Saanich Stands Out

Making Solar Waves with CLEAR Plan

solar powered pedestrian beacon

Saanich was the first municipality in the region to install solar powered pedestrian beacons, in 2002. Forty-four pedestrian beacons now operate in Saanich entirely “off the grid,” even in the dark winter months. Since then, Saanich has implemented a variety of solar related initiatives and are always looking for opportunities to help reduce their carbon footprint in the community and as a corporation.

Next year their plan is to roll out a comprehensive community energy management plan (CLEAR Plan) in which the Solar Strategy will be a key component.

“SolarBC provided us with the incentive and support to make this a viable climate action initiative,” says Mark Boysen, Climate Action Coordinator for the District of Saanich. “Our hope is that the program will produce the public incentive and awareness that will create an atmosphere of energy efficiency in the community.”

Saanich’s solar initiatives include providing specific workshop and seminars on solar hot water, training of inspectors, incentives and details of the Solar Strategy in future OCPs. The Community Energy Manager will also develop complementary information material on solar hot water for distribution in the community.

“There is the will and this program will lead the way,” says Mark. “A significant number of residents are asking the municipality how they can get information on alternative energy technologies. Solar hot water is one of the logical choices because of its cost-effectiveness and availability in our community.”

In addition to the training resources provided by the SolarBC program, Saanich will work with municipal inspectors to ensure they have all the information they require to make inspection decisions on solar technology. Saanich has also committed to the installation of at least one solar hot water system on a municipal building by 2010. The Solar Strategy is an exciting leadership opportunity for the District.

“Our goal is to have solar hot water systems become a regular part of our corporate operations and to have a significant number of residential homes installed in the next two years,” he says.