A new committee will discuss climate action items for the municipality.
At last week’s municipal council meeting, council approved a request to create the new Climate Action Committee.
The committee is part of the municipality’s climate action strategy.
Summerland has set a goal of reducing emissions in the coming years. By 2020, the target is to reduce emissions by 33 per cent from 2007 levels and by 2050, the reduction is to be 80 per cent.
Julie McGuire, climate action coordinator for the municipality, said the target levels are ambitions but possible.
She said the figures came from the public and represent a priority for the community.
“They wanted to send a message that this is important to them,” she said.
McGuire said improvements in energy efficiency technology will make the goal possible.
The nine-member committee will consist of one council representative, three from municipal staff and five from the community.
In addition, McGuire will be a non-voting member of the committee.
Members of the committee will examine ways for the municipality to meet its goals and for the community to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Those interested in joining the committee are asked to sign up with Karen Jones at municipal hall. Council will determine who is to sit on the committee.
Consideration will be given to those who have expertise in climate change, the environment, energy and community planning.
Community experts may also be called on as non-voting members when required.