Vancouver City Council on Wednesday voted to approve a motion to make transit free for any rider under the age of 18, as well as a motion to declare a climate emergency in the city

17/01/19
Author: 
Robyn Crawford

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Supporters and opponents of a campaign to offer free transit to people aged under 18, and offer sliding scale discounts to low-income people turned out to Vancouver city council on Wednesday. Sarah McDonald has the details.

Vancouver City Council voted unanimously Wednesday night to declare a climate emergency.

The motion was introduced by OneCity Coun. Christine Boyle.

Now that the motion has passed, city staff will come up with new ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and set new climate change targets.

Boyle says her motion passing unanimously proves how important it is to be a greener city.

READ MORE: Climate change could trigger next global recession, 415 investment funds warn

[It] speaks to the urgency that people recognize the climate crisis and that people need to be stepping up.”

A rally was held earlier Wednesday outside of City Hall with high school students demanding for climate change solutions.

“I was really inspired to see the students there, and to know that they are acting similarly to students around the globe to get older elected leaders in office to listen to them,” Boyle said.

Council will hear city staff’s plans in 90 days.

WATCH: Vancouver City Council on Wednesday voted to approve a motion to make transit free for any rider under the age of 18, as well as a motion to declare a climate emergency in the city.