New Westminster Tackles Climate Change with Seven Bold Steps Update

City council reviewed their progress on the Seven Bold Steps for Climate Action during the January 27 meeting, reflecting on both achievements and ongoing challenges as New Westminster faces escalating climate impacts.

In recent years, the city has experienced rising average temperatures, with 2023 marking one of the hottest summers on record. Extreme weather events such as the 2021 heat dome and severe rainstorms have placed increasing strain on infrastructure and public health, underscoring the urgency of climate action.

The Seven Bold Steps, adopted in 2020, were designed to establish New Westminster as a climate leader by 2030. The plan includes achieving net-zero emissions, reducing car dependency, improving public transit, rewilding urban spaces, transitioning to 100% renewable energy, supporting a circular economy, and strengthening resilience to climate risks.

The Environmental Key Performance Indicators report presented at the meeting revealed mixed results. Greenhouse gas emissions have decreased by 7% since 2019, but the city is behind schedule in adopting renewable energy and reducing vehicle emissions. Some initiatives, such as rewilding street boulevards and expanding bike infrastructure, have been met with both support and criticism from the public.

Community response to the Seven Bold Steps has been diverse. Many residents support the city’s ambitious climate goals, while others have raised concerns about the aesthetic and practical aspects of certain changes. In a recent interview, Gail North, a longtime resident of Queens Park, shared her perspective, saying that while people recognize the need for climate action, they also want to ensure that changes are well-integrated into the community.

Despite the challenges, city council and staff reiterated their commitment to fostering community dialogue and refining their strategies to meet climate targets in the coming years. The discussion underscored the importance of adaptation, engagement, and ongoing efforts to build a more sustainable future for New Westminster.