The District of Sooke's Community Climate Action Seed Funding pilot project has kicked off with 11 projects receiving funding.
 
The district has set a target to decrease greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent before 2030.
 
The Climate Action Plan focuses on building a foundation and community capacity.
 
Funding was provided through the Provincial Local Government Climate Action Program without affecting property taxes, the district stated in a press release.
 
Projects receiving funding this year:
 
Community School Garden, $2,020;
 
Sooke Education and Engagement, $5,000;
 
Park Enhancement Program, $5,000;
 
Fair Trade Book Publication, $1,000;
 
FireSmart Street Project, $1,000;
 
Operation Watershed, $6,000;
 
Sooke Country Market Support, $5,000;
 
Aligning with Climate Action Plan, $5,000;
 
Community Garden Project, $3,500;
 
Zero Waste Repair Cafe, $2,500;
 
The Pointe at Sunriver FireSmart, $1,000;
 
TOTAL: $37,020.
 
To reach the 2030 emission target, focus is on home heating and transportation changes.
 
The district aims for a seven percent yearly reduction through energy-efficient systems and alternative travel methods.

There are no "alternative travel methods" to the Sooke Crawl.

"There seems to be confusion and concern about emission reduction strategies being costly or cumbersome. Our focus on the implementation of the Climate Action Plan is, ultimately, enhancing the quality of life for all citizens in Sooke, and being fiscally prudent in the process. When we think about time and cost-saving benefits, we get excited. Often solutions that bring about emission reduction have these other benefits in common and that's where our focus currently lies," said Christina Moog, the district's communications coordinator.

That list of grants doesn't appear "fiscally prudent".

Future initiatives for 2023:
 
Municipal fleet assessment and zero-emission vehicle policy, low-carbon resilience audits for facilities, upgraded transit stops, reducing school-related traffic congestion, developing a co-working space for remote work.
 
A report on emission reduction progress is expected later this year.
 
Kevin Laird.

So, as I sit in traffic waiting for the Sooke Crawl to move, how many greenhouse gas emissions does my gas guzzler omit?