THE HISTORY OF TRANSITION SALT SPRING
Local Leadership Rooted in a Global Movement
The Transition Movement began in 2006 in Totnes, England, as a grassroots response to ‘Peak Oil’ and climate change. It quickly spread worldwide, inspiring communities to build resilience and reduce reliance on fossil fuels through local action.
But Transition Salt Spring (TSS) was already on this path. TSS has its origins in the Earth Festival Society (EFS), established in 1997. Its mission was to provide education and outreach on environmentally sustainable technologies. Early activities included organizing Earth Fest events in Courtenay and on Granville Island.
Early Local Climate Leadership
By the early 2000s, EFS turned its focus to Salt Spring Island, launching projects such as:
- The Salt Spring Community Energy Strategy (2002–2012)
- An Energy & Emissions Baseline Report (2004–2005)
- Public workshops and campaigns like the One Tonne Challenge, backed by federal EcoAction funding
Between 2005 and 2012, the Society conducted technical studies on local energy use, water systems, and building efficiency, laying a foundation for action.
Local Leadership Rooted in a Global Movement
In 2009, a group of Earth Festival Society board and community members took a Transition Town training course at Selkirk College in Nelson. Energized by the experience, they registered Transition Salt Spring as the 278th member of the International Transition Network.
The Climate Action Coordinating Committee was formed to guide climate action efforts aligned with the 2008 Salt Spring Island Official Community Plan. Their focus: meeting provincial GHG reduction targets for 2015, 2020, and 2050.
This led to the creation of the Climate Action Council in 2010, incorporated as a BC non-profit in 2011 with representatives from various local organizations, including Transition Salt Spring and EFS. The Council’s first major milestone was the release of Salt Spring’s first Climate Action Plan (CAP 1.0) in 2011.
Renewed Momentum for Climate Action
By 2013, Transition Salt Spring’s leadership recognized the need for formal legal status. The decision was made to rename the Earth Festival Society to reflect the organization’s evolved mission and activities. EFS officially became the Transition Salt Spring Society.
In early 2019, with renewed support from the CRD Director and a climate emergency declaration by both the CRD and Islands Trust, TSS took on the research and publication of the ambitious Salt Spring Island Climate Action Plan 2.0. (CAP 2.0) With thousands of volunteer hours from dozens of experts, scientists, elected officials and civil society representatives, CAP 2.0 was published, and continues to be the cornerstone guiding climate action priorities on Salt Spring Island.
TSS was selected as the key community organization to take the lead on activating the 250+ recommendations in CAP 2.0, and has taken that mandate to heart by initiating a huge number of projects, policy changes and events.
CLIMATE ACTION PLAN 2.0
Released in 2021, the CAP 2.0 offers a comprehensive roadmap with over 250 recommendations across five key areas: forest protection, water security, food security, transportation, and emissions from buildings and agriculture.
Since 2021, Transition Salt Spring has been at the forefront of community-led climate action.
To monitor progress on CAP 2.0, Transition Salt Spring released a Climate Action Report Card in 2023, highlighting achievements like increased electric vehicle adoption and sustainable forestry practices, while also identifying areas needing further attention, such as active transportation infrastructure and BC Ferries electrification.
FROM PLAN TO ACTION
Central to Transition Salt Spring’s approach is fostering community engagement and collaboration.
The Climate Adaptation Research Lab (CARL) exemplifies this by working to restore the Maxwell Creek Watershed, a critical water source for 5,500 residents. This initiative involves local volunteers, students, and experts in efforts to reduce fire risks and enhance water retention through ecosystem restoration.
TSS’s Climate Action Coach Program empowers residents to make sustainable choices by providing guidance on home energy retrofits, rainwater harvesting, and other climate-friendly practices.
TSS also emphasizes the importance of individual actions in driving systemic change. The "Lighter Living" initiative encourages residents to adopt more sustainable lifestyles. Events such as Repair Cafés and community swaps promote a culture of reuse and sustainability, while educational programs help us all learn new skills and approaches.
