Sustainability should be thought of in our design. I will perhaps ease into this discussion by saying, first, that I want to ensure that as the City of Nanaimo expands and matures, and as its density increases, that we pay active mind to sustainable development in a concurrent way. I will work with council to expand our parks and protected areas, grow our urban forest, expand our active transportation network and look for innovative ways to secure our watershed forests through carbon capture initiatives. I’d like to explore securing the forests of our drinking water watershed for carbon capture. A safe and connected active transportation network of sidewalks, bike lanes and paths, coupled with walkable distances to work, play and home can change our dependency on auto transportation. Moving to electric vehicles and less reliance on vehicles will also dramatically reduce our carbon contributions to climate change. Retrofitting buildings with improved insulation and heat pumps can reduce our carbon footprint dramatically. Mitigation includes a variety of efforts to improve our efficiency. Parks, protected spaces and urban forests provide ecosystem connectivity and resiliency while also providing us space to keep calm, cool and connected during heat extremes. Abundant groundwater will be crucial in the face of fire risk. The water that infiltrates into the ground is available as base flow to streams in times of water scarcity while also providing groundwater for other natural and human needs. Protected areas like riparian land provide the opportunity to slow down and absorb rain, which protects our stream banks and water quality. If the known effects of climate change locally are going to be more intense periods of rain, prolonged periods of dry and drought, threat of wildfire and heat extremes, then some of the most effective actions we can take are expanding our parks and protected areas. Council candidates Paul ChapmanĪdaptation encompasses action on healthy watersheds and stormwater services. Green spaces along curbs have been allotted to development, leaving only pavement for the public. Trees unnecessarily cut down. Deadly emissions in the downtown core must be removed and allow people to enjoy an outdoor public square. Nanaimo is very far behind in green ecology. Which of these do you feel requires the most rapid attention and how would you prioritize action around these topic areas? Mayoral candidate Brunie Brunie GHG emissions reduction climate adaptation and mitigation healthy watershed water, sewer, and stormwater services solid waste management brownfield sites artificial lighting and dark skies). This goal includes eight policy areas (e.g. One of these is the “Green Nanaimo” goal that speaks to sustainability initiatives. Question 1: The City of Nanaimo has recently completed its City Plan that includes five central goals. The candidates we received responses from are shared below in the order in which we received them. In support of democratic principles and to shed light on an issue that matters to so much of our community, the Engagement and Dialogue Working Group for the President’s Taskforce on Climate Action and Sustainability posed two questions to all of the candidates running in Nanaimo’s 2022 municipal election. Climate action and sustainability is one of the pressing issues VIU students and employees alike are concerned about.
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