Community Energy Association facilitates peer networks that address a spectrum of high-priority climate action topics and foster regional collaboration and alignment.
In simple terms, peer networks exist to get the best information about a topic into the hands of elected officials who provide high-level direction and staff who are responsible for implementing in their community. By coming together with their peers, network members can find ways to advance their priorities by replicating what has already been done, adapt solutions for their context and collaborate for amplified impact.
There are currently five topical peer networks open to any local government staff in British Columbia. Topical networks focus on specific high-priority initiatives on many local government work plans. Staff can also participate in implementation cohorts that bring together a subset of network members actively implementing a specific policy or initiative.
*membership in peer networks is reserved for staff in a BC local government or Indigenous community. This creates an environment that is specifically oriented to the unique context of staff, and keeps conversations focused on shared opportunities, challenges and barriers. The only network that is open to other stakeholders is NorthCan.
Who can join the network? Open to all staff from municipalities, regional districts, and Indigenous communities in BC. Also, open to staff from other levels of government, utilities, academic institutions, and other municipally adjacent organizations upon invitation.
Purpose of this Network:
Accelerate local government understanding and adoption of the BC Energy Step Code and Zero Carbon Step Code
Support local governments for successful implementation of the BC Energy Step Code and Zero Carbon Step Code
Provide a communication channel between local governments and the Energy Step Code Council
Current Topics of Interest:
Building Code Update
Zero Carbon Stepcode
Capacity Building in Northern and Rural BC
Past Network Outcomes:
Replicate bylaws from other communities
Participate in collaborative efforts to build industry capacity
Engage with Building Saftely and Standards Branch on proposed Building Code updates
Who can join the network? Open to all staff from municipalities, regional districts, and Indigenous communities in BC. Also, open to staff from other levels of government, utilities, academic institutions, and other municipally adjacent organizations upon invitation.
Purpose of this Network:
Accelerate BC’s transition toward zero emissions in existing buildings
Accelerate local government understanding on policy and program innovations
Align community-scale efforts for improved co-ordination and results
Provide a communication channel between local governments, indigenous communities and organizations, to coordinate input and ideas back to the Province
Current Topics of Interest:
Alterations Code
Industry Capacity Building
Heat pumps
Climate resiliency
Multi-unit residential buildings
Financing & incentives
Past Network Outcomes:
Share and replicate initiatives from other communities
Participate in collaborative efforts to build industry capacity
Engage with the Province on proposed retrofit programming and policies
Who can join the network? Open to all staff from municipalities, regional districts, and Indigenous communities in BC. Also, open to staff from other levels of government, utilities, academic institutions, and othermunicipally adjacent organizations upon invitation.
Purpose of this Network:
Support communities in accelerating the transition to electric mobility by sharing knowledge, replicating learnings, and adapting high-impact actions to their context.
Increase information sharing between local and other levels of government and partners regarding relevant resources and updates on policies, programs, and funding.
Build professional connections and relationships while providing a supportive and positive climate community.
Facilitate the exchange of valuable mentorship and provide foundational climate education for staff.
Who can join the network?Open to all staff from municipalities, regional districts, and Indigenous communities in BC. Also, open to staff from other levels of government, utilities, academic institutions, and other municipally adjacent organizations upon invitation.
Who can join this network? This network is still being established. At this time Lunch and Learn sessions are being offered and are open to anyone with an interest in climate resilience. This network aims to allow stakeholders to bring expertise from their unique subject areas and, in concert with other experts, collaborate on solutions that amplify beneficial outcomes and truly build resilience through community health, economic development, food security, risk assessment, and more
Who can join this network? Local government staff from municipalities, regional districts, and Indigenous governments in the Thompson-Okanagan region, and invited guests.
Who can join this network? The Network exists “in and for the North” and brings together individuals from local governments (staff and elected officials from municipalities, and regional districts), Indigenous governments, health and education, business and industry, and NGOs; these individuals have climate-related interest and expertise in the areas of buildings, transportation, energy systems/security, waste, and/or land use
Accelerate implementation of low-carbon solutions that foster and support community well-being and preparedness for local climate impacts
Encourage local/regional innovation, research, and bold decision-making
Expose participants to new funding, contacts, and opportunities
Current Topics of Interest:
NorthCAN meetings feature examples of projects and initiatives in communities throughout Northern BC for the purposes of information-sharing and possible replication. Recent examples have included energy-efficient homes, innovative wood products, low-carbon fuel production, removing organic waste from curbside garbage collection, collaboration between municipalities and First Nations communities, and fostering more low-carbon transportation options.
Who can join this network?Local government staff from municipalities, regional districts, and Indigenous governments in the Kootenay region, and invited guests.
Who can join this network? Any and all locally elected officials from municipalities, regional districts, Indigenous communities, and islands Trust in British Columbia.
Bring together locally elected officials interested in accelerating the implementation of low-carbon solutions in their community.
Increase information sharing between local and other levels of government and partners regarding relevant resources and updates on policies, programs, and funding.
Build professional connections and relationships while providing a supportive and positive climate community.
Facilitate the exchange of valuable mentorship and provide foundational climate education for elected officials.
Bring together locally elected officials interested in accelerating the implementation of low-carbon solutions in their community.
Increase information sharing between local and other levels of government and partners regarding relevant resources and updates on policies, programs, and funding.
Build professional connections and relationships while providing a supportive and positive climate community.
Facilitate the exchange of valuable mentorship and provide foundational climate education for elected officials.
