A new zero emission dump truck is about to hit the streets in Colwood to further reduce the City's emissions. It's Colwood's latest step toward protecting the community from the risks of climate change and preserving the environment that sustains us.

The shift to replace retiring equipment with zero emissions vehicles is just one of City's climate action priorities. Other priorities include a renewed emphasis on active transportation, increased building efficiency, a focus on nature based solutions, increasing the City's tree canopy, and supporting community actions.

In addition to reducing harmful emissions, electric vehicles are estimated to save the City 33% over the life of the vehicle compared to a conventional gas car or truck, due to the reduced cost of fuel and maintenance.

Maintaining a city requires a lot of driving

Every day, Colwood staff are traveling around the community in the course of their work, which makes transportation a natural target for reducing operational emissions. And with today's gas prices, there are significant financial savings as well. As current gas powered vehicles reach the end of their useful life, the City seeks opportunities to replace them with zero emission vehicles.

Taking the lead on a sustainable fleet

Earlier this year the City took its first step into the world of full-sized zero emission trucks and vans with a fully electric irrigation van. Now the new VMC 1200 dump truck manufactured by BC company, Vicinity Motor Corporation, is the City's first medium duty zero emission vehicle. 

Being one of the first local governments to adopt this innovative truck is one of the ways Colwood is demonstrating leadership in sustainability. 

Proud to be climate friendly

Members of the Colwood Roads team like Glen and Steve pictured here will be out and about around Colwood in the zero-e dump truck, fueling their day-to-day operations with electricity while working to ensure Colwood's infrastructure is in good working order.

Colwood's Climate Action Plan

You'll soon see a clear and concrete Climate Action Plan for Colwood that provides an achievable path forward. Colwood's Draft Climate Action plan is scheduled to be presented to Council by the fall. It outlines the vision, goals and strategies we'll use to become a community powered by renewable energy that considers climate risk, emissions, and co-benefits in organization-wide decision making, and takes resilience seriously in our built environment, among vulnerable residents, and in surrounding natural areas that support and provide services to our communities in multiple ways. Stay tuned!

Media Contact

Sandra Russell, Communications Manager
srussell@colwood.ca

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