Nanaimo looking for people to act together for climate

Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog, shown here planting a tree on the Earth Day in 2022, is encouraging residents to get involved in the Acting for Climate Together program this year. Photo: City of Nanaimo / YouTube.

The City and Regional District of Nanaimo are looking for people to join the Acting for Climate Together program, or ACT, for a second year.

Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog says that the program is part of a larger effort to reduce the impact of climate change.

“Basically, we're saying to people get together, organize yourselves and do something that will have a positive impact on the environment,” he said.

Past actions have included people participating in Earth Day events, Go by Bike Week, tree planting, sustainable home tours and hosting meatless neighborhood potlucks.

“The Krogs are carnivores. But the fact is, the less meat we eat, the better it is for the planet, maybe not good for the beef farmers, but it's good for the planet,” he said.

The type of projects groups complete can be new and creative but there’s also something to be said for the classics

“I'm pretty basic. I'm a huge believer in planting trees and anything that brings the community together,” he said. “But planting trees is such a healthy thing. It's healthy for the environment. It's good for the planet. It's good for wildlife, it's good for all of us.”

This year, participants will have access to project funding to help groups complete their community projects.

People who want to participate in ACT can register on the Regional District of Nanaimo's Get Involved website or attend an online information session at 6 p.m. on Thursday, February 15. An in person kickoff meeting will be held in the morning of Saturday March 23 at the Oliver Woods Community Centre in Nanaimo.

Funding Note: This story was produced with funding support from the Local Journalism Initiative, administered by the Community Radio Fund of Canada.