I decided to choose BC Ferries as my organization because of its commitment to environmental sustainability.
Communication Plan
Key Message
BC Ferries commits to reduce its environmental impact with the help of sustainable initiatives. They implemented “The Clean Future Plan” which introduce hybrid electrical ferries that invest in shore power infrastructure. BC Ferries approach to reduce GHG (Green House Gas) emissions aligns with commitment of sustainable operations. So that, customers benefit from a safe, dependable and efficient ferry system. The goal is to reduce emission, to protect marine ecosystems and to support greener travel across the BC. Moreover, BC Ferries participates in Green Marine which is a voluntary environmental certification program for north American marine transportation industry.
Target Audience
Passenger and public: Those who regularly travel and other people who like to support sustainable businesses.
Media and Journalists: The journalist who usually covers the issues like transportation or environmental related things, those can help it reach to wider audience.
Environmental Advocates: Different Organizations who supports climate change actions or support sustainable efforts.
Government: The one who makes policies can help with funding opportunities.
Channels and Tactics
Social Media Engagement: Interactive content like Instagram Live Q and A and YouTube testimonials also comments.
Targeted Advertising: Google Ads, social media ads focusing on specific channels and interests.
Email Campaigns: Those who already have an account with BC Ferries can get automated email about these initiatives.
Partnerships: We can work with those local organizations who contribute to Sustainable development.
Website Optimization: on website we can put clear program benefits so that those interested can look for what we are doing and how we are doing this.
Survey: We can gather feedback from public who uses the ferry service regularly.
Evaluation:
Customer Feedback: The surveys which we handed out we can check the response and make changes accordingly.
Media Coverage: We can regularly check how many news channel/New paper have covered this news and what the response.
Social media: Similarly, like media coverage here we can check comments about what people thinks and how many likes we got.
Website track: Increase in website traffic and time spent on admissions pages.
On the way to build up stronger connections: A plan for Little Burgundy’s Future
Using blogs to support housing rights of residents!
The main goal of this blog campaign is to attract attention to advocacy efforts of Little Burgundy Residents Committee (LBRC) to address the housing problems faced by all the long-term residents due to the urban redevelopment. This Campaign will create a sense of urgency and will provide educational resources which will help the community member to take action. This blog will also serve as a effective tool to involve stakeholders and raise awareness about the issues like tenants rights, displacement and fair and affordable housing policies.
Spokespersons
Krupa Gadhwana – Housing Rights Advocate – She will provide legal information on tenants right and how residents can take actions.
Krupita Lorence – Committee head – Krupita has been a member of the LBRC for more than ten years and is an experienced community leader. She has more knowledge about Little Burgund’s past and the difficulties locals faced as a result of redevelopment. Her viewpoint will be important in promoting the LBRC local’s efforts.
Resident Testimonials – Many – Those affected individuals by displacement, will share personal stories to raise voice.
Blogs Post
Why Affordable Housing Matters in Little Burgundy.
This blog post will explain why to get affordable housing is important to residents living in little Burgundy. It will show how rising rent, and this redevelopment project is causing problem for tenant who has lived there for so long.
Voices of Displacement – stories from the affected residents
This post will be about personal stories from residents who has been displaced due to redevelopment projects. (stories ex- like how residents had to adjust in small apartment provided by the city)
How Can you help?? A step by step guide
This post will be about the procedure of how one can sign up for like petition, Surveys, Attending Public Meetings and sharing there stories and posting on social media to bring awareness.
Understanding your basic Tenants Right
This post will provide like an overview of tenant rights, with a particular importance on rent control, eviction safety measures aand resources for people needing assistance in the case of a displacement. This post will act as an educational guide to the locals.
What needs to change, A solid Call to Action
This post will first examine the Montreal housing rules and the reasons they need to change and how Little Burgundy has been affected. It will show readers/audience how they can directly impact the political conversation on housing and inspire them to join the movement to advocate for changes to the law.
Week 1 -April 5– Why Affordable Housing Matters in Little Burgundy. – Blog post 1
Week 2 -April 12 – Stories from the affected residents – Blog post 2
Week 3 -April 19 – How Can you help?? A step by step guide– Blog post 3
Week 4 -April 26 – Understanding your basic Tenants Right – Blog post 4
Week 5 -May 3 – What needs to change, A solid Call to Action – Blog post 5
Detailed timeline
Target Audience
New and Old Residents of Little Burgundy
City Officials and Policymakers
Journalist and media people who will cover this redevelopment news
Housing Activist and Advocacy Groups
Key Messages
Having access to affordable housing is a basic right.
Decisions about urban development have to consider community opinions.
Tenant protections are improved when everyone works together.
Strategies
Partnerships-Collaborating with local organizations, universities, and media outlets in Montreal to help deliver the message.
Using Multimedia-We can use infographics, videos and interactive content that will engage different audiences. Or showing data by creating short videos will help people understand complex issues more easily.
Educational Resources- Providing guides on tenant rights and putting it on billboard which will show how to file complaints and legal support options.
Audience Feedback and Engagement:
Writing comments on blog posts to encourage discussions.
Using surveys and polls to gather idea/stories from residents on housing concerns.
Track analytics like page views/ click-through rates, engagement rates and social media shares or likes.
Hosting Q and A sessions with community leaders and other experts to address concerns directly.
Using collected feedback to write future blog topics and advocacy efforts.
Justification
The blog campaign will increase trust by being open and honest about the LBRC efforts and advancements in promoting fair housing laws. In addition to being reliable and educational, the LBRC can establish an emotional connection with the community by sharing own stories, practical recommendations and policy analysis. The relationshipp between the LBRC and its stakeholders will be strengthened via transparency, storytelling and focusing on the visible results of its advocacy work. By increasing the LBRC voice in policy debates, this blog campaign will also help the organization gain greater power and encourage more in depth community involvement.
Little Burgundy Residents wants Fair and Affordable Housing
Tenants formed the committee to influence housing policy and preserve their community.
Little Burgundy, Montreal, QC April – 2nd, 2025
The Little Burgundy Residents Committee (LBRC) is launching an advocacy campaign which will help protect affordable housing in this little Burgundy neighborhood. As redevelopment planned had already started, the LBRC wants local authorities to adopt those policies that prioritize tenants rights and help preserve the community’s integrity. The LBRC will host the town committee meeting on April 26th to support and call out city official to prioritize tenants rights.
“There are many families concerned about the rising rent and redevelopment plan that doesn’t consider the needs of the residents who have live here for so long,” says Krupa Gadhwana, Housing Rights Advocates. “we want to make sure that Little Burgundy remains that place where people can live happily and with affordable housing.”
Noli lauri, who is a resident said “we want housing policies that prioritize people over profit. Our community deserve the affordable housing”
The LBRC is planning to organize petitions forum and online blogs which will feature community stories. “We are asking the city to consider the needs of current residents and make policies which will protect residents”, says Krupita Lorence, Committee head.
About Organization
The Little Burgundy Residents Committee (LBRC) is a nonprofit organization based in Montreal, it is dedicated to make sure fair housing policies and community involvement in urban development plan. It was founded in 1968, ever since it has been the voice of protecting the rights of tenants in Little Burgundy. This organization works closely with residents, policymakers and housing activists to help promote tenant protection and push for urban development project which will benefits everyone in the community.
The Clean Future plan started in 2019. BC Ferries is very much determined to evaluate all the option which can help reduce GHG emission to help with there commitment to maintain a safe and reliable system. Company have invested in such initiatives which can reduce GHG emission that have passed their evaluation of risk, cost as well as environmental benefits. Company is continuously monitoring climate action which are taken by other operator to get other perspective. In short, they are on the path that is based on carefully selected approach.
“BC Ferries has already identified main five key areas of the action that we believe will be key to reduce emission. We are motivated to evaluate these options for the best fit and value for both short and medium to long-term applications”, says Jill Sharland, BC Ferries’s President and chief executive Officer.
Jill Sharland, BC Ferries’ Interim President & Chief Executive Officer
BC Ferries is reducing its environmental impact by using cleaner fuels, electric ferries also some new technology. After successful trials, we are expanding biodiesel and renewable diesel while introducing renewable natural gas for some vessels. We are also investing in battery electric ferries and charging stations to cut fossil fuel use. Our teams work to improve routes, to reduce delays to save energy. We are upgrading hull coatings, adding emissions-reduction kits, and using automated docking systems. By 2029, we will replace old vessels with energy-efficient designs that lower emissions by 75% per nautical mile.
BC Ferries commits to reducing its GHG emissions by at least 27% below 2008 levels by 2030.
BC Ferries believes their numerous opportunities and options to achieve its objectives. Ours strategy prioritizes safety and reliability, and we want to earn passenger’s trust by offering affordable fares and gradually achieving our GHG emissions reduction targets. We want to be transparent and address unanswered questions while implementing sustainability and cleaner operations for our coastal ferry system. With the help of innovation and the steps of sustainability for its operation, BC Ferries are dedicated to deliver safe and reliable transportation while protecting environment.
How can you support for BC Ferries Green Initiative?
BC Ferries implements Clean Future Plan by bringing hybrid electrical ferries
Company wants to move towards green future by taking sustainable initiatives
BC Ferries is taking steps towards environmental sustainability by introducing “BC Ferries Clean Futures Plan.” with new hybrid electric ferries. These vehicles will consume less carbon emission and as a result it will protect marine ecosystems along the BC Coast. As a part of this initiative, BC Ferries is focusing on five key actions: 1) Renewable and Alternate fuels 2) Electrification 3) Operational efficiencies 4) Advanced Technologies 5) Fleet Modernization. By implementing this will enhance the energy efficiency and will support more greener transportation system for passengers.
1) Renewable and Alternate fuels: After successful trials with bio diesel and renewable diesel in 2022, which has proved to reduce the carbon intensity. Thus, we plan to expand these two fuels and aim to use renewable natural gas for existing 6 natural gas operated vehicle and future fleet.
2) Electrification: BC Ferries is making investments in electrification by implementing battery electric ferries and installing charging infrastructure at terminals. These will help reduce reliance on fossil fuels. This approach of pugging in the vessels to electric power shore along with the focus on electrifying the vehicle will greatly increase the chances of emissions reduction target.
3) Operational efficiencies: engineering and fleet teams work together so that they can find different ways to operate the vessels to make sure they are efficient. That’s why they utilises effective route plan, consistent and efficient speed. They closely collaborate with terminal team to minimize schedule disruption and save energy consumption as much as possible.
4) Advanced Technologies: we are constantly seeking innovation to reduce energy consumption and to reduce emission. So, we are upgrading our hull coatings, retrofitting vessels with emission reduction kits along with inventing in automated docking system.
5) Fleet Modernization: we will replace aging vessels with energy efficient design that reduce emission by at least 75% per nautical mile. This design will be in service from 2029.
“As one of the world’s largest ferry operators, we recognize the urgent need to invest in cleaner technology,” said Jill Sharland, President and CEO of BC Ferries.
BC ferries is one of the largest ferry operators in the world, it has more than 25 routes. There operation started in 1960 with only two ferries but now they have 37 ferries, and it transports more than 22 million passengers as well as 8 million vehicles across the British Columbias coastal water each year. BC ferries play important role in connecting communities/societies also supporting local economies with strong commitment to safe, secure, efficient and sustainable travel.
Call to action
Passenger can contribute to BC Ferries’s sustainable effort by choosing ferries as an eco friendly travel option. For more information please visit Connecting the Coast | BC Ferries
Reintroducing The Omega! A Fresh start- come and join the celebration
The Omega, a Thompson Rivers University’s (TRU) student newspaper is relaunching. A special relaunch event will take place on April 10, 2025, from 5 pm to 9 pm at TRU Clock Tower’s Music Hall. This event will celebrate the newspaper’s history and its new future vision and goals, which will also give community members, staff and students a chance to meet the editorial team and engage in live music entertainment and get a chance to discover more about TRU’s student media future.
This event will start with the speeches from Sean Brady who is manager of The Omega and Robert McAlaster who is Editor-in-Chief. They will talk about The Omega’s journey and its future plans. Attendees can enjoy music, pizza, interactive booths as well as they are encouraged to leave few suggestions for our suggestion box.
“The Omega has always been a voice for students. And with this relaunch, we are making it stronger and more engaging for TRU” said Robert McAlaster.
About The Omega:
The Omega started as the independent student newspaper at Thompson Rivers University and for long it has been a reliable source of news, student viewpoints and campus news. It is committed to raising student voices. It covers many subjects like local events, culture, student life and university concerns. The Omega hopes to continue its history of good, student-based reporting, boosting student participation and strengthening its online presence with this relaunch.
To get maximum attention for The Omega’s relaunch, the press release will be distributed to many different platforms which will target students, faculty and in general Kamloops community.
The following will be Primary Distribution Networks:
Local media Outlets like CFBX radio- Which in general is listen by all society. This will be sent to them because they cover key news organizations.
TRU- University has many different communication channels like its main website, newsletters and bulletins board.
TRU Clubs – We can collaborate with student clubs which will help us spread awareness among engaged students.
Social media and Emails – Sharing press release on Main TRU’s social media page and sending it directly to staff, student will ensure maximum attention.
On Campus Housing- Reaching out to all Resident Advisor/Front Desk staff could help us spread words about this.
Distribution List:
Dr Brett Fairbairn (He is president Off course we have to invite him to give opening speech )
