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Environmental Sustainability

Transportation Master Plan

Development of a Transportation Master Plan is an objective of the City's Official Community Plan (OCP).  The Transportation Master Plan will guide decisions on major transportation issues and infrastructure over the next 5/10/20 years and beyond.  The plan will establish a vision for what we want our transportation network to achieve, develop strategies to deal with existing and future issues, and will help us meet key community objectives.  The plan will support and help implement the OCP and other community goals.  Development of the Transportation Master Plan will require an extensive planning process to consult, discuss, analyze and develop solutions for current and future issues impacting our transportation network and city. 

City Trails Network

The City is working with many agencies to develop a comprehensive trail system that promotes safe pedestrian circulation, cycling, recreation, tourism and commuting.  To date, a network of over 130 km of trails has been developed to connect neighbourhoods, parks, schools, and other destinations in a safe, aesthetic and enjoyable manner. The network of multi-use trails links with on-street cycle routes and transit routes to facilitate commuting and alternatives to vehicular transportation. A Trail Implementation Plan and Bicycle Strategy guide the design and implementation of new trails and cycle routes over the long-term.  Brochures and online resources are available to promote routes for commuters and recreational enthusiasts.  For more information, visit Parks, Trails and Fields.

The City is working toward including more fuel efficient vehicles into service and exploring and exploring alternative fuel use.

  • City diesel vehicles have been using bio diesel mixes since May 2008.  Currently, the City uses a B20 blend (except during colder weather, when B5 is used).
  • Six hybrid vehicles are currently in the fleet.
  • Waste antifreeze is recycled through distillation to produce pure ethylene glycol and distilled water, which we use to produce new antifreeze.
  • Used oil filters are crushed and recycled to be turned into rebar.
  • Gradually replacing our older, large and medium-duty diesel powered trucks with 2007 and newer emissions-compliant diesel powered vehicles.

Electric Vehicles

Two Nissan LEAF cars have been added to the City vehicle fleet, which will provide the City with fuel and maintenance costs savings estimated between $20,000 and $25,000 per car, compared to a similar gas powered compact car over the projected ten year lifespan of the vehicles.  While electric vehicles are considerably more expensive for the City to purchase, the reduced operating costs more than offset the increased purchase price.  Greenhouse gas emission reductions per year, manufacturing through to disposal, is expected to be 80%, compared to traditional vehicles.

BC Hydro Energy Management Assessment

BC Hydro initiated a province-wide program to complete a series of Energy Management Assessments (EMAs), of its majorcustomers.   The EMA involves regularly assessing energy management performance so that action plans can be developed to guide improvement and monitor progress.  Completing the EMAs on the work of the City's Corporate Climate Change Plan and provides access to additional support and incentives from BC Hydro.  For more information on the EMA program, visit BC Hydro.

Energy Manager

In 2009, The City hired an Energy Manager to pursue initiatives that would allow the corporate City to become more efficient with energy use and to lower greenhouse gas emissions.  An energy management program has been developed and has proven to be a successful and worthwhile venture.  Within the first three years of operation, the program has achieved reduction of over 1.4 million kwh of electricity, 7000 GJ natural gas and reduced greenhouse gas emissions by almost 400 tonnes.  Some of the projects that have been completed include:

  • New lighting at Frank Crane Arena, Beban Pool, Cliff McNabb, Centennial Building, Public Works Yard, Parks Yard, Fire Stations 1,2, 3 and 7, old Museum, etc.
  • LED seasonal lights at Beban Park
  • LED lobby lights at Police Services and Bowen Park
  • LED street lighting pilot project
  • Upgrading insulation at Beban House, Public Works Truck Barn
  • Upgrade furnace/fixture controls at Public Works, Beban House, Centennial Building, Beban parking lot
  • Power Factor correction at Oliver Woods, Merle Logan Field, Swy-A-Lana lagoon, Labieux Road pump station and Third Street Rotary Field House
  • New brine heat recovery loop to replace electric resistance coils under Frank Crane rink slab
  • Gravity bypass piping to minimize use of water pumps at College Park pump station
  • Upgrading to condensing natural gas furnaces at Nanaimo Aquatic Centre and Public Works sign shop.
  • Upgrading to ultra violet water treatment at Nanaimo Aquatic Centre
  • Completed energy studies at Nanaimo Aquatic Centre, Icarus Street lighting, Cliff McNabb Arena, Beban Park Centre, Water Treatment Plant, and new City Hall Annex

Nanaimo Aquatic Centre Upgrades

The Nanaimo Aquatic Centre, which has seen over five million visitors since opening in 2001, has received several significant energy upgrades in addition to regular maintenance.  The upgrades are keeping with the City's Energy Conservation and Management Policy and contribute toward the City meeting its greenhouse gas reduction targets.

The energy saving upgrades include replacing the current ozone water treatment system with an ultraviolet system.  This change will reduce operating costs by $20,000 per year through a reduction of 322,000 kwh of electricity, or enough to power 30 homes.  An added benefit of the transition will be the noticeable reduction in the chlorine smell within the facility.  In addition, low-flow showers have been installed in the change rooms.  The showers will reduce natural gas consumption by 359 GJ, and save over $5,000 per year and eliminate 19 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.  Sensors will also be installed to control lighting and water pumps. All of the upgrades combined will reduce facility electricity use by 537,000 kwh per year, which is enough electricity to power 50 homes in Nanaimo for a year.

Other upgrades will include new condensing natural gas boilers, better heat recovery from change room exhaust air and new variable frequency drives on hot water pumps.  Some of these upgrades are similar to the type of energy upgrades available to residents, just on a larger scale.  It is expected that all of the upgrades will save the City approximately $80,000 per year in operational costs.

When completed, each year these upgrades will save:  537,000 kwh electricity (enough for 50 homes for a year);  3,400 GJ natural gas (equivalent to 7,500 propane BBQ cylinders);  1,000s of litres of water; and 180 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions (equivalent to emissions from 32 cars for a year).

Traffic Signal Lights Upgrade

Switching lighting mechanisms for traffic signal lights to LED technology has lead to significant energy savings. The City has retrofitted its existing red, green and yellow (amber) incandescent traffic signal lights with LED displays.  Red and green displays were done first, since these displays are on the longest time and result in the greatest benefit.  Pedestrian indicators have also been retrofitted with LED displays.  In addition, the Engineering standards were revised to identify the use of LEDs for new traffic signal installations.

Street Lights Upgrade

Significant energy reductions will be possible once LED technology for ornamental and overhead lighting is cost effective.  City staff keep apprised of new technology and continue on-going liaisons with BC Hydro.

Seasonal Lighting Upgrade

The City will be replacing the incandescent seasonal lighting bulbs with LEDs on an ongoing basis.  In 2004,  the City and Downtown Nanaimo Partnership replaced the existing incandescent seasonal lighting with over 500 strings of LED lights on 52 trees in the downtown area.

Metered Water Use

The City of Nanaimo was one of the first municipalities in BC to be 100% metered. This was completed in 1992, and is one of the most significant water conservation measures that can be done. Metering had the effect of reducing peak summer demands by up to 25%. The City's summertime per capita use has declined from approximately 1400 litres per person per day, to 1100 litres, due to metering. In comparison, wintertime use is about 600 litres per person per day. As well, the City has an expanding block rate system of charging water. This system sees heavier users pay more per gallon than light users. The user rates are also set significantly high enough to cover all the ongoing costs of the water system. This goes a long way toward putting a true value on water, and encourages conservation.  For more information on conservation and the water supply, visit Water Supply.

Toilet Replacement Rebate Program

Thinking of replacing a toilet?  If you qualify, the City of Nanaimo will send you up to a $75 rebate towards the cost of an approved 6-litre toilet model when you replace a 13-litre or larger flush toilet.  This program operates on a first-come, first serve basis, and only as rebate funding is made available.  Please contact 250-754-4251 for more information.

Rain Water Management

Traditionally, the City's rain water management focused on primarily moving rain water into local watercourses as quickly as possible to ensure property protection. This has resulted in increased "peak flow" into receiving watercourses and wetlands during rain fall events as well as a reduction in ground water recharge (water going back into the soil) which decreases summer base flows for our local watercourses and wetlands. While in many instances due to specific site constraints (i.e. underlying soil conditions, topography of area or proximity of the site to receiving watercourses and wetlands) conveyance of rain water will continue to be required to ensure properties are protected, on-site retention to reduce rain water runoff and increase ground water recharge is being incorporated into the design of the site. Methods of achieving this include rain gardens, bioswales, placement of absorbent soils, ponds, reduction of site disturbance, reduction of impervious surfaces and the use of permeable surfaces.

Cosmetic Pesticide Use Bylaw

The term "cosmetic pesticides" refers to chemicals that are used for controlling plants and insects in lawns and gardens primarily to enhance their appearance.  All herbicides, insecticides and fungicides are included in the definition of pesticides.  In Nanaimo, concern has been raised over the use of chemical pesticides on gardens and lawns and the environmental harm to local streams, rivers and wetlands that can occur if pesticides are used excessively or without taking the appropriate precautions.  This concern is primarily focused on residential homeowners who may use pesticides excessively or inappropriately without considering more environmentally benign options first.

In September 2008, Council adopted a cosmetic pesticide reductions strategy for the City of Nanaimo.  The strategy included 1) establish a household education program on the alternatives to pesticides, 2) Parks Department staff participation in the Plant Health BC accreditation program, 3) that a bylaw be drafted to restrict the use of cosmetic pesticides for residential land and garden use.

In April 2011, the City's pesticide use bylaw (Bylaw 7102) came into force.  The bylaw prohibits the use of pesticides for cosmetic purposes on trees, shrubs, flowers or other ornamental plants or turf on residential private land or land owned by the City. For more information on the bylaw and pesticide alternatives, visit Pesticides.

Climate Action Charter

The City of Nanaimo, along with the Province of BC and the Union of BC Municipalities, has signed the Climate Action Charter (CAC), pledging to achieve the following goals:

  • Be carbon neutral in corporate operations by 2012;
  • measure and report on our community greenhouse gas (GHG) emission profile; and
  • work to create compact, more energy efficient communities.

The Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program (CARIP) grant allows for local governments to receive a rebate on the provincial carbon tax on fuel sales after reporting on their greenhouse gas reduction initiatives. 

Corporate Climate Change Plan - Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Targets

In 2002, the City of Nanaimo joined the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) "Partners for Climate Protection" Program (PCP). The PCP program is intended to be used by municipal governments to undertake initiatives that reduce energy use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Working with the Regional District of Nanaimo, a final draft of the City of Nanaimo's Corporate Climate Change Plan was completed and passed by Council in September, 2007. The plan identified a series of measures to reduce energy consumption based on an inventory of energy use for buildings, lighting, water / wastewater, vehicle fleet, and solid waste. When implemented, the reduction initiatives presented in the Plan have the potential to reduce the City's corporate greenhouse gas emissions by 13% of 2001 levels, by 2012. 

Community Energy & Emissions Study (CEES)

The City of Nanaimo has set a target to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the City.  The targets are found in the City's Official Community Plan, and an action plan is to be completed that lays out how the City intends to meet these targets.

As an initial step, City staff have been working with consultants from Stantec Consulting Ltd., who have been hired to complete a Community Energy and Emissions Study (CEES).  The CEES will play a key role in identifying how the City can meet its GHG emissions reduction targets (by identifying energy demand and GHG sources), providing a set of performance measures, and identifying opportunities for community energy generation and energy reuse.  The CEES will also explore carbon offset opportunities within the City.  Funding for this study is being cost-shared between the City of Nanaimo and BC Hydro, under BC Hydro's Sustainable Communities Program.

Woodstove Changeout Program

Thinking of replacing your old woodstove?  The Woodstove Changeout Program provides rebates to encourage residents to switch from using older (pre-1994) wood burning appliances to  lower-emission CSA/EPA-certified appliances.  The 2012 program has not been confirmed.  Please revisit this website in December or contact 250-755-4483 for more information.

Restricted Outdoor Burning

In June 2003, Council adopted a bylaw to restrict burning garden, landscape and other organic waste within the City of Nanaimo. Burning is permitted only on Fridays and Saturdays, during the months of April and October, on parcels one acre in size or larger and on all parcels on Protection Island. For more information on burning regulations, visit Fire Prevention

Green Building Policy

The City requires that all new civic building construction over 900 m2 follow the LEED Gold Certification process, with priority given to the following LEED categories:  Energy and Atmosphere; Sustainable Sites; and Water Efficiency.

For new civic building construction under 900 m2, City staff provides Council with rationale on how the following environmental priorities will be addressed:  Energy Efficiency Appropriate to the Building Scale; Minimizing Greenhouse Gas Emissions; and Water Efficiency.

LEED Certification recognizes buildings that incorporate design, construction and operational practices that reduce energy consumption to provide a healthier work environment and minimize the building's environmental impact.  There are currently two civic buildings with LEED Certification:

Currently, a new City Annex is being built at 411 Dunsmuir Street to replace the current Annex at 238 Franklyn Street.  The new annex will be built to LEED Gold standards.

Curbside Composting Program

Food and kitchen waste collection is the most significant expansion of the curbside services since the introduction of curbside recycling.  By participating, residents reduce the amount of waste going into the landfill and help to improve our environment.  The City of Nanaimo's Green Bin Program provides a weekly scheduled collection of food, kitchen waste and compostable paper.  A one-year pilot project showed that by using their green bin, households can reduce their monthly garbage by 44% to 54%.

The Green Bin Program goes beyond what can be composted at home by accepting cooked food, meat, fish, bones and food-soiled paper and paper packaging (such as waxed paper, fast food cups and milk cartons).  Instead of going into the landfill, the compostable organic household material is converted into value-added resources - compost, fertilizers, and eventually, renewable fuels. 

Curbside Recycling Program & Refuse Policy

The City of Nanaimo's refuse and recycling programs are dedicated to promoting a Zero Waste approach. By practicing the 3Rs -- Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle - the City and its residents can conserve resources; extend the life of our landfill, and save money.

Recycling and material diversion services exist at curbside and beyond. Our user pay approach to residential services encourages clients to control the amount of waste they produce through the provision of a one standard-sized container per week garbage collection limit and bi-weekly curbside recycling. Nanaimo residents have actively participated in curbside recycling since 1988. 

Asphalt Recycling

The City of Nanaimo contracts out its road work to Arc Recycling Corp. which uses a Hot-in-Place recycling process. Old asphalt is heated, mechanically removed and re-laid without removing the recycled material from the original site. The process is cost effective and conserves both resources and energy in making and transporting new asphalt material.

Official Community Plan (OCP)

A key goal of the Official Community Plan  is to recognize the natural environment as a vital element of the City that plays a key role in the long-term sustainability of our community. To protect our environment means to identify and protect our significant natural features, develop land in ways that respects ecosystems, and adapt the ways in which we live, work, travel and recreate to be more environmentally responsible.  The OCP sets out to achieve this by:

  • protecting our basic resources of water, land and air for future generations;
  • protecting the environmentally sensitive areas (ESAs) that represent Nanaimo's unique natural diversity;
  • requiring environmentally responsible development practices with the incorporation of natural features into the development design;
  • managing development to protect life and property from natural and human-made hazards; and
  • increasing public awareness of the natural environment and encouraging community stewardship.

Parks & Open Space System

The City currently has over 600 hectares of City-controlled parkland and over 600 hectares of publicly accessible privately managed parkland. This park and open space system allows for formal and informal recreation, environmental interpretation and protection, urban beautification, and the accommodation of multi-purpose parks and recreational facilities. The park system includes destination parks, neighbourhood parks, sports fields, trails and greenways, and boulevards. The Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan guides park development and land acquisition to further expand the park system for future generations.  For more information, visit Parks, Trails and Fields.

Watercourse & Riparian Protection

For many years, Nanaimo has been a leader in watercourse and riparian area (leave strip) protection. Since the mid-1997, land use activities adjacent to watercourses and leave strips have been regulated by both a Development Permit Area (DPA 23) and within the Zoning Bylaw. With the Provincial Riparian Area Regulation, the City Development Permit Area and Zone has been adjusted to incorporate the requirements laid out in the Fish Protection Act, while still maintaining the current level of protection not covered under provincial legislation.

Environmentally Sensitive Areas (DPA)

Within the City of Nanaimo, there are a number of unique and sensitive ecosystems found across the City that help make up the local environment which many of us come to identify Nanaimo with. Some of these areas contain rare and endangered vegetation that need special protection. In June 2006, Council endorsed the creation of an Environmentally Sensitive Development Permit Area which is triggered as part of the development permit process. Information is collected on rare plants and the size of area needed to sustain them. Through a variety of tools, staff works with developers and property owners to set aside these areas for future generations to enjoy and appreciate.  For more information on ESAs, visit Environmentally Sensitive Areas.

Steep Slope Development Guidelines (DPA and Zone)

Many of the remaining undeveloped residential lands in Nanaimo are on steep slopes and hillsides. These lands present special challenges in terms of erosion problems, stormwater drainage, groundwater management, and other environmental and visual impacts. Protecting these slopes in the course of development is important for both the environment and the visual appeal of Nanaimo.  Conventional detached residential developments located on steep slopes are typically very disruptive on steep slopes given the densities that need to be achieved. It is also very difficult to retain natural vegetation. For this reason, the City supports the use of larger single family lots or housing forms that concentrate development in less sensitive parts of steeply sloped land, leaving a significant portion of the land in a relatively undisturbed state.  For more information, view the Steep Slope Design Guidelines.

Sustaining Our Urban Forests

Forests are a significant part of the heritage and setting that gives Nanaimo its character and attractiveness. In 2010, Council adopted an Urban Forest Management Strategy to guide the protection of trees, improve tree health, and maximize the benefits of trees for all residents.  The strategy creates a framework to develop further policy to promote energy efficiency, urban aesthetics, wildlife values, and urban tree management, including protection, planting, removal and maintenance

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