2018 Annual Report

Annual Report 2018 38 OBJECTIVE STRATEGY MEASURE PROGRESS Explore economically viable methane extraction opportunities. Install a gas extraction system at the Bailey Landfill. Continued to utilize methane produced at WWTP to run biogas boiler heat digesters. Continued with gas extraction at the Bailey Landfill in 2018. Completed Biogas Feasibility Study at the Wastewater Treatment Plant with funding assistance from FCM. Explored options to convert excess biogas at the WWTP to biomethane and subsequent retailing to FORTIS BC. Reduced reliance on automobiles. 2018 transit service expansion included an additional 2,800 annual service hours applied to additional early morning service on the #1 Vedder, #2 Evans, #3 Chilliwack, #4 Promontory, #7 Broadway and the #8 Tyson. In addition, the #4 Promontory route was extended east to better serve the whole neighbourhood of Promontory. On board passenger counts completed in February and October 2018 indicate that ridership on the Chilliwack transit system is growing at approximately 10% over 2017. Measure air shed greenhouse gas emissions and foster the community to become more energy efficient. Continued to facilitate sustainable transportation and encourage greater density and more efficient developments. Adopted and implemented the Chilliwack Proper and Fairfield Island Neighbourhoods Plan. Amended the Zoning Bylaw to permit secondary rental suites in all single family homes and coach houses in the R1-A zone. Continued converting existing street lights to LED and requiring LED street lights for new developments .The City was recognized by the joint Provincial-Union of British Columbia Municipalities Green Communities Committee for our successful efforts to measure and reduce corporate greenhouse gas emissions for 2018. The Level 3 Measurement recognition demonstrates strong climate leadership and sets the stage for broader climate action in our community. Minimize burning. Burning restrictions continue to be enforced through the Open Air Burning Regulation Bylaw. Over the last 2 burning seasons the online test that requires property owners to answer a questionnaire related to the open air burning bylaw prior to receiving their permit has proven to be successful. Fire Department staff continues to gain compliance through public education and increased enforcement by issuing tickets to bylaw violators. A public education campaign was also developed regarding best practices for indoor wood burning to minimize smoke. Reduction in energy consumption. Continued energy efficiency upgrades at municipal facilities in 2018. These include continued LED lighting conversions at Heritage Park, Evergreen Hall and the Chilliwack Landing Leisure Centre pool. Completion of a stand-alone biogas heating system to run the industrial high strength pre-treatment facility at the WWTP. Promote a "zero waste" philosophy to minimize the generation of solid waste in the City, while maximizing reuse and recycling initiatives. Reduce the annual amount of residential garbage being generated per household and increase the diversion rate. Implement 2010 Waste Audit recommendations. In 2018 the estimated annual Curbside Program waste generated was 260 kilograms per household; a significant decrease (22%) from 2017 since this was the first full year that compostables collection was in place. Zero waste initiatives included curbside recycling, compostables diversion, Waste Reduction Month programs and outreach and City Wide Garage Sales.