from town hall to action teams- a proceedings report final · 2019. 12. 29. · from sooke town...

FromSookeTownHalltoActionTeams:aproceedingsreport

ProceedingsoftheCommunityActionWorkshop

Sooke,BCSeptember29,2019


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TableofContents

SUMMARY...........................................................................................................................................................3THEACTIONPLANS...............................................................................................................................................5TABLEREPORTS....................................................................................................................................................7

FOODSECURITYANDLOCALAGRICULTURE.........................................................................................................................8RAINWATERHARVESTING..............................................................................................................................................10FORESTANDOCEAN/HABITATANDSPECIESPROTECTION....................................................................................................12ZEROWASTE..............................................................................................................................................................13NEWECONOMICMODEL..............................................................................................................................................15TRANSPORTATION........................................................................................................................................................16EMERGENCY/DISASTERRESPONSE..................................................................................................................................18DIVESTMENTFROMFOSSILFUELS...................................................................................................................................19GREENENERGY...........................................................................................................................................................20GREENLIFESTYLE.........................................................................................................................................................23CLIMATEANGSTANDLISTENINGTOYOUTH......................................................................................................................25DIRECTACTION(NON-VIOLENTRESISTANCE)....................................................................................................................27WATERCONSERVATION................................................................................................................................................28


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SUMMARYOn September 29, 2019, the Transition Sooke Climate Emergency Action Group sponsored a full dayworkshopaimedatcreatinganactionplantorespondtomultipleelementsoftheclimateemergency.FortySookebusinessesendorsedtheeventandapproximately75peopleattended.Theformatof theworkshopincludedaplenaryinthemorningandfocusseddiscussionsintheafternoonat13tablessetasidetoexplorethefollowingtopics:

FoodSecurity/LocalAgricultureRainwaterHarvestingForest and Ocean/Habitat & SpeciesProtectionDivestmentfromFossilFuelsZeroWasteNewEconomicModel

Transportation

EmergencyDisasterPlanningGreenEnergyClimateAngstandListeningtoYouthGreenLifestyleDirectAction/Non-ViolentResistance

WaterConservation

ThetopicsarosefromdeliberationsataSookeGreenNewDealtownhallthatwasheldinJune2019.

Followingamorningplenary that consistedof twokeynote speakersand thirteenshortpresentationsaboutthetopicstobediscussedintheafternoon,participantschosetablesatwhichtoshareideasandbuildactionplans.TablesweretaskedwitharticulatinguptothreeActionstheirteamcouldtake.Someparticipantsstayedtheentireafternoonatonetable;otherparticipantsmovedfromtabletotable.MosttablescameupwithatleastoneAction.

Overthecourseoftheday,severaloverarchingthemeswereraised,inplenarysessionsandatmultipletableconversations.Thesearelistedinthetablebelow:

Theme RaisedatTables….Advocacy with other bodies and multiplegovernment jurisdictions (Transit, BC, MOTICanada,CRDandSookeCouncil)Most tables articulated a developed advocacyplan, which could cohere into a strong unifiedadvocacystrategyforTransitionSooke.

Forest and Ocean, New Economic Model,Rainwater Harvesting, Transportation, GreenLifestyle;GreenEnergy,WaterConservation;ZeroWaste

BoostLocalEmployment

New Economic Model; Transportation; FoodSecurityandLocalAgriculture;ZeroWaste

Ediblelandscapingonmunicipalandprivateland Food Security and Local Agriculture, GreenLifestyle

Educating the pubic/ raising the local mediaprofileEducationtopicsraisedwerevariedbuttendedtoeither serve the objective of attitude change ortheobjectiveofsystemchange.

FoodSecurityandLocalAgriculture;NewEconomicModel;RainwaterHarvesting;Transportation;GreenLifestyle;WaterConservation;GreenEnergy


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Theme RaisedatTables….EngagingyouthMany of the youth engagement initiativessuggestedwereartisticinnature.

FoodSecurityandLocalAgriculture,ForestandOcean,Transportation,ClimateAngstandListeningtoYouth,

FoodSecurity

FoodSecurityandLocalAgriculture;NewEconomicModel;ZeroWaste

Reaching out to and strengthening partnershipwithT`Sou-keFirstNation

Food Security and local Agriculture, Forests andOceans

Use Theatre, Art and Humour to connect withpeopleonclimatechangeissues

Zero Waste, Transportation, Climate Angst andListeningtoYouth,

ContributetoOfficialCommunityPlanandSookeMunicipalBylaws

New Economic Model, Rainwater Harvesting,Transportation, Food Security and LocalAgriculture

Details outliningpossibleways theseoverarching themesmaybeaddressedare containedwithin themany Action Plans created by participants at the topic tables. The fact that many topic tables areconcernedwith theseoverarching themes suggests there is room forextensive collaboration inmanyareas.

TheseproceedingswerecompiledbySusanBelford.


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THEACTIONPLANSThisreportprimarilyreportsthetablediscussionsandactionplansarisingfromthem.Thisreportdoesnotmediateorinterpretcomments,ratherrecordingthemaswritteninordertoensurethatallcommentsarekeptintherecordatthistime,andthatworkableplanscanbecreatedaroundtheideascontainedinthecomments,withoutthebiasofasinglereporter.

Mosttablesdidcreateactionplans;howevereventhosetablesthatwerenotabletocreateactionplanswereabletodeterminedirectionsforfurtherstudyandeffort.Alistofthe26Actionsfollows:

FoodSecurityandLocalAgriculture

1.PilotCommunityKitchenProject

RainwaterHarvesting

2.PublicWorkshoponRainwaterHarvesting(alreadyplanned)KenNentwig-RainwaterHarvestingNov.2,1-4pmHolyTrinityAnglicanChurch,Sooke

3. Connect with CRD to create a Regional District Cistern Rebate program for residential properties,schoolsandbusinessesinstallingrainwaterharvestingsystems(similartoNanaimoRD)-includethebulkbuyingofcisterns(Councilwillsupportdiscountingbulkpurchaseofcisterns

4.PilotRainwaterHarvestingProject.BuildontheenergyoftheNov.2presentationtoshowcasebestpractices,researchfundingoptions,pursuefundingandbulk-buycisterns.

ForestandOceans

5.HoldCommunityForumsusinglocalspeakersonlocalissues.DevelopaRoundtableconcerningactionsandecosystemeffects

6.PhotoEssayDisplayatEMCSandForum

ZeroWaste

7.CreatingCreativityKitsofre-usablewastematerials(Amanda)

8.ConnectingwithZeroWastestoresinVictoriawithaviewtobringingproductstoSookeandeventuallyfundaZeroWastestoreinSooke

9.Explorebulkorderingpossibilities(Wendy)

NewEconomicModel

10.Setup(broadenexisting?)localequipmentloaningandsharing

11.EstablishgrouptooverseeOfficialCommunityPlan(OCP)developmenttobetterdevelopthelocaleconomy including allowing: Co-op Retail Hub; Light Industrial; More retail space (85%); Genuinelyaffordablehousing

12. Studygrouptoexploredifferenteconomicsystems


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Transportation

13.AdvocacycampaignwithTransit,SookeandMOTI(detailsinTransportationsection)14. CreateCarPoolingWebsite15. Addresstheneedforattitudechangeby

• Connectingwithyouthtoinvolvetheminthedesignandbuildingofpathways,saferoutestoschool,thebuildingoforiginalSookebusshelters,etc.

• Developanoccasionalpresenceatgrocery stores, to informandsurveypeoplewith singlequestionsatthetableandonline.Questionssuchas“Howoftendoesthebusneedtogoforyoutobeabletouseit?”“Whatwouldgetyououtofyourcar?”

GreenEnergy

16. Educate,supportandadvisepeopleabouthowtoretrofittheirhomesbypullingtogetherinformationon resources and funding support that is currently available for homeowners and publicizing thisinformation.

GreenLifestyle

17.Rewildforbio-diversitybyplantingedibleplantsingardens

18. Advocatewith Sooke to changes rules and regs re clotheslines, chickens, and other choiceswithenvironmentalbenefitsetc.

19.Agroupwillformtocontinuesharingideas,meetingTBA

ClimateAngst/ListeningtoYouth

20.ConnectwithTeachersandYouthatEMCS.SeeClimateAngstandListeningtoYouthsectionfordetails

21.PilotaMuralProjectdepictingaclimateemergencytheme.SeeClimateAngstandListeningtoYouthsectionfordetails.

22.HoldaseriesofHealingCirclesessions.SeeClimateAngstandListeningtoYouthsectionfordetails

DirectAction

23.OrganizealocalRiseandResistchapter

24.HoldaworkshoptorespondtoissuesraisedattheSookeTownHalltoActionTeamsevent

25.Builda“firstrespondergroup”tooffensesagainsttheenvironment

WaterConservation

26.Createa5-minutepresentation toCouncil outliningaworkablewater conservationplan involvingsimple, positive water conservation measures Council could enact. See details Water Conservationsection.


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TABLEREPORTSThisfollowingsectionsareintendedtoprovideadetailedaccountoftableconversations,basedonnotestakenrecording importantconsiderationsraisedandactionsdecided. Insomecases,thesenoteshavebeenaddedtobythetablefacilitator`srecollections.


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FoodSecurityandLocalAgriculture

Facilitatorandresourceperson:MaryAliceJohnson

TablememberswereinformedthatwhileSookeusedtoexportfood,therearenowmanychallengestofindinglandtofarm.Also,itwasnotedthatagriculturecanbealargesourceofgreenhousegases(ghg),withredmeatanddairygenerating14%ofghgandfoodwastegenerating8%ofghg.

Itwasreportedthathistorically,homegardensdramaticallyincreasedfoodproduction(i.e.WW2victory gardens). Recently, the UN declared that small farms (2-5 acres) are the future ofagriculture. Sooke is almost exclusively small farms: our food security is dependent on smallfarms.Buttheregulatorycontextfavourslargefarms.

It was noted that discussions about food security dovetails with re-evaluating our current economicmodel. Early indiscussions, the tablediscussed landuseand land taxation, regulatorypractices, foodtransportation, food land trusts, and community practices such as food sharing (apples), seedconservationandbiodiversity,farmerreturnoninvestment,publiceducationregardingfoodqualityandlocalproduction,creationofacommunityfoodhub,andlocalopportunitiesforgrowingsuchasWoodsideFarm.

Discussioncoalescedaroundseveralthemes:

• Advocacyo Withpoliticiansofalljurisdictionsregardinghowtheycansupportlocalagricultureand

smallfarmsandfoodprocessingfacilities.

o WithSookeCouncil:§ HowCouncil cansupport localagricultureandsmall farmand foodprocessing

businesses?• Usecommunityownedlandforfoodproduction.• Inaddition,encourageCounciltopurchaselandforcommunityfarms.• Ediblelandscapingofmunicipalland• The purchase of land to benefit of T`Sou-ke First Nation and Sooke

community• Discoverdegreeofsupportforthedevelopmentoffarmlandtrusts• Putacaponthenumberoffastfoodoutletsanddrive-throughs(Sinclair

willdraftaproposaltotaketocounciltoconsiderwithTransitionSookesupport)

• ConnectwithT`Sou-keFirstNationregardingfoodsecurityandagriculture• CommunityGardens

o Takeoverunderusedparksforcommunitygardens?o Buildlargercommunitygardenswithbiggerplotsincludinglargesharedplotsforcrops

likepotatoes,quinoa,drybeans…• IndividualFoodGardens

o Gardening“masterclasses”teachhomeownershowtogrowfoodmore/bettero Promotehomegardenfoodproductiono Matchunusedgardenspaceinpeople’syardswithpeoplewantingtogrowfood


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• Educatethepublico SeaParcongoingeducation(1:30-2:30)isagoodopportunityo Bringexpertsforpublicpresentations(Kwantlen,Lobrunner,HaliburtonCommuity

Farm,T’SoukeNation,SookeFarmlandTrust,TransitionSooke,SookeFoodCJI,Camosun/Uvic/CRFFair)

o Educatepeopletochoosefoodthatreducesimpactofclimatechangeandtobuy``lessthanperfect``food.

o Promotelocalfoodwithfarmtourso Speakersseries,pot-lucks,morevideosonfoodproductionandawarenesso Aboutwildharvesting(KevinTrim/Sinclair)o Updatemarket/farmlisto HowmuchdoestheSookeresidentpayforlocalfood?

• Piloto Communitykitchenproject

• Resourceso HabitatAcquisitionTrust,CommunityCompostingCentre

• StudyGroupo Sinclair,Mary,Patrick,SheilaStoner,Tony,Jeff

• Supportforsmalllocalfarmso Farmersuccessiono Permanentlocationforfarmers'marketo Landacquisition

• WoodsideFarmo T`Sou-keFirstNation,CRDParkland,communityinvolvement.Livestock(?)o Bringtogethergroupstostudycostsandregulationsrequirementso Talktorealestateagentaboutcovenants-SheilaStonero Talkwithadministrationaboutpartnerships

• Youtho Howtoengage?Supportforeducatorsandlocalexpertise

FoodSecurityandLocalAgricultureTeamActions

Thetablefacilitatornotedthatwhileapilotcommunitykitchenprojectwasdiscussedinthegroup,agreatdealmoretimewasspentdiscussingthepurchaseoracquisitionoflandtobemadeavailabletopeoplewhowantedtofarminacommunityfarmformat.WhilenoActionswerearticulatedatthistable,itislikelythatthepotentialforactionexistsregarding:

1. Landacquisitionforcommunityfarming2. ExploreconnectionwithT`Sou-keFirstNationaboutfoodandagriculture3. Advocateforpolicieswhichsupportsmallfarmsandsmallfoodprocessingplants.

Contact:TBD


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RainwaterHarvesting

Facilitatorsandresourcepersons:SueLidsterandRobinZabloski

Conversationatthistablewasveryfocusedonspecificactionsrequiredtofurtherthecollectionanduseof rainwater for both potability and home greywater functions in the Sooke area. Discussion themesincluded:

• AdvocatewithSookeCouncilregardingthefollowingby-laws:o Rainwaterharvestingforpotabilityo Plumbingtohaverainwaterperformgreywaterfunctionsinhouse(ie.Flushtoilets)o CertificationofplumberstoplumbRainwaterHarvestingsystemso BuildingcodesadjustedtoallowRAINWATERHarvestinginitiativeso Creationofgreywatersystemsforresidentsonscepticsystemso Ameliorateanti-greeningofnewdevelopmentthroughrequirementsforroofs,parking

lotsandhighwaystobeeitherenergycapturing,waterharvesting,andgreen(trees,otherplants

o Reducetaxesforresidentswhouselittleof"citywater"• ConnectwithCRD

o tocreateaRegionalDistrictCisternRebateprogramforresidentialproperties,schoolsandbusinesses installing rainwaterharvesting systems (e.g.NanaimoRD)- include thebulkbuyingofcisterns(Councilwillsupportdiscountingbulkpurchaseofcisterns)

• EducatePublico CRD rebate program for residential properties, schools and businesses installing

rainwatercollectionsystems• Harvestrainwaterfromroadsurfacesandparkinglots

o slopesurfacesgentlytodrainwaterontocatchmentditchesandswaleswithplants,treesorhedgestoabsorbwaterandemitoxygen

o Whattypesofparkinglotandroadsurfacescanbe"greener"andharvestrainwaterfortreesetc?(permeablepavers,etc)

• Piloto A Sooke project on the use of rainwater in our community (from Ken Netwig's

presentation)o Researchfundingoptionso Pursuefundsforprojecto Showcasebestpracticesinrainwaterharvesting

RainwaterHarvestingTeamActions

Thefollowingactionswereplanned.

1. PublicWorkshoponRainwaterHarvesting(alreadyplanned)KenNentwig-RainwaterHarvestingNov.2,1-4pmHolyTrinityAnglicanChurch,Sooke


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2. Connect with CRD to create a Regional District Cistern Rebate program for residentialproperties,schoolsandbusinessesinstallingrainwaterharvestingsystems(similartoNanaimoRD)- include the bulk buying of cisterns (Council will support discounting bulk purchase ofcisterns

3. PilotRainwaterHarvestingProjectBuildontheenergyoftheNov.2presentationtoshowcasebestpractices,researchfundingoptions,pursuefundingandbulk-buycisterns.


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ForestandOcean/HabitatandSpeciesProtection

Facilitator:ChristinaSchlattner ResourcePerson:JOceanDennie

Thistable’sconversationfocusedfirstonthreatsto localforestsandoceans,thenondifferentactionsthat couldbe taken,within thecontextofanoverall goalof creating/preservingaCommunityForest.Specificthreatsexploredinclude:

o Logging,landspeculation,roadthruSookehillso Salmondecline(localSookeactionsthatcouldbetaken)o Lackofpublicawarenesso Decliningoceanecosystem

Participantshadastrongdesiretoinformthepublic, involveyouthandlearnmore.Themesdiscussedincluded:

• EducatethePublico CommunityGathering/forum(s)

§ Aboutthefutureofourlocalforests:thiswouldbenon-partisan,haveabroadappeal,involvelistening,vision,planning

§ Connectinglogging,salmonandorca/oceanhealth§ Localspeakers,localissuefocus-leadingtoaroundtable

o Exhibitaphotoessaybyyouthatgathering.• PilotProject

o AT’Sou-keNation/Sooketowncommunitymanagedforestandeco-tourism• Research

o Transitioningjobsinloggingo Findoutmoreaboutthelocaleconomy

• Resourceso Streamkeepersrehabilitatestreams,withDFO(AyumCreek,MuirCreek)

ForestandOceanTeamActions

Thefollowingactionswereplannedinserviceoftheoverarchinggoalofcreating/managingaCommunityForest

1. HoldCommunityForums• Localspeakers• Localissues• Roundtableconcerningactionsandecosystemeffects

2. PhotoEssay

• DisplayatEMCSandForum


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ZeroWaste

Facilitator:WendyO’Connor ResourcePeople:ZeroWasteSooke

TableparticipantsweretoldaboutZeroWasteSooke’sWednesdaymeetingsattheSookeLibraryfrom6:30to8:30,andtheirwebsitezerowastesooke.ca.Discussionaboutthefollowingthemesincludedbotheducationaboutideasthathavebeentriedandtheraisingofnewideas.

• Advocacyo SookeCouncil:(PaulLounett’s10stepprogram)o Generalpublic:usingcreativeartsandsurprisehumourtoengagecitizens

• Plasticso Bestpracticesofplasticdisposalo Alternativestoplastic(compostableplastics,depositsonwaterbottles)o Banmorethansingleuseplastic

• Doablestepstowardevery-daypracticalhouseholdhabitso Creativitykits—turningplasticdebrisandotherwasteintoarto Havinghouseholdandfriendconversationsaboutstepbystepchangeo Notingsuccessesthroughdisplaysofpossibilities

• ConnectwithVictoriaZeroWasteStoreo Amandawilldo

• InformPublic/Educationo Motivatingpeopletochangehabits-convenienceiscompellingo Findingincentives;plasticas"usefulitemnotdisposable"-highlyreusable,re-purposableo Bookclubelemento Mediaarticles(compostfairyisalreadyinaction)(AnnC)o Materialstoreachouttonondigitizedpersons

• Researcho Above–bestpracticesfordisposal(Ivan)plasticburningo Alternativestoplastics

• ZeroWasteTeamCan…o Collectgoodup-to-dateinformationo Build a regularmedia presence (newspaper articles, socialmedia) Newspaper to give

educationforpeoplewithoutinternetaboutsortingrecycling,compost,garbageo Initiatebulkorderingo Useartandasenseofhumour(aswithPolyEthylStyrene)usingcreativeartstoengage

citizens; display of replacement items, visual representation. Simple easy to "read"information

o Bookclubtomakeacomplextopicmoredigestible(aspartofZeroWasteSooke)o Compostfairyinnewspaper(Ann'sactionitem-CarolMallett)o AdvocateforandraisefundsforaZeroWastestoreinSookeo MakessensefortheZeroWasteTeamtoworkwithGreenEnergyteaminvariousways.

• Communityconnection-makingo Suchasgettingediblecomposttopigfarmers(people(pigfarmers,compostproducers

registertolinkpigfarmerswithcomposters)


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ZeroWasteTeamActions

Thefollowingactionswereputforward:

1. CreatingCreativityKitsofre-usablewastematerials(Amanda)

2. Connectingwith ZeroWaste stores inVictoriawith a view to bringing products to Sooke andeventuallyfundingaZeroWastestoreinSooke

3. Explorebulkorderingpossibilities(Wendy)

4. WorkshopswillbeheldattheSookeMakerSpace(Wendy)

Contact:WendyO’Connor,[email protected]


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NewEconomicModel

Facilitator:AlanDolan ResourcePeople:SusanNelsonandViviCurutchet

Theconversationatthistabledemonstratedhowmuchthereistobelearnedonthistopic.Majorthemesincluded:

• Sub-issues:o Self-employedbusinesseso Economicsandtheplaneto Housingco-opso Workerco-opso Co-operationandsharingo Beyondcapitalismo Resourcepeople/backgroundo Communityfarmingo Economicsofsurvivalo Meetingbasicneedso Communitysupportedagriculture(CSA)o Tradeunionso Workersharingo Biocharismadefrombiomassviapyrolysisandamongotherthingscanbeusedasasoil

amendment. Biochar Co-ops are in the process of being established in Cortes Island,Sooke,andtheSushwap.

• Challengeso Difficulttofindpeopleintrades

• Researchneededo Differenteconomicsystems

NewEconomicModelTeamActions

1. Setup(broadenexisting?)localequipmentloaningandsharing(couldZeroWasteSookedothis?)

2. Group to oversee Official Community Plan (OCP) development to allow local economicopportunitiesincluding:

a. Co-opretailhubforsmallbusinessesthatcannotoftenaffordretailspacerents

b. LightIndustrialspaceforSooke-basedbusinesses;possiblypartofthenewdevelopment

c. Moreretailspace(85%)

d. Genuinelyaffordablehousing

3. Studygroupestablishedtoexploredifferenteconomicsystems

Contact:AlanDolan,[email protected],[email protected]


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Transportation

Facilitator:SusanBelford ResourcePerson:BryanDavis

Thisgroupconsistedoffivepeople,whomostlystayedatthetableallafternoon.Acoupleothersjoinedforshortperiodsoftime.Severalsidebarconversationsoccurredduringtheafternoon,whichconnectedwithtopicsatothertables-forexample,theideathatSookeshouldexploreTidalEnergyasasource;thatSookecouldembracelocaltravelbysmallelectriccartsuchasgolfcarts.Majorthemesdiscussedinclude:

• Transit o Light Rapid Transit (LRT): how to practically create and implement. Use of Galloping

Goose?Howtoaccommodateothertrailusers.o Buslanes–growing,Electricbuses-convenience/frequencyo IncreasenumberofParkandRides(locations-onthewestside,SunRiver,WhiffenSpito Promotionoftransitisneeded.o BusStopdesign:haveaconsistentdesignthatprovidesshelteraswellasseating(could

thisbeahighschoolshopproject?)• RoadInfrastructure

o Reduce load,use“completestreets”modelwithbus lanes,cycle lanesandpedestrianwalkway;

o lowerspeedlimits/lights/nohighwayexpansion/o PrivilegeEVsandmotorbikes?

• Subdivisiondesigno Designtoincludelocalgroceryo "livingcommunities"o Pathwaysandsidewalksrequiredforallnewdevelopmento Reducedstreetparking

• ElectricVehicleInfrastructureo Chargingstations-(research?)availabletypesofmodels-meetneeds.Local locations:

Sooke,SookeRd,WestCoastRoad.o Convenient,"off-grid"(ie.Solar)charging;orchargingstationsthatuseotheralternative

energy(tidal?)o CitytaxrebateforEVs(addedtothatprovidedbyFedsandProvince)

• Carpoolingo Createanon-linecarpoolingwebsitefortheSookearea,similartothatinNelsono TransitionSookehasacontactinNelson

• Commuter/PublicAttitudeChangeo Needtoencouragepeopleto“getoutoftheircars”o Costofannualbuspassversusthecostsofrunningapassengervehicleo Incentivesthroughlocalgrocerso Shoppingincentives;talktopeopleatgrocers;factsheetsandadvertisingtoshare(pocket

news?)• BoostLocalEmployment(andreduceneedforcommuting)

o Build up Sooke’s business community to increase local employment and reducecommutertraffic


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• OtherIdeas:o GroceryDeliveryo ConnectwithYouthandschooldistrict(environmentalstudiesclass?PAC?)

• Advocacyo WithBCTransit

§ OrganizeacadreofindividualstocallregularlyaskingforimprovedtransitservicetoandaroundSooke--connectwithservicegroupsintheSookearea.Theycancallthebus-line(250-382-6161),aswellasoffices

§ Increasethenumberofbuses,stops,routes,andhoursofoperation(2years,2-3routes)

§ Improveserviceby:• 15-30minuteservice(Sookeisthemostunder-servedcommunityinBC);• DedicatedSooketoLangfordserviceforhighvolumeatrush-hour;• 15minuteservicetoLangford/Colwood)

o WithMinistryofTransportationandInfrastructure(MOTI)(andPremierHorganourMLA)

§ Sookecitizensshouldbenefitfromlocalcollectionofprovincialgastaxes

o AdvocatewithSookeCouncilregarding:§ Increasemunicipality’sshareofTransitfunding§ SafepathwaysandbikelanesconnectiontoSookefromsurroundingregion.§ Subdivisiondesigntoreduceneedforautotrafficandprivilegehumanpowered

transport

ResourcesNeeded

o Foradvocacy:o networkofcommittedindividualstodocallingtoTransitandMOTI(needaschedule)o Factsheets,demandassessmento Printedmaterials,ink,printer,$fromcouncil

o ForCarpoolingo ContactinformationforNelsoncarpool.

TransportationTeamActions

1. AdvocacycampaignwithTransit,SookeandMOTIasoutlinedabove

2. CreateCarPoolingWebsite(MickRhodestocontactNelson)

3. Addresstheneedforattitudechangeby;a. Connectingwithyouthtoinvolvetheminthedesignandbuildingofpathways,safe

routestoschool,etc.

b. Developanoccasionalpresenceatgrocerystores,toinformandsurveypeoplewithsinglequestionsatthetableandonline.Questionssuchas“Howoftendoesthebusneedtogoforyoutobeabletouseit?”“Whatwouldgetyououtofyourcar?”

ContactSusanBelford:[email protected]


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Emergency/DisasterResponse

Facilitator:DaveCourt ResourcePeople:AlWickheim,RonBilinsky

Following a detailed key-note presentation in the morning on how emergency/disaster pods can becreated andwhat they can do in a neighbourhood, therewas little discussion about actions needed.However,manypeoplecamebythetabletosignuptoreceivehelpfromAlWickheimandRonBilinskyincreatingapodcreatedintheirneighbourhood.

Tocreateapod,contactthenumbersbelowandsetadateforESSmeetwith6peoplefor21/5hourtolearntheropes.Chooseapodcaptainandpodcaptain. Itwillbeusefultomakean inventoryoftools(chainsaw?generator?)andskills(firstaid?)availableintheneighbourhood.

SookeEmergencySupportServices(ESS)meetsintheCouncilChamberonthe4thTuesdayofeachmonthat7:00p.m.NomeetingsareheldinJuly,AugustandDecember.Everyoneiswelcometoattend.

Contact:Sooke ESS Coordinator Matt Barney, 250 642 5422 [email protected]

Otter Point Emergency 250 642 6211 [email protected]


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DivestmentfromFossilFuels

Facilitator:SusanClarke

Divestmentfromfossilfuel(pensions,institutions/organizations,personalinvestments)ischampionedbyJoPhillipsandSusanClarke.Weare intheresearchphaseofproducingahow-tohandbookforSouthVancouverIsland/Sooke.Anyonewhoisinterestedinhelpingpleasecontactus.WearecurrentlymeetingwithDivestVictoriaandeconomists.Weareplanningtotalktothefundmanagersofthecreditunions.Aswell,weneedtogetthehardfactsfromallthebanksonwheretheirfundsareinvested.Butmostimportantly,weneedtohelpcreateahugecampaigntogetCanadaPensionPlantodivestfromafutureofstrandedassetstoafutureofgrowinggreenassets.

Ahand-outwaspreparedfortableparticipantsandisuploadedtotheTransitionSookewebsite.

This link also provides additional information: https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/fossil-carbon-investment-1.5316628?fbclid=IwAR0IlrKt9PhHksMVZYM2ahRli2rcjBG5S2lAIJgJu2VhYZQZBoEckTyyrv8

Contact:SusanClarke,[email protected],[email protected]


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GreenEnergy

Facilitator:LilyMahSen ResourcePerson:AndreMoore

ThistablebeganitsconversationbylearningfromtheexperiencesoftheT’Sou-keFirstNation whohavebeenable totransformtheircommunity fromtheir relianceon fossil fuels intoa sustainablenetzerocommunity. AndrewMoore,anarchitectandrenewableenergyresource advisortotheT’Sou-keNation,reflectedthatiftheyweretodothisagain,though,theywoulddoitdifferently. Theystartedin2007witha solar project, installing large photovoltaic systems to produce electricity aswell as solar hotwatersystemstoheatfamilyhomes.Whilethishasbeenaverysuccessfulproject,itisverycostly. Andrewfeelsthat a better approach would have been to work from the bottom up, starting with basic energyconservation(whichinvolves changingpeople’shabits),andchangingtomoreenergy-efficientheating,cooling,andhot watersystems(utilizingvariousgovernmentprogramsforretrofitting),beforelaunchinginto alternativerenewableenergytechnologies.

FormostofusinSooke,thehighcostofgoingsolarorgeothermal(orotherrenewablealternatives)willpreventusfromreachingtheobjectiveofa“NetZeroHome”.

Andrewexplainedthatthebulkofourenergyneedsinahomeareasfollows:

Itwouldmakeasignificantdifference ifweaddressedwaystoreduceourenergycostsatthis levelbeforewestartconsideringinstallingalternativetechnologies.


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“PayasYouSave”EnergyPlanning

Thismodeldescribesthepathtowardtheprimeobjectiveof“NetZeroSystemHomes”.First, achieve75%savingsbyreducingenergyconsumptioninone’shome. Conservingandreducing energyusewillseea20%savingsonyourenergybill;installingefficientheatingandcooling systemswillsaveanother30%andretrofittingyourhometoenableyoutoheatwaterwiselywillsaveanother25%. Themoneysaved from your current energy bill will give you a good start towards the costs for converting toalternateenergyoptionssuchassolarpower,powerfromwindgeneration,tappinggeothermalpower,etc.

Thesepreceptsledthetable’sconversationnaturallytothreeActions.

GreenEnergyTeamActions(awaiting“Champions”)

Objective:NetZeroSystemHomesusingthePayasYouSaveMethod.Achieve75%savingson reducedenergyuseincurrenthouse. Usethemoniessavedtofundalternateenergyoptions (solar/wind/tidalpower/geothermal,etc.)

1. Retrofit/Conserve: Educate,support,advisepeopleabouthowtoretrofittheirhomesbypullingtogetherinformationonresourcesandfundingsupportthatiscurrentlyavailableforhomeownersandpublicizingthisinformation

2. NewBuilds:Theaimistoadvocatethatnewbuildsutilize“Smartdesigns”,inwhichthehomeisdesignedinsuchawaythatbuildersandsubcontractorscanimplementthe stepsasyoumoveyourhomeincrementallytoanet-zerohome. Forexample,isthehome“solarready”?AdvocatewithMunicipalCouncilretheSTEPCode(isSookeCouncilpushingdeveloperstousethiscode?)CanCouncilrequirethatallnewhousesare“solarready”?


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3. NewTechnology:

• Advocatewithgovernments(BCprovincial,CanadianFederal)toprovidemoreresources(grants/subsidies),information,etc.onalternativeenergyoptions

• InvestigategeothermalhotspotsintheSookeRegion. Researchwhatitwouldtaketotapintogeothermalinourregion.

• Exploretheuseof“old”techniquesinhomebuilding—strawbales,Grasscrete,rammedearth,bamboo,recycledplastic,mycelium,etc.

• Investigatenewbuildingmaterials

• Researchthefeasibilityofsolar

Contact:LilyMahSen,[email protected]


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GreenLifestyle

Facilitator:YvonneCourt

Thistablebeganwithageneralizedconversationarticulatingavarietyofconcernsrelatedtotheroleofindividualchangeversussocial/communitychanges.Itwasnotedthatinsomeways,wehave“beenherebefore,buttheindividualstyleofactionspeopletookinthe1970sarenotenoughanditisimportantforusnowtostartthinkingasagroup.”Majorthemesthatemergedincludedneededattitudeshifts,personalactions,andshared,orcommunityaction.

• NeededAttitudeShifts

o Discussion about needed attitude shifts surfaced a “disconnect” between evolvingenvironmentallyconsciousperceptionsandtheexistingstructurescurrentlyheldinplaceby social controls such as peer pressure, which are often codified into rules andregulations.Examplesofthisdynamiccanbefoundinthebanningofclotheslines,backyardchickens,andotheractivitieswhichhaveapositiveenvironmental,orgreeneffect,butareoftenpreventedthroughmunicipalbylawsorneighbourhoodpoliciesthatwerecreatedinearliertimes.

o Itwasnotedthatattitudeshiftscanbeachievedthroughinformingthepublicthroughlocalmedia,througharticlesaboutgreenalternativesaswellastoadvertisemeetings.Suggestedmediainthisconversation,SookeNews,Mirror,PocketNews,Facebook

o Oneattitudetobepromotedisthatofvoluntarysimplicity—thathappinessmaybefoundwithless,ratherthanmore.

• PersonalActions

o Takeyourvacationsviadronevideoandvirtualrealityratherthaninperson?

o Rewildyouryardwithedibleplants(dailyleavesareedible,dutchcloverforlawn,Oregongrape,salal,etc)

o UseEVs(issuesofcharginganddistancewereraised)

o Usesolarpanels(issuesofcostandsupplywereraised.OnelocalsourceisVeridianEnergyCo-op)

o Usegeeseaswatchdogsforchickensandducks

• Shared(community)Action

o There isaSookeMakerSpaceheldatEdwardMilneSchoolforbasicmending;makingbagsandrepurposingofitems.Checkouthttps://www.emcsprograms.ca/makerspace

o AdvocatewithSookeCounciltomodifyandchangerules(suchasthoseforchickens)thatunderminegreenvalues.

o AdvocatewithSookeCouncilaboutlandscapingwithedibleplantsinpublicspacesandcreatingwildlifecorridorsinandaroundthemunicipality.


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o StartaCo-op

GreenLifestyleTeamActions

1. Rewildforbio-diversitybyplantingedibleplantsingardens

2. AdvocatewithSooketochangesrulesandregsreclotheslines,chickensandotherchoicesthatsupportpositiveenvironmentaloutcomes.

3. Agroupwillformtocontinuesharingideas,meetingTBA

Contact:YvonneCourt,[email protected]


25

ClimateAngstandListeningtoYouth

Facilitator:JoPhillips Resourceperson:MarinClarkston(grade12atEMCS)

Twoprimarythemeswereidentifiedbythistable:

• Engagementwiththecommunityandcounteringisolationaroundclimateangstbyestablishingasafeplaceandaneffectivewaytodiscussit

• Connectingandlisteningtoyouth.

Somegeneralthoughtsonboththemes:

• Weallfeelsomefearorangstaboutwhatwillhappeninthefuture

• Ifpeopleknowthelittlethingstheycandotoeffectchangeitisnotsooverwhelming

• Weneedtoconsiderwaystosupportandhelponeanotherthroughjointactions.

• Wealsoneedacounter-balanceto"action"thatfocusesonourownemotionalneedssowedon'tfeelisolated.HowwereactpersonallyISimportant.

• Peoplearenotwillingtodiscusstheirangstunlesstheyfeelthattheyareinasafeplace.

• Weneedtoconsiderhowtomovepeoplefrombeing"frozen"tofeelingempowered;wehumansdon'tdochangewell.

• Preachingatpeopleisn'tusefulbutifthingsdohappenecologicallythatarecausedbyclimatechangeitneedstobenoted.Itisimportanttoconsideranddevelopbestpracticesinhowwetalktoeachotheronanissueweareconcernedabout.

Somegeneralthoughtsonconnectingwithyouth

• Mostyoutharereadyto"do"buttheydon'tknowwhattodo.

• Dialogueisneededbetweenyouthandadultssuchasparentsandteachersbut itneedstobeinitiated by the youth. They need to own their own participation in climate actions anddiscussions.

• ClimateEmergencyneedschampionsintheschoolsystem(parents,teachers)

• TeachersandparentsandTransitionSookecanoffertoolssuchasnon-violentcommunicationworkshops.


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ClimateAngst/ListeningtoYouthTeamActions

1.ConnectwithYouth

v TwostudentsatthetableandMr.Gale,ateacherwhojoinedthetablebrieflymadethefollowingsuggestions:

• AtEdwardMilneCommunitySchool,Wednesdaysfrom1:30-2:30is"FocusBlock".Thesearetimesofself-directedstudyorlearningwherestudentscanexplorecareers,docoursework,doprojectsor"pursuetheirpassionsfordeeperlearningintheirstudies".Thiscouldbeanopportunitytopresentideasforprojectsforstudentstoengagewith.

• Go toa staffmeeting to see if any teachersor staffpersonswould like toworkwithus toengagestudentsinaproject.

o Suggestedteacher/staffcontacts:Mr.Gale,SusanPercival,EmilyLutz.

• Starting inSeptemberof2020 therewillbesomethingcalledEnvironmental Immersion forgrade9-10students.

v TheMuralProject-championDiego

TheMuralProjectisawaytoengageyouth.Itwouldbeaclimateemergencythemedmural. Itcouldevolve into further climate emergency actions if the group, in informal discussions and connection,become inspired by anidea or plan that might arise among them, but that is not the goal. Besidesplanningandcreatingamural,thegroupcould

• Takeexcursionsintonaturewitheaselandpaint,learningtolistentoandobservenature

• Userecycledmaterialsoroutrightlitter(thereismuchintheschoolenvirons)inthemural

Buildadialoguethatmightleadtomoreactions

2.HealingCircle-championMokiTacon

• MokihasfacilitatedHealingCirclesinthepastandwouldfacilitateasharingcirclelookingatkeyquestionsandconcerns(fear,lackofclarity,etc.).Ithelpstohaveotherpeoplewitnessingone'sownjourney.

• Mokienvisionsstartingwith4sessionsprimarilyforTransitionSookepeople.HewillplanandinitiatetheHealingCirclesandwiththehelpofotherfolkswhowereatthetable.

Contact:JoPhillips,[email protected]


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DirectAction(Non-ViolentResistance)

Facilitator:JackGegenberg

Like several other tables, the discussion began at this tables by people sharing their most pressingconcerns.Theseincludedbigagriculturegrabbingupfarmland,developmentintheSookeHills,evictionsalongSookeRoad,logging,theneedtoprotectthewatershed,pipelines,thebuildingoftoomanyroads,andtheuseofsingleuseplastics.Manyofthesepointsconnectwithconversationsatothertables,suchasTransportation, ZeroWaste,ClimateAngst andGreen Lifestyle. Thiswide-rangingdiscussion led toconsiderationofwhatcouldbedonelocallytobringtheSookecommunityintoaction.

DirectActionTeamActions

1. OrganizealocalRiseandResistchapter2. HoldaworkshoptorespondtoissuesraisedattheSookeTownHalltoActionTeamsevent3. Builda“firstrespondergroup”tooffensesagainsttheenvironment

Contact:JackGegenberg,[email protected]


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WaterConservation

Facilitator:CherylTravis

This tableexploredmany ideas for keepingwateron (and in)our landandaway fromourhousesbyinstituting individual and community water conversation measures. One part of the conversationreferencedanewdevelopmentonSellarsRoad,andhowwaterconservationstrategiescouldbebuiltintoitsdesign,forexamplebyutilizinggreywater,andthemarryingofestheticformandwaterconservingfunction.Thisconversationledtothelistingofindividualactionspeoplecantake,suchas:

• Keepmoistureinthesoilbelowyourlawnbycuttingthegrasslessfrequentlyandtoalongerheight

• Don’tletanimalsovergrazeorotherwise“wearout”thegrass• Clearbrushfromaroundthehouse,andcleanoutguttersandculverts• Allowberriestogrowtohelpwithmoisterretention.

WaterConservationTeamActions

1. AdvocatewithCouncil• Make a 5-minute presentation outlining a strongly documented, workable water

conservation plan involving simple, positivewater conservationmeasures Council couldenact,including

o Taxbreaksandotherincentivesforpeopleconservingwaterthroughuseofpermeablepaversandpermeablemortars

o TheusebySookeofpermeableroadbase,andaggregatebicyclepathso Allowing“wild”ditches,plantedwithwaterabsorbing,detoxifying,deerresistantplants

2. Demonstrate

• Composting toilets (currently allowed if not your primary), living roofs, plantedditches,

bioswales, sidewalk islands, use of rainwater cisterns, a dugout that collects water,permeablepaversinparkinglotsanddriveways.

[email protected]

from town hall to action teams- a proceedings report final · 2019. 12. 29. · from sooke town...

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