Victoria, BC– The Capital Regional District (CRD) released its 2020 annual report, providing an overview of how the CRD adjusted to the COVID-19 pandemic to sustain operations and make significant progress on Board priorities. A large capital program was executed and many significant projects were constructed, increasing the total value of assets under CRD management to more than $2.3 billion.
“While 2020 was a challenging year, the CRD was able to safely continue delivering services while moving forward on strategic priorities,” said CRD Board Chair Colin Plant. “The services and infrastructure that we operate and maintain such as drinking water, wastewater, parks and trails are critical to the wellbeing, health and safety of our residents.”
The report highlights the breadth and scope of the work the CRD does on a daily basis and demonstrates how the CRD contributes to an improved quality of life for the residents and businesses in the region. The organization’s key accomplishments are being acknowledged in a number of ways, including recognition for the organization for the fourth year in a row as one of BC’s Top Employers and one of Canada’s Greenest Employers.
In 2020, the CRD focused on organizational development, infrastructure investment and improving systems to effectively manage taxpayer resources and contribute to the health and wellbeing of residents.
Some of the most visible projects and initiatives across the region were completed in 2020, including the Core Area Wastewater Treatment Plant, many new affordable housing units as part of the Regional Housing First Program and the acquisition of additional regional parkland.
Another important area of progress is the inclusion of First Nations in regional governance and decision-making, a significant change to CRD governance as part of a commitment to reconciliation.
The CRD prepares a number of supporting reports that provide more details on how regional, sub-regional and local strategies are being advanced and meet requirements for regulatory compliance.
The 2020 CRD Climate Action annual report summarizes progress on the CRD’s corporate and community-focused climate action strategies. For more information and to view the report, please visit www.crd.bc.ca/climate.
The CRD’s Environmental Resource Management’s (ERM) progress report outlines the advancements made towards its mission is to efficiently and effectively manage the region’s solid waste resources in an environmentally, socially and economically responsible manner. For more information and to view the report, please visit https://www.crd.bc.ca/service/waste-recycling/solid-waste-management
The CRD Board also held their annual check-in on strategic priorities and confirmed that the Strategic Board Priorities identified in the 2019-2022 Corporate Plan remain as important as ever. The priorities are:
- Community Wellbeing: Transportation & Housing
- Climate Action & Environmental Stewardship
- First Nations Reconciliation
- Advocacy, Governance & Accountability
The CRD will continue to deliver on initiatives and actions which reflect these priorities.
Attachment: 2020 CRD Annual Report (PDF)
Proud to be recognized as one of BC’s Top Employers and Canada’s Greenest Employers, the CRD delivers regional, sub-regional and local services to 13 municipalities and three electoral areas on southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Governed by a 24-member Board of Directors, the CRD works collaboratively with First Nations and all levels of government to enable sustainable growth, foster community well-being, and develop cost-effective infrastructure while continuing to provide core services to residents throughout the region. Visit us online at www.crd.bc.ca.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Andy Orr, Senior Manager
CRD Corporate Communications
Tel: 250.360.3229
Cell: 250.216.5492