BC communities have shown real leadership on climate, but most still aren’t on track to meet their climate targets.
Some of the most effective climate tools available to municipalities are regulatory, like zoning bylaws, development permits, and covenants. These tools are powerful, enforceable, and already enabled by provincial law. Yet many remain underused.
The gap isn’t ambition, it’s implementation.
That’s where Power to Act comes in.
This tool helps municipal staff and elected officials use their available but underutilized regulatory powers to advance efficient electrification and achieve their climate goals. It offers practical, legally vetted guidance tailored to BC’s legal context and the realities of BC local governments, both large and small.
Explore pathways by sector
Mobility
Local governments can increase low-carbon transportation by requiring EV charging infrastructure and encouraging car-sharing.
New buildings
Local governments can shape new developments to meet higher energy efficiency and emissions standards.
Existing buildings
Local governments can drive improvements to the existing building stock with local retrofit requirements, energy performance standards, and other policies and incentives.
Or search by keyword
Objectives:
How to navigate this resource
Start with what matters to your community
What is the objective you want to pursue? Maybe you want to reduce fossil fuel use in new developments or support EV adoption.
This resource is organized by objective. Select an objective to find the pathways that can lead to achieving your goal.
Browse by Sector to find the tools that fit your goals:
Understand your options
Curious about the difference between a development permit area and a covenant? Use the Tool Glossary for context and constraints.
Help shape the future of this tool
CEA will periodically update this tool to include new objectives, pathways, resources and case studies. Have a suggestion or feedback?