Sustainability Initiatives
Waste Management
- Reduced weekly garbage limit to one 121 litre garbage receptacle per week
- Implemented bi-weekly curbside recycling program
- Implemented weekly curbside organics program (yard and kitchen waste)
- Banned all open fires and outdoor burning in the Town
- Switched to biodegradable dog waste bags in dispensing units
Transportation
- Converted all traffic lights to LED, resulting in an 80% reduction in energy consumption
- Began using bio-diesel in all Town vehicles
- Installed solar-powered pedestrian crossing lights
- Required the use of cut-off flat lens street lights in all new developments and road projects
- Allowed for the provision of bicycle parking spaces in lieu of vehicle spaces in commercial development
- Recycled waste asphalt from major road project
- Adopted Idling Control policy to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from municipal vehicles
Storm Water Management
- Created Environmental Development Permit Guidelines
- Added requirement for temporary stormwater erosion control ponds on development projects
- Implemented an Integrated Storm Water Management System and alternative subdivision servicing standards for a nearby development in order to maintain the environmental integrity of the Lazo Marsh Conservation Area
- Implemented an Integrated Storm Water Management System to ensure the long term environmental integrity of McDonald Bog
- Implemented a stormwater management plan for Butchers Road area, including the construction of major retention facility
- To view details on the North East Comox Stormwater Management Plan initiative - click here
- CAVI -Comox Valley Regional Team. Click on this link to view an update on our cross-jurisdictional collaboration towards Water Sustainability
Parks and Open Space
- Obtained 4.5 additional hectares of parkland
- Planted 170 trees in Town parks and along roadways
- Installed satellite controlled irrigation system reducing water consumption
- Supported and assisted local stewardship group
Other
- Increased sidewalk width and installed pedestrian bulbs in the downtown area creating a safer and more pedestrian-friendly environment
- Participated in the Regional Water Education Partnership undertaken by the Regional District
- Instituted the Water Conservation Plumbing Regulation requiring the installation of low-flush toilets in all new development and significant renovations
- Implemented Pesticide Use Bylaw that bans the cosmetic use of pesticides on private residential land
- Implemented a “Sustainability Checklist” encouraging developers to incorporate more environmentally and socially sustainable practices in development
- Initiated a two-year baseline monitoring study of McDonald Bog
- Developed a comprehensive greenway and park dedication plan for the Butchers Road area, including the protection of a significant aspen forest
- Adopted an Affordable Housing Strategy, including a Strata Conversion Policy
- Legalized the development of new secondary suites within single-family homes in certain areas
- Held two public information forums – one on Smart Growth and one on Sustainable Buildings
- Signed on to BC Climate Action Charter, committing to reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions in order to address global climate change
- Switched to using 100% recycled content printer and photocopier paper
- Converted the annual Town Square Christmas tree and street tree lights to LED
- Installed numerous EV Charging Stations throughout Comox including Town Hall, the Fire Hall, Comox Centre Mall.
- Council updated the Building Bylaw to
include the BC Energy Step Code, which requires energy efficiency in new
construction in the Town, ahead of the Province’s schedule.