Climate Action Plan
Planning for a more resilient North Saanich
The District of North Saanich is developing its first Climate Action Plan to help our community prepare for a changing climate, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build a healthier, more resilient future.
Climate change is already affecting communities through more frequent and severe weather events, including extreme heat, storms, flooding, wildfires and drought. By planning ahead, we can better protect our homes, infrastructure, natural environment and local economy while exploring opportunities to reduce energy costs and improve quality of life.
The Climate Action Plan will provide a practical roadmap for addressing local climate challenges, informed by climate science, technical assessments and input from the community.
Have your say: Community Workshop – November 21
Help shape North Saanich's climate future!
Residents, businesses and community organizations are invited to participate in a community workshop to share their experiences, ideas and priorities for climate action in North Saanich.
The workshop will include short presentations and small-group discussions focused on three key topics:
- Preparing for climate impacts: How can we strengthen our community's preparedness for extreme heat, wildfires, flooding and drought?
- Reducing emissions and energy use: What practical actions make sense for our homes, businesses and community?
- Supporting community well-being: How can climate action help lower energy costs, improve health and protect our natural environment?
Workshop details
- Date: Saturday, November 21, 2026
- Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Location: Council Chambers, Municipal Hall
- Address: 1620 Mills Road, North Saanich
- Refreshments: Light snacks and refreshments will be provided.
Pre-registration is required.
Please note that this is not a drop-in workshop. To get the most value from the session, participants should plan to attend for the full workshop, from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Register for the Community Workshop.
Everyone's perspective is welcome. Your input will help identify practical actions and priorities for the District's Climate Action Plan.
What is a Climate Action Plan?
A Climate Action Plan identifies ways a community can both prepare for the impacts of climate change and reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to it.
North Saanich's plan will focus on three interconnected priorities:
- Climate adaptation: Preparing for and responding to climate-related challenges such as extreme heat, flooding, wildfires and drought.
- Climate mitigation: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and energy use through greater energy efficiency and cleaner energy sources.
- Community benefits: Identifying actions that also support affordability, public health, environmental protection and a strong local economy.
By considering these priorities together, the District can develop practical solutions that deliver multiple benefits for our community.
What will the plan include?
The Climate Action Plan will be informed by:
- An updated greenhouse gas emissions inventory to better understand where emissions are coming from and identify opportunities for reductions.
- A Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment to identify the most significant climate-related hazards facing North Saanich.
- A prioritized list of actions to reduce emissions, improve community resilience and support local priorities.
- An implementation framework identifying timelines, estimated costs, potential funding opportunities and ways to measure progress.
The plan will build on existing District initiatives, including the 2023–2026 Strategic Plan, the 2025 Official Community Plan and other sustainability efforts.
How can climate action benefit our community?
Climate action is about more than reducing emissions. It is also about protecting the things that make North Saanich a great place to live.
Through the Climate Action Plan, the District will explore opportunities to:
- Help make homes safer, more comfortable and more energy-efficient.
- Protect natural areas, forests, shorelines, agricultural lands and water resources.
- Improve preparedness for emergencies and extreme weather.
- Support accessible transportation and healthier communities.
- Strengthen local agriculture, food security and economic resilience.
- Reduce energy costs and support a more affordable future.
How will the community be involved?
Community participation is essential to developing an effective Climate Action Plan that reflects local needs, experiences and priorities.
Opportunities for engagement will include a community workshop, a climate action survey, targeted discussions with community groups and engagement with Pauquachin and Tseycum First Nations, youth, local businesses and other community members.
The project is being led by District staff with support from the Community Energy Association and Shift Collaborative.
Additional engagement opportunities and project updates will be shared on this page as the project progresses.