Local Actions

The Village of Kaslo

Kaslo is a community that is steeped in history, being the oldest incorporated community in the Kootenays. It is home to 1,000 residents and serves another 2,000 or so in the surrounding Area D.

Most of Kaslo’s non-renewable energy use is passenger and commercial vehicles. Although buildings use a lot of energy, most of the energy is renewable electricity. 

Kaslo has chosen actions for each strategy, including: 

  • Develop an EV charging strategy.
  • Explore free transit programs for children/seniors
  • Support and encourage alternative energy public transport
  • Pursue development of renewable energy systems

Click here to see all of Kaslo’s actions

The strategies with the greatest impact on carbon pollution will be:

  1. Electrifying Passenger Vehicles
  2. Improving Existing Buildings
  3. Public and Active Transportation
  4. Composting organics & capturing landfill gas 

What’s Left

Although the Big Moves can make a lot of progress toward 100% renewable energy, new kinds of technology or policy at the federal or provincial level will be needed to fill the gaps. In Kaslo, the main gaps are: 

  • Commercial vehicle emissions
  • Non-electricity heating (propane and oil) in existing buildings

Public Survey Results

Kaslo residents were asked to complete a survey rating the potential impact and feasibility of potential actions. Based on 40 responses, the weighted average of the actions are shown in the chart below. All of the actions received average feasibility and impact ratings greater than the midpoint. Potential scores range from 1 to 5. The distinctions among many of the actions fall within the margin of error (+/- .6).

The highest impact ratings were for pursuing new generation (3.85), retrofit incentives (4.09), and energy policy advocacy (3.82), while the lowest rating was for advocating for renewable natural gas (2.52).

The highest feasibility ratings were for retrofit incentives (4.21), free store (4.5), and active transportation (4.35). The lowest feasibility ratings were for advocating for renewable natural gas (2.72), and adopting the step code (3.12).

What’s Next

After incorporating community feedback, the Kaslo Village Council will adopt the plan and begin implementing actions. 

The full report is ready for download. So are other local government action resources.