Port Edward
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Fort St. James
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100 Mile House
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McBride
Name: Village of McBride
Population: 700
Highlight: McBride is our Gold winner in the Lightweight division, scoring a total of 13,300 points.
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Terrace
Name: City of Terrace
Population: 11,320
Highlight: Terrace is our Gold winner in the Heavyweight division, scoring a total of 33,540 points. The city has also been investigating strategies of increasing sustainable transportation in the community and working to develop a long-term, community-based Sustainability Strategy.
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Sechelt
Name: Town of Sechelt
Population: 8,455
Highlight: Local forestry is operated by an accountable, public and inclusive community forest which strives to preserve the biological integrity of the region, while channeling revenue back to the community.
Looking at the Town of Sechelt, it isn’t hard to imagine why this community places a high premium on the protection of its physical environment. Nesteled at the base of the Pacific Range Mountains on the shores of Georgia Straight, it is a place that inspires lighter treading on the earth.
Emissions
The city of Sechelt has taken multiple steps towards addressing air pollution by enacting bylaws that prohibit backyard burning. Instead they provide free disposal of yard and garden waste at the Sechelt Landfill site, operated by the Sunshine Coast Regional District.
They have also addressed air pollution by streamlining their municipal fleet with smaller 6-cylinder trucks for groundwork, and with biodiesel retrofits to decrease their dependency on petroleum fuels.
In order to proactively address carbon emissions from transportation, community leaders in Sechelt set an example last year by participating in the Commuter Challenge, with staff members from the hospital competing against municipal staff to promote community health by walking, cycling, taking transit, carpooling or even working from home when possible, instead of driving alone to work.
Green Building
In accordance with municipal bylaws, all new building construction in Sechelt complies by LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Developmental) green building standards. LEED is an internationally recognized standard for best sustainable building practices which provides transparent third-party rating and accreditation for construction. This way it is guaranteed that architects, managers and builders in Sechelt abide by the most energy efficient methods, and use the lowest impact methods, in new developments.
Community Forestry
Like elsewhere in BC, forestry plays an integral role in maintaining the economic health of the region. The town of Sechelt has opted for an inclusive, community-based forest management system that ensures forest resources are managed in a manner that conserves the biodiversity of the region. Public community forestry also ensures profits from ecologically appropriate timber harvest go towards the benefit of the community, while allowing for transparent, public monitoring of forest operations. This year alone, the sale of ecologically harvested timber resulted in $20 000 being roled back into the community. For more information on the Sunshine Coast Community Forest, visit
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Ladysmith
Name: Ladysmith
Population: 7,538
Highlight: Citizens can compost to their heart’s content since Ladysmith adopted its weekly organic waste pickup initiative - the first of its kind in Western Canada.
Like many towns in BC, Ladysmith first made its mark on the map as a resource town, subsisting on revenue from forestry and fisheries. With the downturn of these industries, Ladysmith has succeeded in reinventing itself as a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and visitors seeking escape from the bustle of life in Nanaimo and Victoria. As caretakers of this seaside playground, the Township of Ladysmith and its residents have taken steps to safeguard their natural resources through long-sighted planning and efficient consumption.
Recycling and Compost Pickup
People wishing to be conscientious about their household waste couldn’t ask for better support then what’s provided by the Town of Ladysmith. Not only do they offer unlimited-volume biweekly curbside pickup of recyclable material, but they offer pickup for organic waste!
More and more communities in BC are building community composts for food waste, but Ladysmith was the first town in Western Canada to introduce a pickup service. Each household is issued two organic collection containers; one for kitchen use to hold daily compost waste, and a second to be filled over the course of the week and wheeled out for pickup.
Sustainability Visioning
Ladysmith has recently adopted Sustainability Visioning Process, whereby citizens are invited to help shape the development of their communities through discussions and workshops. Workshops aim to stimulate discussion on how to create “a complete community that is ecologically, socially and financially sustainableâ€. The town has developed an interactive website to promote the new initiative, and is making sure to engage its next generation of decision-makers by promoting itself to youth on sites like Myspace and Facebook.
Water Conservation
In order to promote more efficient water use, the Town offers $75 rebates to local businesses and residents who are replacing toilets that use 13 litres or more with a CSA-approved new low-flush model. The town also offers materials for download online with useful information on how to retrofit other appliances for water efficiency.
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Comox
Name: District of Comox
Population: 12,200
Highlight: A new sustainability checklist at the municipal level is ensuring that this town is greening up on all levels.
This village on the east bank of Georgia Strait was first settled by the Coast Salish people and is now a recreation mecca for retirees and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
The Comox Valley City Council has sprung into action on the race to address climate change. In 2007, Council adopted a Strategic Plan that included “Advance Sustainability Initiatives†as one of its top five priorities, and many of these initiatives have already come to fruition.
For example, to address residential waste, the municipality implemented a bi-weekly curbside recycling program, a weekly curbside yard waste program, banned all open fires and outdoor burning in town and switched to biodegradable dog waste bags in dispensing units.
To address emissions from transportation, the municipality introduced a bio-diesel vehicle into its fleet, adopted an internal anti-idling policy, installed solar-powered pedestrian crossing lights, and began using recycled asphalt for road projects.
They have also increased sidewalk width and installed pedestrian bulbs in the downtown area creating a safer and more pedestrian friendly environment, instituted the Water Conservation Plumbing Regulation requiring the installation of low-flush toilets in all new development and significant renovations, and implemented a new pesticide use bylaw that bans the cosmetic use of pesticides on private residential land.
Making sure to consider the community’s sustainable future, the municipality also Implemented a “Sustainability Checklist†encouraging developers to incorporate more environmentally and socially sustainable practices in development, and signed on to the BC Climate Action Charter, committing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in order to address global climate change.
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Dawson Creek
Name: Dawson Creek
Population: 11,811
Highlights: Dawson Creek is our Silver winner in the Heavyweight Division, scoring a total of 31,070 points. Dawson Creek was given the Green City Award in 2007 for its community energy planning and actions, including conservation and developing alternative sources.
Tucked away in the North-eastern portion of B.C., Dawson Creek is playing a major role in municipal leadership around sustainability and renewable energy. They are certainly putting their money where their mouth is.
Sustainability Planning Project
Dawson Creek is in Phase III of its sustainability planning project, which is based on the concept of “back castingâ€. This involves creating a “sustainable†vision of the future and working backwards to determine how to achieve it. Phase I was the visioning and Phase II identified all of Dawson Creek’s current initiatives and how they were or were not contributing to overall sustainability.
Solar Strategy – Buildings and Operations
In addition to the solar hot water installations on the City Hall and Fire Hall completed in 2006, in 2008 the City has installed solar hot water systems on the RCMP building, airport, public works yard and Sudeten Hall.
The City will be outfitting 14 bus stops with solar lighting technology and parts of the new walking trail will also have solar lights to increase safety and walkability.
PCP Milestone 3 completed
With the completion of the Phase II of the Community Energy Plan, the City has now completed milestones 1, 2 and 3 of the FCM Partners for Climate Protection program. These milestones are:
1. Energy baselines for community and corporate energy use
2. Targets for GHG reduction set for both community and corporate GHG reduction
3. Action plans established for the reduction of energy consumption for both community and corporate energy use
Education (Northern Lights College)
Northern Lights College is now offering solar hot water installation training and is developing curriculum to offer wind turbine maintenance and geothermal installations.
There are many more initiatives happening in Dawson Creek. Contact Emanuel Machado for more details at .
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Prince Rupert
Name: City of Prince Rupert
Population: 12,815
Highlights: The City of Prince Rupert is our Bronze winner in the Heavyweight division, scoring 15,000 points. It has also published a Community Energy Plan and boasts a strong public transportation system.
Public Transportation
The City has a high degree of transit ridership and walkability. Some of this is due to economic circumstances, but it is also the result of an efficient bus service (one of the highest cost recovery systems in BC) and the compact nature of the community.
Funding for transit services is shared between the City of Prince Rupert, the District of Port Edward and BC Transit. For the most part, bus routes adequately service major destinations within the City; buses run frequently, Monday through Saturday, during daytime hours; accessibility concerns are addressed through low floor buses and door-to-door handyDART services; and fares, routes, schedules and other incentive programs are communicated via the website.
Walking and cycling are certainly viable transportation modes in good weather. However, these become less attractive in poor conditions as snowfall and snow clearing activities can make some sidewalks difficult to navigate. In this initiative the City will endeavour to identify the most problematic areas for pedestrians to navigate through snow and find ways to improve these amenities (e.g. alternative snow disposal or sidewalk clearing, etc.).
Energy Vision
The underlying purpose of producing a Community Energy Plan is to combine the various activities around energy into a vision for a direction in the future. The City of Prince Rupert has pledged to:
“… be a model community of energy conservation and renewable energy generation. Our award winning practices will show the province and the world that a small community can “walk the talk‟. We will capitalize on our natural assets and compact community to create opportunities for energy conservation and renewable energy development.
We will work in partnership with other communities and neighbouring First Nations as stewards of our energy resources. We recognize the socio-economic and cultural diversity of our community and will work to bring the benefits of energy conservation and reduced fossil fuel use to all our residents.â€
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Gibsons
Name: Town of Gibsons
Population: 4,182
Highlights: All new planning is done according to the ‘Smart Growth’ standards that mixes land use, provides a variety of transportation options, encourages growth in existing communities and preserves open spaces.
Water Metering project
The Town of Gibsons is upgrading their water system for the whole community. This involves metering on not only new residential homes but new businesses as well, which allows both of these to see how much water they use, and how much money they spend. It will not add chlorine, and it will pass rigorous provincial standards.
Partners for Climate Protection
Partners for Climate Protection (PCP) Initiative, which makes them part of a network of Canadian communities committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by:
• Creating a greenhouse gas emissions inventory and forecast;
• Setting an emissions reductions target;
• Developing a local action plan;
• Implementing the local action plan or a set of activities; and
• Monitoring progress and reporting results.
Smart Growth
All new planning is done according to the Smart Growth standards. These standards consist of:
• Mix land uses. Each neighbourhood has a mixture of homes, retail, business, and recreational opportunities.
• Build well-designed compact neighbourhoods. Residents can choose to live, work, shop and play in close proximity. People can easily access daily activities, transit is viable, and local businesses are supported.
• Provide a variety of transportation choices. Neighbourhoods are attractive and have safe infrastructure for walking, cycling and transit, in addition to driving.
• Create diverse housing opportunities. People in different family types, life stages and income levels can afford a home in the neighbourhood of their choice.
• Encourage growth in existing communities. Investments in infrastructure (such as roads and schools) are used efficiently, and developments do not take up new land.
• Preserve open spaces, natural beauty, and environmentally sensitive areas. Development respects natural landscape features and has higher aesthetic, environmental, and financial value.
• Protect and enhance agricultural lands. A secure and productive land base, such as BC’s Agricultural Land Reserve, provides food security, employment, and habitat, and is maintained as an urban containment boundary.
• Utilize smarter, and cheaper infrastructure and green buildings. Green buildings and other systems can save both money and the environment in the long run.
• Foster a unique neighbourhood identity. Each community is unique, vibrant, diverse, and inclusive.
• Nurture engaged citizens. Places belong to those who live, work, and play there. Engaged citizens participate in community life and decision-making
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Telkwa
Name: Village of Telkwa
Population: 1,295
Highlights: The Northwest Premium Meat Co-op, based in Telkwa, provides local meat to residents in the Bulkley Valley. Combine that with a bus transit service to Smithers 5 days a week and Telkwa is on its way to reducing its energy footprint.
Bus Transit Service
A Transit bus shuttles Telkwa residents into Smithers 5 days a week, from 7:30 am to 5 pm.
The service is sponsored by the Town of Smithers in partnership with the Village of Telkwa, the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako and BC Transit. The system is operated by Smithers Community Services Association. The system serves major neighbourhoods and destinations throughout the area, including the Rec Centre, College and Hospital.
For more information, visit their Smithers-Telkwa Bus Transit.
Northwest Premium Meat Co-op
The Northwest Premium Meat Co-Operative in Telkwa is a leading example of moving toward a more sustainable food system. This local abattoir and processing facility is owned and governed by the producers and consumers it serves, processing and selling locally raised beef, pork and lamb from a government inspected facility.
This new facility allows local producers to be on a level playing field with large meat processing plants, offering consumers the ability to choose local over long-haul. The Co-op also sells quality, grass-fed, organic meat products at its Telkwa storefront.
It is founded on principles of sustainability, quality and the joys of local eating.
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Queen Charlotte Islands
Name: Queen Charlotte Islands (Village of Queen Charlotte and Masset)
Population: 5,000
Highlights: The Village of Queen Charlotte is our Silver winner in the Lightweight division, scoring 10,210 points. A massive wind turbine farm is slated to harness the winds of Hecate Strait for the benefit of the north coast.
For those living at the misty far-western edge of the world, it ain’t easy being green. The islands of Haida Gwaii are located over 80 kms from mainland British Columbia, and that means that with every bit of food, fuel or energy, comes the extra challenge of transportation by sea or from the mainland. The burden of transportation in our age of energy crisis is no joke for islanders; all of Haida Gwaii is presently powered on diesel generators, a single apple will often fetch $2.00 at the store, and gas prices ran as high as $1.70 per litre last summer.
But while life at the edge may be hard on the bank book, it also makes the people of Haida Gwaii particularly well-tuned to the importance of energy efficiency.
That’s why communities like the Village of Queen Charlotte are doing what they can to address the energy challenges they face. For example, because fresh water is such a precious commodity in the village, a water metering system has been installed, enabling businesses and homes to keep track and be mindful of the amount of water they consume.
Village residents are also quick to make use of regional expertise. When the Energetic Olympic committee visited Haida Gwaii in August 2008, the community was hosting and organizing a climate change workshop featuring UBC environmental historian Tina Loo, where concerned citizens were engaged in a dialogue on ways to reduce energy consumption and mitigate the effects of climate change. Discussion ranged from how to buy electric bikes to how to produce food locally, to how to stay plugged in to new sustainable technologies and innovations as they arise (a great start is our Energetic Olympic Action Guide!)
But perhaps the most exciting energy news coming out of Haida Gwaii these days is the wind farm project being developed between the islands of Haida Gwaii and the B.C. mainland. In order to harness the energy howling through Hecate Strait in the form of consistent, high-velocity winds, Naikun Wind Development Inc, in partnership with Haida First Nation, is developing a large-scale wind turbine farm, slated to eventually provide as much as 1750 MW of electricity—enough to provide clean energy for 600,000 British Columbian homes. The HaidaLink portion of the project, which would allow for the end of diesel electricity on Haida Gwaii, would reduce Haida Gwaii GHGs by 45,000 tonnes that are currently produced through burning approximately 10,000,000 litres of diesel.
For more information about the Hecate Strait wind project, visit Naikun’s website.
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Chetwynd
Name: District of Chetwynd
Population: 3,100
Highlight: Windmills have longed the boulevard since 2004, generating power for the lights all year-long.
In a sport like boxing, an athlete can sometimes transcend his or her weight class with pure talent and skill. Chetwynd is no different in terms of holding its own on green initiatives. Whether it’s wind, solar or geo-thermal, this small Northeastern district is doing it all!
Windmills
Four windmills were installed along the north side of the highway beside the 80-foot trees that long it. The windmills power energy efficient LED lights to 71 trees along the boulevard. Members of the community sponsor a tree which is lit all year for everyone to enjoy. The windmills also store energy in a battery for windless periods as well as periods of high demand.
The windmills have also sparked interest from other communities and various groups which helps to enhance Chetwynd’s community identity. “Information requests have been received from the ski club in nearby Dawson Creek as well as from business and individuals interested in using windmills for cottages, farms and various other projects†explains Rob Crisfield, Deputy Director of Engineering and Public Works.
Solar Power
Crosswalk lights at Highway #97 and 53rd street receive energy from a solar powered LED system; this is the sole source of energy for the push button crosswalk lights. The Ministry of Transportation is also using solar power flashing lights at a nearby crosswalk.
Geo-thermal – Green Building Technology
Near its completion, the new airport terminal will boast some innovative new technologies like water-free urinals, cork flooring and low-impact building materials (i.e. tin roof). The building will be heated through a geo-thermal system.
Carbon Emissions
The District of Chetwynd have been participating in an informal anti-idling program for several years. Council has directed the Administration to join Fraser Basin Council’s E3 Fleet Program and develop an anti-idling policy for council approval; this is expected to be approved before November 2008.
It is clear that the District of Chetwynd, both the municipality and its residents, strive for a reputation as a progressive “green†municipality and as the most liveable community in BC. It firmly believes that most people will have to get their electricity from renewable resources such as wind or solar power to the benefit of all.
If you are curious about how such cutting edge initiatives are carried out, feel free to contact Rob Crisfield at 250.401.4100 or .
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Smithers
Name: Town of Smithers
Population: 5,217
Highlights: After completing a Community Energy Plan in 2007, the Town of Smithers has been striving to implement the recommended actions. Initiatives include developing a trail/bicycle network plan and supporting a Woodstove Exchange Program with 500$ rebates to trade in an old inefficient stove.
The Town of Smithers is actively moving towards becoming a greener, more livable community. Currently, there are initiatives in both the planning and implementation stages.
Community Energy Plan
In March 2007 the Town of Smithers completed a Community Energy Plan (CEP). The Smithers CEP addresses the following questions: How much energy does Smithers use? How many GHGs are produced in Smithers? What are the air quality issues in Smithers? What actions can Smithers take to address climate change? During a community workshop held on February 8th, 2007, Smithers residents generated a number of suggestions for how to reduce GHGs in the community. These suggestions formed the basis of the recommended actions presented in the CEP.
Including sustainable practice in the Official Community Plan
Currently, the Town’s OCP is under review (February 2008 to November 2008). Incorporating GHG reduction targets, green design, and sustainbility principles serves as the foundation of the entire plan. Also, the immediate action items from the CEP will be incorporated into the plan, which include: Adopt a GHG reduction target and incorporate in the Official Community Plan and include a commitment to energy efficiency in the OCP. In January 2008, the Town of Smithers joined the Partners for Climate Protection Program through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
Air Quality
Air quality is a significant concern for Smithers. Emissions of particulate matter from various sources result in poor air quality on many days of the year. To address this, the Town of Smithers is a sponsoring partner for the Woodstove Exchange Program and works in partnership with the Bulkley Valley Lakes District Airshed Management Society on strategies to improve air quality. A number of actions have resulted from this. In 2006, the Town sponsored a Clean Air Bylaw Workshop and in August 2006, the Town adopted a Wood Burning Appliance Smoke Control Bylaw. In addition, the Town offers rebates of $500 per woodstove trade-in. The Town is also active in promoting active transportation through the development of new trail linkages throughout the community.
Sustainable Smithers Advisory Committee
In March, 2008, the Town of Smithers established a Sustainable Smithers Advisory Committee. The purpose of this Committe is to advise council on the sustainability issues impacting the Town of Smithers and those matters referred to it. In addition, the Committee will identify, promote and facilitate sustainability projects.
Energy Efficiency Checklist
The Town of Smithers is working on a volunteer Energy Efficiency Checklist for residential building permits and homeowners. In the development of this checklist, the Town hosted a lunch n’ learn session with local realtors to gather feeback.
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Burns Lake
Name: Village of Burns Lake
Population: 2,107
Highlights: Burns Lake is our Bronze winner in the Lightweight division, scoring 6,780 points. It was a runner-up in last year’s Turn It Off Challenge and has completed a Community Energy Plan.
Community Energy Planning
The Village of Burns Lake received funding from Fraser Basin Council and the Ministry of Community Services to produce a Community Energy Plan that outlines a vision and recommendations to strengthen the community’s resilience in the future.
The planning consists of establishing an “energy baseline†by comparing energy consumption and GHG emissions across sectors (transportation, buildings and land waste).
The Sustainable Office
After a successful Turn It Off Challenge Campaign, the Village of Burns Lake staff are looking to showcase upcoming green office initiatives like a green purchasing policy and energy efficiency practices around the office (i.e. they have programmable thermostats installed in municipal buildings). The idea is to inspire community members and businesses to do the same by leading by example.
Bio-Energy Cogeneration
Guided by the policy actions contained in the BC Energy Plan: A Vision for Clean Energy Leadership, and the Bioenergy Strategy. BC Hydro is planning a two-phase call for power to utilize wood infected by the mountain pine beetle as well as other wood fibre fuel sources. The partnership of Renegy, Comfor, Pioneer Log Homes Ltd. and Pinnacle Pellet Ltd. were among 3 local private partnerships to submit a proposal to BC Hydro for a Bio-Energy co-generation plant.
Considering how much woodwaste from the mills that succumbs to open burning – between 1,000 and 2,000 piles of wood are burned every year – this has been a sleeping source of electricity and heating with a great potential.
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Community Contenders
Sixteen B.C. municipalities and their residents participated in Energetic Olympics. Over the course of the past two years, these communities took up the challenge and came together to reduce their energy consumption.
