Saanich Carbon Neutral Donations Tax Deductible -- A First For Local Government

Can’t decide where to spend your Carbon Action Dividend? The District of Saanich just made it easier for its residents to make that call.

The new Saanich web-based Carbon Calculator allows residents to estimate their household carbon footprint, donate to a Saanich Carbon Neutral Fund and immediately receive a tax-deductible receipt for income tax purposes.

The first contributors to the Carbon Neutral fund were Municipal Councillors Vicki Sanders and Leif Wergeland, co-chairs of Saanich’s Joint Advisory Committee on Climate Change. Councillors Sanders and Wergeland displayed their Carbon Neutral Tax-Deductible receipts, June 26th, 2008 at the launch of the Carbon Calculator.

“Climate Change is happening and we need to reduce our carbon footprint, but in the meantime, it is important to offset our CO2 emissions.” Says Vicki Sanders, Chair of Saanich’s Environmental Advisory Committee.

The funds raised will be specifically dedicated to carbon-reducing projects within the District of Saanich.

“As far as we know, Saanich is the first municipality in Canada to create such a tax-deductible Carbon Neutral programme. We hope it will help us all to become much more aware of our carbon footprint.” says Saanich Councillor, Leif Wergeland, Chair of Saanich’s Planning, Transportation and Economic Development Committee.

The new calculator and receipt system will generate funds to supplement Saanich’s new Carbon Neutral Reserve Fund. $90,100 was placed in this fund in the 2008 Budget to offset the estimated 6,000 Tonnes of Co2 emitted annually by Saanich Municipal operations.

“There are so many carbon offset programmes out there, it’s easy to become confused. Many of them take your money and spend it to remote projects without clear financial accountability.

Saanich’s reserve fund will only support carbon-reducing projects within the District and all spending is subject to legislated audits and public disclosure. “That accountability and localized spending will be appreciated by our residents.” says Vicki Sanders.