today, if you haven't done so already (and do share this link with anyone else you know who cares about this issue)!

People-Oriented Places are Better For the Planet (and our wallet)

"Sprawling out often means consuming land, misusing resources, and forcing residents into private cars. Building denser cities with people in mind can contribute to a reduction in greenhouse emissions while also improving the lives of residents."

This is one of the insights shared by our own Heather Baitz and Strong Towns Nanaimo Founder Michael Bassili in a recent article.

“NCAH is in favour of smart urban planning to create communities where our daily needs are close by. Combining that design with safe and reliable walking and rolling infrastructure and frequent public transit will allow us to reduce emissions” says Heather Baitz, Chair of the Nanaimo Climate Action Hub.

The article also states that while the RDN has plans for streamlining transit connections in Nanaimo, it will always have to contend with the obligation to service the sprawling suburbs in the North.

“The Regional District of Nanaimo’s five-year Transit Redevelopment Strategy lays out ambitious plans to increase service hours by 56% over 2019/20 service and nearly double the number of transit vehicles over five years,” says Heather. “This is a refreshing contrast to previous five years in which service hours decreased by 8% despite population growth of approximately 9% in the RDN. Those changes will help make transit a more appealing option for commuters. We also applaud the inclusion of digital on-demand transit for rural areas and the choice of electric vehicles when new vehicles are purchased.”

Strong Towns Nanaimo is an official partner of Nanaimo Climate Action Hub. For more information check out their website.

Extinction Rebellion Nanaimo Presents Fracking the Peace March 5

As part of its Eco Flicks series, Extinction Rebellion Nanamo will host a free viewing of Fracking the Peace, a powerful documentary by Stand.earth following the people whose lives, water, and land have been changed by fracking.

Fracking the Peace follows community members living on Treaty 8 territory in Northeastern B.C. as they tell the story of how fracking has impacted their lives. Home to the majestic Peace River, this region has been ravaged by more than 31,000 fracking wells threatening livelihoods, physical and mental health, and the very water that sustains the life and spirit of these communities.

Fracking in B.C. is currently responsible for the majority of B.C.’s methane emissions. Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas that is 86x more toxic for the atmosphere than CO2, and has been historically under-reported in B.C. Yet, the fracking industry receives the single largest oil and gas subsidy from the B.C. government. Fracking the Peace paints a picture of how fracking development in B.C. has been allowed to skyrocket at the expense of the health and safety of watersheds, communities, and the rich agricultural landscape they called home.

When: Tuesday, March 5th, 5:30 pm

Where: Vancouver Island Regional Library — Nanaimo Harbourfront

Who: Anyone

Cost: Free

Mark your calendar: Seedy Sunday — March 2nd!

NCAH will be at Seedy Sunday 2024. A collaboration between Nanaimo Foodshare and Namaimo Community Gardens, Seedy Sunday is a one-day community event to promote seed saving, local seed providers, and provide education on growing local. More than 1000 community members are expected. Join in on the free educational workshops focused on growing, and connect with local vendors with information and products related to growing, eating, and supporting local.

Come by our table and say hi!

Looking for an easy way to support Nanaimo Climate Action Hub?

We have an account with the Regional Recycling South Return-It Depot at 839 Victoria Road in Nanaimo. You can donate the money from returnable items by asking the clerk to credit the Nanaimo Climate Action Hub account. Thanks in advance for your support. It makes a huge difference!

This newsletter is a publication of the Nanaimo Climate Action Hub. For more information, please click below:

We respectfully acknowledge that we live, work and play on the traditional territories of the Snuneymuxw, Stz'uminus and Snaw-Naw-As First Nations.