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As 2025 comes to a close, we reflect on the provincial review of CleanBC and what it all might mean for communities, publish new policy-development resources for local governments and a new web page on zero-emission trucks, and even make a bold claim that charging an EV might (or should) actually be fun. How could you not read on after that? Make sure you make it to the end for a pitch to join the CEA family in 2026.
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CEA NEWS - Rising to the Moment: CEA resources on the CleanBC review
- Fleet Forward videos and resources now online
- “Make EV charging fun”: a new opportunity for communities
- Policy planning companions for local governments
- First Nations share outstanding climate projects with Vancouver Island and coastal communities
- Upcoming meetings
MEMBERSHIP - Join the club: Become a member of CEA
| | | | | | | | | | Rising to the Moment: CEA resources on the CleanBC review
A comprehensive review of BC’s signature climate action program came to an end last week when the Province released the final report from an independent review of CleanBC. The report from Merran Smith and Dan Woynillowicz is the result of more than 2,500 survey responses, nearly 300 written submissions, and meetings involving more than 150 organizations, so it’s big: more than 90 pages, seven priorities, 31 specific actions, and eight guiding principles for the renewal of CleanBC.
What might it all mean for local governments and community climate action?
- An exclusive CleanBC-themed dialogue involving CEA members (photographed above) took place earlier this week, with members expressing a strong desire for Government to respond promptly and clearly to the CleanBC Review Report recommendations. Some of their related priorities: an actionable implementation plan with timelines, sustained funding for LGCAP, and alignment of targets with economic opportunities. Members also highlighted the importance of transparency and community engagement.
About 50 organizations are members of CEA. See later in this newsletter for more info on membership.
- A review of CleanBC and a summary of its recommendations has been produced by CEA. The info has been organized according to the key themes that emerged this past summer, when CEA collected input from peer network members and communities around BC and packaged it into formal submissions to the CleanBC Review team.
| | | | | | | | Fleet Forward videos and resources now online
CEA’s Fleet Forward events this fall drew almost 250 registrants from 85 communities and organizations, all of them interested in learning about incorporating zero-emission, medium- and heavy-duty vehicles into their fleets.
The message was clear: local governments are interested in moving forward with this work but are wanting more info and are keen to share experiences and learn together.
Did you miss out? Don’t worry, all the findings are now posted on the Fleet Forward website: - Hear how existing gas-powered vehicles can be converted to electric by Blueforce Energy Solutions, based in Burnaby.
- Learn about the experiences of incorporating an electric freightliner and Canada’s first electric refuse truck into daily, local operations.
- Hear about HTEC’s heavy-duty electric hydrogen vehicle leasing option.
- Get access to funding and support for your own fleet transformation.
The website will continue to be updated over the coming months with more resources to help organizations that are considering how to introduce zero-emission vehicles.
| | | | | | | | “Make EV charging fun”: a new opportunity for communities
When CEA staffer Katherine McDougall used her EV to move cross-country from PEI to Alberta, she knew that she would have to plan ahead and make regular stops to charge. But, as she describes in this CEA article, she and her partner, Grace, came away with a revelation that the simple act of charging a car might actually be one of the best parts of travelling.
Well-located charging stations provide communities with a chance to show off the places they are most proud of and give travellers a view of places all across Canada that they would never get in five minutes filling up at a highway gas station.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | First Nations share outstanding climate projects with Vancouver Island and coastal communities
CEA facilitates five regional networks that showcase leadership around BC. Last month, the Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities staff peer network (VICCAN) heard from two communities that were recently recognized through the Climate & Energy Action Awards. - Kwiakah First Nation shared how they established a special forest management area to monetize the value of their intact forests and developed a floating solar-powered research centre that now accommodates more than a dozen PhD projects. Watch the presentation
- Uchucklesaht Tribe explained their process of developing a values-based and community-led climate action plan that addresses both mitigation and adaptation, focuses on protecting ecosystems, and addresses food security. Watch the presentation
VICCAN launched in 2023 and includes local government and Indigenous community staff along with community partners in the region. Together, they promote the sharing of climate action-related knowledge, identify opportunities for collaboration, and focus on holistic climate action, including mitigation, adaptation, resilience, and equity.
| | | | Upcoming meetings
BC Municipal Climate Leaders Dec. 8, 2025 Minister dialogue for elected officials with Minister Kelly Greene (Emergency Management and Climate Readiness) and Minister Randene Neill (Water, Land and Resource Stewardship).
E-mobility Peer Network Dec. 10, 2025 How fleet electrification and bidirectional charging can deliver local benefits.
Retrofit Peer Network Dec. 11, 2025 Climate-resilient retrofits for Part 3 buildings.
Resilience Peer Network Dec. 17, 2025 Continuing the conversation around meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities.
| | | | | | | | | | Join the club: Become a member of CEA
As a non-profit, CEA relies on members to both support and amplify our work. Today, about 50 organizations – local governments, Indigenous communities, the private sector, foundations, and public organizations – are members of CEA and form a community of practitioners along with CEA staff. Members range in size from the Village of Granisle with about 300 residents, to Metro Vancouver with more than 3 million.
To our current members, thank you! We look forward to more opportunities to connect and learn together in 2026.
Not a member and want to join one of the best groups of community-based climate action experts anywhere?
| | | | Find the details on our website or email us anytime.
| | | | Our Commitment to Truth and Reconciliation
The Community Energy Association commits to the principles of Truth and Reconciliation. As an organization, we support the Calls to Action released by the
Truth and Reconciliation Commision of Canada
and recognize the importance of the self determination of Indigenous Peoples as articulated in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. | | Thank you for subscribing to the CEA Newsletter, our monthly update on local climate and energy initiatives connected to the Community Energy Association. No longer interested? You can easily unsubscribe or update your preferences | | | | | |
