Climate Change and Adaption Planning

Most of the emissions for our region are from transportation and buildings.  By committing to reduce our emissions we will need to shift some of our habits and build a city that supports things like public transit, energy efficient homes, and renewable energy production.

Click here to read the full statement “Responding to Climate Change”


Designated Flood Plain Area

The City of Duncan recognizes that lands within the city are subject to flooding, particularly the eastern side of the city and along the Cowichan River. Flood areas may be unsuitable for development without putting life and property at risk.

When development is taking place within the designated flood plain area, the property owner must follow the requirements outlined in the Flood Plain Management Bylaw.  If you are unsure whether your property falls within the designated flood plain area, please contact the City at 250-746-6126 or by email at developmentservices@duncan.ca

Flood Plain Management Bylaw No. 3236, 2023

More information on the floodplains can be found here.


Clean BC Better Homes BC Retrofit Rebate and Top-ups

Starting in January 2021, the City has made an agreement with Clean BC to better assist homeowners with upgrades by offering a top-up to the current rebates. This top-up is made available through the Better Homes BC application, homeowners do not have to contact the City to receive the rebate top-up.

Homeowners and contractors are encouraged to use the rebate search tool for potential rebates, or to contact the free Energy Coach Service at ask@betterhomesbc.ca or 1-844-881-9790. 


Community Energy and Emissions Plan

As a response to the adoption of Bill 27, also known as the Local Government (Green Communities) Statutes Amendment Act, the City of Duncan, in collaboration with Community Energy Association, held a workshop to discuss opportunities for reducing greenhouse gas emissions within the City.  The result of the workshop was the City’s Community Energy and Emissions Plan (CEEP) which was released in 2015 to guide sustainable municipal efforts in reducing energy consumption and emissions.  

Click here to see the full Community Energy and Emissions Plan, 2015


Integrated Community Sustainability Plan

In 2013, after months of community engagement and the dedicated work of the Duncan Community Sustainability Advisory Team, the City adopted the Integrated Community Sustainability Plan (ICSP).  The ICSP contains tools, objectives, and actions to guide the City towards sustainability over the next 30 to 40 years.

The ICSP includes four overarching sustainability objectives for the City to reduce and eventually eliminate Duncan’s contribution to:

  • Conditions that undermine people’s ability to meet their basic needs,
  • The ongoing physical degradation of nature,
  • The progressive build-up of synthetic materials produced by society (e.g. dioxins, PCBs, DDTs, BPAs)
  • The progressive build up of materials that are extracted from the Earth’s crust.

Click here to learn more about the ICSP and to view the full plan.


CVRD Climate Change Adaptation and Risk Management Strategy

To anticipate and prepare for the increasing and potential effects of climate change in the Cowichan Valley, the Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) has committed to taking “progressive and innovative steps to achieve the vision of the Climate Change Adaptation and Risk Management Strategy… to make the region a more resilient place to live, work, and play.” Overarching goals guide the strategy, while four theme areas divide it into actionable goals.

Click here to learn more about the CVRDs Climate Change Adaptation and Risk Management Strategy and to view the full plan.