CR > Residents > Green City

In 2008 the City of Campbell River adopted the Green City Strategy, a commitment to move the City towards environmental sustainability. The City has identified key priority areas pertaining to sustainability planning, waste reduction, energy conservation and renewable energy, and environmental management and stewardship. One of the key components of the Strategy includes a commitment to develop a greenhouse gas emissions reduction plan for the community and achieve carbon neutrality in municipal operations. The City of Campbell River is a signatory to the BC Climate Action Charter, which requires that the City reduce and where necessary, offset the greenhouse gas emissions from City facilities, fleet and traditional services to zero emissions by 2012.

City Sustainability Initiatives
A timeline of the City's completed and ongoing Sustainability related initiatives.
What I Can Do
Are you interested in reducing your carbon footprint while saving money on energy and fuel costs? See the following information and links for ways you can help the environment and your pocketbook at the same time.
Wood Stove Exchange Program

Exchange your old, uncertified wood stove for a new CSA/EPA-certified wood, pellet or gas heating appliance.

Waste Watchers
The average household in Campbell River produces 40 kilograms (88 pounds) of garbage each month.  By finding ways to lower this number we can reduce our environmental impact and stretch the life of our over-burdened landfill. 
Illegal Dumping
We all want to enjoy welcoming, safe, clean and attractive green spaces. Campbell River is working to address illegal dumping. No dumping means no more unnecessary harm to the community and our natural environment. By eliminating illegal dumping we show the community’s pride and standards – illegal dump sites only encourage further dumping and other criminal activity.    
Wood Burning
A traditional Canadian method of home heating, wood burning remains a popular choice in Campbell River today.  While new technologically advanced appliances reduce air pollution and increase efficiencies, wood heating still requires more expertise than any other home heating option.
Home Renovations
Many homeowners are making efficiency a priority when undertaking home renovation projects.  Improved efficiency can make a renovation more affordable in the long term – and reduce your household environmental impact. 
Environmental Purchasing

The City of Campbell River has an Environmental Purchasing Policy to help the City make more environmentally friendly decisions.  The following information contains tips you can use for your own purchasing decisions.

Sustainability Direct Delivery

Green City Currents is a monthly column by the City’s Sustainability Manager, Amber Zirnhelt. Green City Currents provides tips for green living, and will keep you informed on green initiatives in the community. Columns cover topics ranging from gardening to solar energy, waste reduction, local agriculture, active transportation, and a range of other issues.

Solar Energy for Homeowners
Solar energy is an abundant renewable resource that can be used to meet many energy needs. Today’s solar thermal technology offers cost-effective solutions for hot water heating, and solar photovoltaic panels can even be used to meet household electricity demands. Solar power is a reliable, environmentally-friendly choice that could significantly reduce our city’s draw on the existing electricity grid, and the City of Campbell River is encouraging its use in the home and commercial buildings.
City Hall Green Roof
Campbell River was among 22 municipalities and individuals honoured during the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ (FCM) first-ever municipal awards of excellence May 28-31, 2010. Campbell River City Hall’s green roof has been recognized in the Building Awards category of the national competition that showcases leading municipal environmental, energy, sustainability planning and waste reduction initiatives.
Pesticide Alternatives
Using natural pesticide alternatives will improve Campbell River’s environment, health and help you achieve a pesticide-free lawn and garden.
Agricultural Plan and Study
The City of Campbell River is developing an Agricultural Plan and Study. This will include a thorough assessment of agricultural opportunities including a land-use inventory for the Agricultural Land Reserve, as well as marketing and economic development opportunities for agriculture.
Sustainable Official Community Plan

The Sustainable Official Community Plan (SOCP) will be the principal policy document guiding the management and implementation of municipal services and initiatives.  The development of the plan will involve community members and partner First Nations as we work together to build a strategic vision for the future of the community.

Green Building Leaders

The City of Campbell River is a partner in the Green Building Leaders Project.

Climate Action

The City of Campbell River is one of 179 BC local governments that have committed to the BC Climate Action Charter. The Charter requires local governments to take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, report on community climate initiatives, and become carbon neutral in municipal operations by 2012.

Featured Article

Reducing waste is key to reducing our environmental impact.  What can you do?

1.  Waste Watchers:   Find the best places for your unwanted items and information on recycling, yard waste and composting.

2.  Help Stop Illegal Dumping:  Report violations and put an end to the improper disposal of garbage and yard waste. 

3.  Plan a Green Event: Events are often wasteful – plan ahead and make yours green.

4.  Understand Product Lifecycles:  Consider the environmental and social costs of products — from raw materials, energy and transportation costs to end of life disposal.

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