Refocusing for Greater Impact: Squamish CAN’s Commitment to Food Systems and Zero Waste
Since establishing our non-profit in 2009, we’ve empowered Squamish residents to take meaningful steps toward energy efficiency and sustainable transportation. Through our Energy and Active Transportation pillar, we’ve strived to educate the community and inspire action to reduce personal energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions - at the end of this post we’ve listed a few of the fun times we shared in this pillar of our work.
The climate action landscape has evolved since 2009 and in recent years, Squamish CAN has gained strength and momentum in the areas of food systems and zero waste. Squamish CAN’s food systems and zero waste initiatives directly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by diverting waste from landfills and creating local food sources, which also cuts down emissions from long-distance food transport. Food system and zero waste projects provide practical, hands-on learning opportunities for Squamish residents to increase their understanding of human and environmental health.
Provincial and local governments have implemented robust climate policies addressing energy and transportation needs, reducing the need for Squamish CAN to focus on this area. Squamish CAN has made the strategic decision to focus its efforts more specifically in our areas of specialty: food systems and zero waste. There is a great deal of work to be done in these fronts, and we have decided that our (limited) resources will be better allocated to a more focused scope.
Current Status in Energy & Transportation:
In recent years, the Province of BC, the District of Squamish, and other non-profits have significantly expanded their energy and active transportation work.
The government now oversees various initiatives, including active transportation planning (expanded and improved bike lanes), EV infrastructure development such as the new EV chargers at Highway 99 & Clarke Dr., and broader sustainability goals aligned with the CleanBC plan (BC’s provincial climate action plan). With dedicated roles and comprehensive plans to tackle local energy and transportation challenges, the District is well-positioned to carry forward these initiatives with greater resources and long-term stability.
At the same time, other community groups have emerged, contributing to Squamish's evolving active transportation landscape. As an example, OurSquamish has built bike shelters and added bike parking racks, as well as running a well-utilized Bike Valet program which helps thousands of bikers on a typical summer weekend. The Vancouver Electric Vehicle Association has helped host multiple events here in Squamish (alongside Squamish CAN and the District of Squamish), to encourage the adoption of cleaner fueled vehicles. These organizations, in collaboration with the District, are helping to empower Squamish residents to reduce their energy usage and travel more sustainably.
Our Ongoing Role:
While we are stepping back from leading activities like EV Expos, GoByBike Week, and community energy workshops, our non-profit will continue to play a supporting role. We will actively promote these initiatives through social media, raise awareness of their importance, and continue to engage with the community to amplify these efforts.
Additionally, this shift allows us to focus more heavily on our other two pillars: Food Systems and Zero Waste. Both of these areas directly contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. For example, our work on Food Systems helps to reduce methane emissions from food waste by diverting organic waste from landfills and promoting local food production, which also cuts down on transportation-related emissions. Similarly, our Zero Waste initiatives aim to minimize waste, reduce pollution, and educate the community on sustainable consumption habits. Focusing on our strengths in these areas will allow our work to be more effective.
Join Us on the Journey
As we celebrate this transition, we encourage you to stay involved in these important programs:
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We invite you to join our membership and support our climate action work (link to membership page) as an individual, a family, or a corporate membership!
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Follow our social media channels to stay informed, join us for upcoming events, and continue making sustainable choices in your daily lives.
Your support helps us drive impactful, community-led solutions for a sustainable future. Together, alongside the District of Squamish and our community partners, we are building a greener, more resilient future for all.
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BEST (Better Environmentally Sound Transportation), in Vancouver (https://www.best.bc.ca/)
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HUB Cycling, also in Vancouver (https://bikehub.ca/about-us/hub-cycling)
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SPEC (Society Promoting Environmental Conservation) https://spec.bc.ca/
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VEVA (Vancouver Electric Vehicle Association) https://www.veva.ca/
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OurSquamish https://www.oursquamish.ca/
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As always, we remain open to your input and support - please get in touch if you have ideas of how we can work together.
Energy & Transportation Committee
Squamish CAN's Energy and Transportation committee is primarily operated by the hearts and souls of volunteers who donate their expertise and passion across the organization. We support sustainable initiatives and share our inputs on potential projects across town.
Our strategic priorities are:
1. Advocate for renewable energy sources, reduced energy consumption and improved transportation networks. Priority activities include:
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Work with the District of Squamish: the Squamish Official Community Plan targets a 20% reduction in natural gas and hydro consumption (measured on a per capita basis). Help them to realize and build upon this goal.
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Explore greenhouse gas emissions related to transportation (particular commuters to Whistler), and work to understand the viability of alternative transportation plans and improved transit.
2. Educate residents on ways to reduce personal energy consumption and dependency on fossil fuels. Priority activities include;
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Education series: movie nights + community presentations and discussions
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Commuter Challenge (aka GoByBike Week - Bike to Work & School Week)
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EcoHome Hops or similar events
Want to get involved? Learn more about our projects?
Our Strategic Priority
Reduce community energy consumption and dependency on fossil fuels in Squamish
Our Goal
Transportation and energy use in residential buildings are the two areas of focus. We will address our areas of focus through activities related to:
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Education and outreach: we need to share information with the public, and work with people to engage them in ways to achieve our goal.
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Advocating and informing: we need to increase our understanding of problems and encourage solutions.
Energy and Transportation Projects:
Eco Home Hop
