Check out council candidate responses to EK Climate Hub survey below. 

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A selection of questions were sent to all candidates in the East Kootenay on Sept 11, 2022, and here are their responses:  

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• RDEK Areas: 2022 Local Government Elections in RDEK (RDEK area) (Responses)

• City of Cranbrook: 2022 Local Government Elections in RDEK (Cranbrook) (Responses)

• City of Fernie: 2022 Local Government Elections in RDEK (Fernie) (Responses)

• City of Kimberley:2022 Local Government Elections in RDEK (Kimberley) (Responses)

• District of Elkford: 2022 Local Government Elections in RDEK (Dist of Elkford) (Responses)

• District of Invermere: 2022 Local Government Elections in RDEK (Dist of Invermere) (Responses)

• District of Sparwood2022 Local Government Elections in RDEK (Dist of Sparwood) (Responses)

• Village of Canal Flats: 2022 Local Government Elections in RDEK (Canal Flats) (Responses)

• Village of Radium Hot Springs:2022 Local Government Elections in RDEK (Radium Hot Springs) (Responses)

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East Kootenay Climate Hub encourages residents to ask questions of their candidates. Here are some sample questions:

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1. Local governments influence about ½ of Canada’s GHG emissions through decisions related to buildings, transportation and waste. Are you supportive of the following climate-related actions being included in strategic plans?

• establishing net zero emission targets

• decarbonizing municipal building

• expanding home retrofit programs

• improving low or zero carbon transportation options

• increasing waste diversion programs 

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2. What action would you take to protect the Area or City from extreme weather events and to bolster community resiliency? 

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3. Do you support aligning greenhouse gas reduction targets with the provincial and federal targets - 40% GHG reduction by 2030 and net zero by 2050? ie. Clean BC Roadmap to 2030 targets; federal 2030 Emission Reduction Plan)  

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4. Do you support future strategic priorities being aligned with shorter, interim reduction targets as we move to net zero by 2050?

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5. Of the Ten Smart Growth Principles, which do you think would best address the top issue(s) in your Area? 

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6. Communities in the East Kootenays are projected to have 5-10 times more extremely hot days in the coming decades. Do you support phasing in urban landscaping (shade trees) and hardscaping (permeable and light-coloured surfaces) for a more livable community during extreme heat events?

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7. Do you agree with: (yes/no answers are suitable and you are welcome to add more to your answer if you would like)

• Mixed zoning neighbourhoods ie. a mix of residential with some commercial services.

• Strengthening local food and renewable energy systems.

• Speed limits of 30km/hr in neighbourhoods and 40km/hr on arterial roads.

• Accelerating the adoption of building requirements to Step Code 4 from 2027 to 2025 How the BC Energy Step Code works | Energy Step Code

• Lowering cost of public transit to increase ridership and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

• Electrifying public transit.

• Electrifying public buildings.

• A more bike and micro e-mobility friendly community including for example, bike storage downtown, bike/scooter lanes and trails that are well located for transportation in the city.

• Planting more trees in neighbourhoods and along the boulevards.

• Zoning changes to allow for greater density.

• Establishing locations for response to extreme weather events including heat, drought, smoke, extended power outages, etc.

Additional Resources:

• Best practices for local government climate action Climate Caucus - Councillor’s Handbook

• Emissions reductions contribute to wide-ranging benefits to a community. SFU’s Action on Climate Team has produced this primer on Low-Carbon Resilience for Mayors and Council

• These Kootenay communities are committed | Kootenay Business (kootenaybiz.com)

• Neighbours United survey on climate change, conservation and food sustainability All Candidate Survey

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