Environment & Climate Action

Four ducks on a stony beach. The sky is pink with sunset in the background.

Qualicum Beach is as an environmentally aware and action-focused community in the beautiful, protected biosphere of Mt. Arrowsmith.

Sustainability Plan

The Town took a significant step toward long-term sustainability by integrating a comprehensive Sustainability Plan with the 2011 Official Community Plan (OCP). The Sustainability Plan establishes a long-term vision for Qualicum Beach to the year 2050 and identifies visionary goals and policies that will help Qualicum Beach become a more vibrant and thriving community with a high quality of life.

During the 2025 Official Community Plan Review the goals and visions laid out in the Sustainability Plan were integrated into the body of the plan through restructuring and clearer organization, with the full Sustainability Plan being approved as its own standalone plan titled Interim Sustainability Plan.

Read the Interim Sustainability Plan

Select Committee on Environment & Sustainability

The Select Committee on Environment and Sustainability advises Council on matters relevant to the physical environment and sustainability of the Town of Qualicum Beach.

Learn more about the Select Committee on Environment & Sustainability.

Climate Action

Climate action is paramount to preserving the coastal beauty and biodiversity of Qualicum Beach. Rising sea levels threaten homes and habitats, while extreme weather events but infrastructure and safety at risk. Sustainable practices, renewable energy adoption, and community resilience efforts are crucial to mitigate these impacts and secure a thriving future for generations to come.

Read Climate Change Adaptation Plan

Climate and Environmental Initiatives

Town Projects

Over time the Town has been working to improve quality of life and foster a sustainable environment. Projects include river erosion protection, Green Shores, community wildfire resiliency, estuary work, and more. Visit our Projects page for more details.

Projects

Start with Energy Efficiency at Home

The Home Energy Navigator Program provides support and resources to help you learn what energy efficiency means for your home, identify what upgrades are best suited to your home and priorities, and take the steps to improve your home’s comfort.

Home Energy Navigator

Zero Carbon Step Code and Energy Step Code

To reduce the carbon footprint of new buildings, they must comply with EL-4 level of the Zero Carbon Step code and the highest step of the Energy Step code applicable to Part 3 and Part 9 buildings.

Green Buildings

Local Government Climate Action Program (LGCAP)

LGCAP supports local climate action by helping B.C. to reach legislated climate targets, and to achieve climate goals outlined in the CleanBC Roadmap to 2030 and Climate Preparedness and Adaptation Strategy.

LGCAP was allocated $76 million over three years (2022-2025) to support climate action initiatives by local governments and Modern Treaty nations that align with the Province’s CleanBC Roadmap and Climate Preparedness and Adaptation Strategy.

Invasive Species

Invasive plants threaten our local ecosystems by spreading aggressively and outcompeting native vegetation. Learn about some common invasive species and discover practical steps you can take to help protect Qualicum Beach’s natural environment: