DocumentsOtherJun 22, 2026Pages 2–4
NOTICE OF MOTION - Funding for the Local Government Climate Action Program (LGCAP)
Notice of Motion introduced by Councillor Wagner (June 15, 2026) requesting advocacy for renewal/extension of the Provincial Local Government Climate Action Program (LGCAP), arguing the program is a critical, long-standing funding source for municipal climate action and resilience.
Key facts
- Introduced by: Councillor Wagner; Date: June 15, 2026
- Asserts LGCAP (and predecessor CARIP) has provided provincial funding to local governments since 2008
- Notes LGCAP has not been renewed (UBCM reference, April 15, 2026)
- Claims up to $10 saved in future costs for every $1 invested (Community Energy Association)
- Requests provincial action to extend/renew LGCAP to support local climate capacity, projects, and resilience
NOTICE OF MOTION - Funding for the Local Government Climate Action Program (LGCAP)
Introduced by: Councillor Wagner
Date: June 15th, 2026
Motion
WHEREAS the Local Government Climate Action Program (LGCAP) provides crucial external grant funding that Langford has used for climate staff, emission reductions, and resilience initiatives, with many of these initiatives directly supporting the goals of the provincial CleanBC Roadmap and the Climate Preparedness and Adaptation Strategy;
AND WHEREAS for more than 15 years, the Province has provided consistent annual climate action funding to local governments, recognizing our essential role in meeting provincial greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets and climate adaptation goals;
AND WHEREAS the Provincial Government released the 2026/27–2028/29 Service Plan for the Ministry of Energy and Climate Solutions that does not appear to include funding for the renewal of the LGCAP;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council direct the Mayor to send a letter to the Province and Local MLA's outlining the need for continued Local Government Climate Action Program (LGCAP) funding and share this letter with the Capital Regional District Board of Directors, other BC municipal elected officials and Chief Administrative Officers.
Background
In the Ministry of Energy and Climate Solutions 2026/27 service plan, the Local Government Climate Action Program (LGCAP) has not been renewed.1 The LGCAP and its predecessor, the Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program (CARIP), has been a reliable and long-term funding source from the Province since 2008, providing guidance, resources and operational funding to support the unique needs of each community.2 The base allocation with additional per capita funding and the flexibility in how the funds are used has been invaluable.
According to the Community Energy Association,3 LGCAP funding is critical across the province to build capacity, leverage funding for bigger impacts by securing additional grants, improve energy security, and help communities of all sizes and types prepare for extreme weather, saving up to $10 in future costs for every dollar invested now.
In Langford, LGCAP funding has been used for a variety of infrastructure projects, climate planning and staff capacity to do the work that is needed to prepare us for the future and improve our quality of life now. Ending this stable funding stream will undermine our efforts at the local government level at a critical time when an all hands on deck approach is needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet the challenges facing us such as heat domes, wildfire, flooding, and other hazards.
The independent review of the CleanBC plan shows that the Province is not on track to meet its legislated target of reducing climate-changing emissions by 40% by 2030.4 A key recommendation of the review is to extend LGCAP. In addition, the LGCAP funding was providing crucial resources to support the Province’s “Climate Preparedness and Adaptation Strategy.”5
Writing a letter to those at the Province who can influence the funding decision on the LGCAP including the Premier, Minister of Energy and Climate, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, and the Minister of Finance along with sharing our concerns with the CRD, and other elected officials and CAOs is an important advocacy action that aligns with our Strategic Plan objectives to advocate to higher levels of government, be a leader in the region and to work towards a fiscally responsible, climate-resilient Langford.
Climate change impacts are increasing and are increasingly expensive at a time when across the province, local government budgets are strained to meet the demands of fast growing and aging communities facing a widening infrastructure gap. Stable, flexible provincial funding to support actions for local governments to meet provincial and federal targets is needed now more than ever.
Alignment with Strategic Plan Initiatives and the Official Community Plan
This action will potentially support Strategic Plan initiatives that address the climate crisis as indicated by the climate icon woven throughout all six of the Strategic Plan Priority areas, as well as supporting Collaborative Advocacy objectives and efforts to meet the targets and objectives of the Official Community Plan.
References
Union of BC Municipalities, "Local Government Climate Action Program has not been renewed," April 15, 2026. https://www.ubcm.ca/about-ubcm/latest-news/local-government-climate-action-program-has-not-been-renewed
Province of British Columbia, "Local Government Climate Action Program," Ministry of Energy and Climate Solutions. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/climate-change/local-governments/local-government-climate-action-program
Community Energy Association, "LGCAP Support and Services." https://www.communityenergy.ca/lgcap-support-services/
Rising to the Moment - Renewing CleanBC to improve affordability, strengthen the economy and ensure a cleaner future. Final Report of the CleanBC Independent Review Panel. https://engage.gov.bc.ca/app/uploads/sites/121/2025/11/CleanBC-Independent-Review-Final-Report-November-2025.pdf
Province of British Columbia, “Climate Preparedness and Adaptation Strategy” Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/climate-change/adaptation/cpas