Environment & Sustainability
Our community is lucky to have clean creeks, intact forests and abundant wildlife, both on land and in the water. Yet, more than ever, residents are experiencing the effects of a changing climate, such as shoreline flooding from sea level rise, more storm events, and summer droughts, and these will likely continue.
We are committed to reducing our community’s carbon footprint to limit climate change, working to enhance our environment’s resiliency, and finding ways for us all to live more sustainably.
Natural Assets
Our forests, waterways, foreshore and parks make West Vancouver a great place to live. They also provide valuable services for our community. The District of West Vancouver is one of the first Canadian municipalities to estimate the value of our natural assets in terms of the services they provide annually and into the future.
BEARS, COYOTES & OTHER WILDLIFE
West Vancouver is home to many wild animals, including raccoons, coyotes, skunks, cougars and bears. It's important that we do what we can to keep wildlife in the wild and out of our neighbourhoods.
Climate Change
Tackling climate change requires a range of actions—to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and also to prepare for the impacts that it will bring to the District.
Community Wildfire Protection Plan
The District of West Vancouver’s Community Wildfire Protection Plan helps us prepare for and respond to wildfires where our community meets the forest. Approximately 50% of land in the District is within 100 metres of a forested area.
Housing
The natural gas used for space heating, cooking, and the heating of water for showers, appliances, and pools makes housing the largest source of GHGs in West Vancouver.
Invasive Plants & Insects
An invasive species is any non-native organism that causes economic or environmental harm. In West Vancouver, we have identified a target list of invasive plants. The chafer beetle is an invasive insect that damages turf on lawns, boulevards, sports fields and in parks.
Stewardship
Environmental stewardship is about caring for our natural assets. District of West Vancouver staff and local stewardship groups lead many stewardship initiatives. There are plenty of ways for you to get involved!
Sustainable District Operations
The District is committed to reducing GHGs in daily operations as well as policies and procedures.
Trees
Trees are an important part of our forested community. They are valued by our community and provide many benefits.
Watercourse Protection
Creeks and streams are an important part of our coastal environment. They carry rain and melted snow to the ocean, and provide important habitat for fish.