Freedom of Information Request
City of Victoria Freedom of Information Office
1 Centennial Square
Victoria, BC V8W 1P6
Email: foi@victoria.ca
June 1, 2024
Subject: Request for Information on Programs Aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Greenhouse Gas Reductions, and Net Zero by 2050
Dear FOI Coordinator,
I am writing to formally request access to records under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA). Specifically, I am seeking comprehensive information regarding the City of Victoria's programs, partnerships, and initiatives that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions, and net zero by 2050 targets. The requested information includes but is not limited to:
Comprehensive List of Programs:
A complete list of all programs, initiatives, and partnerships adopted by the City of Victoria that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Programs aimed at greenhouse gas reductions and achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
Original Motions:
Copies of the original motions, council minutes, or resolutions through which these programs, partnerships, and initiatives were adopted.
Associated Costs:
Detailed information on the annual and total costs associated with each program, initiative, and partnership.
Documentation outlining the sources of funding for these programs, including but not limited to municipal budgets, provincial and federal grants, private partnerships, and any other funding mechanisms.
Progress Reports and Evaluations:
Any available progress reports, performance evaluations, or assessments of the effectiveness of these programs, initiatives, and partnerships.
Below is a list of programs and initiatives identified through preliminary research:
Climate Leadership Plan
Low Carbon Mobility Plan
Low Carbon New Buildings
Organic Waste Management
Climate Friendly Homes Program
Sustainable Mobility Strategy (SMS)
Municipal Operations GHG Reduction
Youth Climate Corps
Public Awareness and Education Programs
Building Energy Retrofit Program
Green Shores Certification
Urban Forest Master Plan
Zero Emissions Fleet
Bike Master Plan
Water Conservation Programs
Sustainable Procurement Policy
Green Building Policy
Climate Adaptation Strategy
Stormwater Management Plan
Solar Rooftop Program
District Energy System
Food Security Initiatives
Green Infrastructure Plan
Community Energy and Emissions Plan
Green Business Certification
Climate Resilience Hubs
Neighborhood Energy Utility
Green Roof Program
Electric Vehicle Car Sharing
Renewable Natural Gas (RNG)
Energy Performance Standards for Existing Buildings
Community Solar Gardens
Zero Waste Strategy
Sustainable Food Strategy
Climate Action Outreach and Education
Sustainable Landscaping Guidelines
Green Streets Initiative
Net Zero Carbon Building Standard
Green Job Training Programs
Eco-School Programs
Community-Based Social Marketing (CBSM)
Renewable Energy Incentive Program
Climate Action Grant Program
Sustainable Transportation Grants
Environmental Stewardship Programs
Energy Benchmarking and Disclosure
Urban Agriculture Initiatives
Green Job Corps
Sustainable Events Policy
Community Gardens Expansion
Rainwater Harvesting Programs
Sustainable Tourism Initiative
Energy Conservation Outreach
Biodiversity Conservation Strategy
Public Transit Improvements
Green Building Certification for Homes
Climate Action Workshops
Sustainable Fleet Management
Renewable Energy Research Partnerships
Rebates for Energy Efficiency Upgrades
Community Climate Action Fund
Sustainable Development Education Programs
Tree Planting Initiatives
Greenhouse Gas Inventory and Reporting
Smart Grid Technology Implementation
Green Neighborhoods Program
Low Emission Zone Policy
Carbon Neutrality Certification for Businesses
Renewable Energy Buyback Programs
Urban Heat Island Mitigation Projects
Sustainable Housing Initiatives
Green Finance Initiatives
Public Transit Electrification
Sustainable Construction Practices Workshops
Circular Economy Initiatives
Green Manufacturing Programs
Renewable Energy Storage Projects
Carbon Capture and Storage Research
Sustainable Tourism Certification
Eco-Innovation Districts
Zero Emission Building Catalysts
Low Carbon Food Programs
Sustainable Water Management Projects
Climate-Friendly Urban Design Standards
Green Parking Policies
Public Bike Share Programs
Waste to Energy Projects
Climate Adaptation Infrastructure
Green Public Procurement Policies
Low Carbon Innovation Hubs
Sustainable Fisheries Initiatives
Zero Emission Freight Programs
Sustainable Event Guidelines
Urban Biodiversity Projects
Green Retail Initiatives
Renewable Energy Research and Development
Climate Justice Programs
Carbon Offsetting Programs
Energy Efficient Lighting Programs
Sustainable Transport Infrastructure
I would prefer to receive this information in electronic format if possible. If there are any fees associated with processing this request, please provide an estimate of these costs before proceeding.
If any part of this request is unclear, or if further details are required to facilitate the search for records, please contact me at [Your Email Address] or [Your Phone Number]. I appreciate your assistance in this matter and look forward to your response.
Thank you for your attention to this request.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Address]
[City, Province, Postal Code]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]
Steps to Identify and Request Information on Local Sustainability Programs
Research Programs: Use a search engine or ChatGPT to find which programs your city or town has adopted that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets, and net zero by 2050 initiatives. Keywords to use in your search include:
"[City/Town Name] United Nations Sustainable Development Goals"
"[City/Town Name] greenhouse gas reduction programs"
"[City/Town Name] net zero by 2050 initiatives"
"[City/Town Name] sustainability partnerships and initiatives"
Compile a List: Gather a comprehensive list of the programs, initiatives, and partnerships your city or town has adopted. Make note of any specific goals, partnerships, and funding sources mentioned.
FOIA Request: Write a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to your city's administration. Include the list of programs you have compiled and request detailed information on the costs, original motions, and funding sources for each program. Here is a template to get you started:
Check out kiclei.ca for ways to support and share this important work!
Let’s go, Canada!
I wonder if the representative from each city who is on the board of the FCM (Federation of Canadian Municipalities) and whose fees citizens are paying for both membership and board costs, might be able to give a rough estimate on the assorted policies and programs that the FCM has helped to roll out in cities?
The follow the net-zero agenda and encourage huge spending for the "emergency" while the actual economic emergency is being made worse in the process. Have a look at their finances, they have well over a billion stashed away: https://media.fcm.ca/Documents/corporate-resources/financial-statement/2023-Financial-Statement-BIL.pdf
This is brilliant! It will keep staff busy for a year.
I have compiled a multi-page list for Vancouver. I only listed Acts, Statutes, Authorities created, Commissions, Documents, Policy Statements, Programs, Plans, Reports, NGO links, Groups, formal Strategies, Declarations. I didn't even get into this level of 'action item' by the City, but I will expand my list. It will be a small book!