Ten municipalities across the Lower Mainland, including Burnaby, New Westminster and Port Moody, and the Metro Vancouver Board have taken steps to adopt the IPCC climate targets, committing to net-zero emissions by 2050. But Port Coquitlam is lagging behind having only aimed to cut emissions by 8% below 2007 levels by 2017. To date the City of Port Coquitlam has not reported on the progress the community made towards these emissions targets.

Yet, there is so much to treasure in Port Coquitlam. For example, the Traboulay trail, which is home to so much wildlife as it traverses wetlands, meadow and marsh. All of this could be lost with significant sea level rises, which will occur if we do not curb emissions. As the birthplace of the beloved Terry Fox, who showed unimaginable grit and determination in the face of overwhelming odds, it is unacceptable that Port Coquitlam City Council do not have a plan in place to tackle the climate crisis and reduce emissions.

Therefore we’re calling on Port Coquitlam City Council to model the visionary leadership we need to attain deep and swift emissions reductions over the coming decades, by:

1) Passing a formal resolution to adopt the latest IPCC recommended greenhouse gas reduction targets of 45% below 2010 levels by 2030, 65% by 2040 and 100% by 2050 for all community-wide emissions.

2) Establishing a meaningful set of interim targets and ensure that these targets are incorporated into all forthcoming municipal planning documents, including Community Energy and Emissions Plans (CEEPs) and Official Community Plans (OCPs.)

3) Directing city staff to draft a plan for annual transparent measuring and reporting on the municipality’s community emissions beginning no later than 2020, including a proposal for how these activities will be funded.

We know political will can be influenced by public support. That’s why we’re taking action, and we need you. Will you join us?

Groups that endorse our Port Coquitlam climate targets campaign

Interested in endorsing the Port Coquitlam Climate Targets campaign? Read our endorsement letter, sign it and then send your signed letter with your companies logo to us.