Colin Plant

Climate action is both a community responsibility and a personal commitment. As a Saanich Councillor, I have worked to advance policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect our environment, and help our community adapt to climate change.

Local government has an important role in making sustainable choices accessible. This means supporting safer walking and cycling routes, improving transit, protecting our urban forest, and encouraging energy-efficient buildings. Climate action must also be affordable for residents and businesses.

During my time on Council, I have contributed to Saanich's Climate Plans, including the updated 2026 plan, and supported initiatives such as the Electric Mobility Strategy, expanded EV charging, building energy improvements, and Zero Emission Fleet Strategy.

As former Chair of the Capital Regional District, I advocated for regional transportation improvements connecting housing with transit and active transportation. Climate change doesn't stop at municipal boundaries, and neither should our solutions.

As an educator, I recognize the importance of engaging young people in environmental stewardship and ensuring their voices are heard.

Personally, I have transitioned to an electric vehicle and e-bike and am a regular transit rider; reducing my reliance on fossil fuels.

Meaningful climate action requires leadership, collaboration, and everyday choices. My commitment is to turn ambitious climate goals into measurable improvements that benefit our environment and everyone who calls Saanich home.

My priority is to ensure Saanich continues to be a leader in climate action while making our environmental goals practical, measurable, and affordable for residents.

Over the next four years, I will focus on five key priorities:

1. Deliver on our Climate Plan. Move beyond setting targets to achieving measurable emissions reductions, with transparent reporting and accountability for results.

2. Expand sustainable transportation. Advocate for better regional transit, safer walking and cycling connections, and expanded electric vehicle charging.

3. Protect our natural environment. Strengthen urban forest protection, restore natural areas, safeguard biodiversity, and preserve green spaces. Trees and healthy ecosystems are essential for cooling neighbourhoods, managing stormwater, and improving community wellbeing.

4. Build climate resilience. Prepare Saanich for increasingly frequent heat events, drought, and extreme rainfall by improving stormwater infrastructure, protecting vulnerable residents, and incorporating climate adaptation into municipal planning.

5. Make climate action affordable. Support energy-efficient buildings, home retrofits, and partnerships with senior governments to secure funding that reduces emissions without placing unnecessary financial burdens on homeowners and businesses.

My goal is to make Saanich a community where environmental responsibility and affordability go hand in hand. By working with residents, businesses, neighbouring municipalities, and senior governments, we can deliver meaningful climate action while protecting the quality of life that makes Saanich special.

I believe applying a climate lens means making climate considerations a consistent part of every Council decision, rather than treating them as a separate priority.

Whether we are considering housing, transportation, infrastructure, parks, or municipal budgets, we need to understand the environmental implications of our choices. I will continue to advocate for staff reports that clearly identify climate impacts, long-term costs, and opportunities to reduce emissions or improve resilience.

I also recognize that Council must balance climate action with affordability, housing needs, public safety, and fiscal responsibility. These priorities are not necessarily competing. Well-planned housing near transit, energy-efficient municipal facilities, and investments in green infrastructure can deliver environmental, social, and financial benefits simultaneously.

Working collaboratively with my fellow elected representatives is essential. I will focus on finding common ground, listening to different perspectives, and supporting evidence-based decisions that achieve meaningful results.

I believe we must also consider the long-term cost of inaction. Decisions that appear less expensive today may create greater financial and environmental burdens for future generations.

My approach is to be pragmatic, collaborative, and accountable: ask the right questions, evaluate the trade-offs, seek innovative funding partnerships, and ensure climate considerations are reflected in our decisions.

Ultimately, applying a climate lens means making responsible choices today that protect Saanich's environment, strengthen our community, and leave a sustainable legacy for future generations.

I believe climate leadership means moving beyond ambitious targets and delivering measurable results that make a difference in people's everyday lives.

As a Saanich Councillor, I will continue to champion practical climate initiatives, including improved public transit, safer active transportation networks, protection of our urban forest, energy-efficient buildings, and investments in climate-resilient infrastructure.

Leadership also means bringing people together. I will work collaboratively with fellow Councillors, staff, residents, businesses, neighbouring municipalities, and senior governments to identify solutions, secure funding, and turn our climate commitments into action.

I recognize that affordability is a significant concern for many residents. Climate initiatives must be thoughtfully designed to ensure they are accessible, financially responsible, and deliver lasting benefits. I will advocate for partnerships and funding opportunities that help reduce the financial burden on local taxpayers.

Equally important is accountability. I will support clear implementation timelines, measurable outcomes, and transparent reporting so residents can see the progress we are making and understand where improvements are needed.

As an educator, I also believe in engaging young people and ensuring their perspectives help shape the community they will inherit.

For me, climate leadership is about turning commitment into action, balancing ambition with practicality, and building a healthier, more resilient Saanich for generations to come.