Six Solar Communities Set Shining Example

Solar hot water installation on Dawson Creek's City Hall

SolarBC is pleased to present the six leading communities who will become solar-friendly and an integral part of British Columbia’s sustainable energy future. This announcement was officially made today by Premier Gordon Campbell at the Union of British Columbia Municipalities convention in Penticton.

“These communities are demonstrating how solar technology can be a viable part of a community’s energy solution,” said Premier Campbell. “British Columbians embrace innovative and sustainable energy solutions, and with programs like SolarBC, the Province is demonstrating its commitment to becoming energy self-sufficient while tackling climate change.”

The Solar Communities selected include: Saanich, Kelowna, Tofino, District of North Vancouver, Dawson Creek and West Moberly First Nation. These communities were chosen by SolarBC through a competitive Request for Proposals process and will each receive $20,000 towards the cost of high profile demonstration projects for solar hot water within their communities.

Innovative solar hot water projects will be delivered under the program, including Tofino, who will focus on recreational solar hot water needs associated with the tourism industry, as well as solar neighbourhoods in partnership with social housing providers, Saanich who will focus on training for building inspectors and a solar hot water installation on their municipal hall, and a unique partnership between Dawson Creek and West Moberly First Nation focused on training, knowledge sharing, public out reach and installations.

Kelowna has already set up a Solar Working Group to establish solar targets for their community and will focus on a solar hot water installation on the Athans Aquatic Centre which will act as an educational tool for community members. The District of North Vancouver will be taking full advantage of their community’s southern exposure from the foot of the coastal mountain range, by embarking on a comprehensive retrofit program.

Congratulations to each community for the commitments they have made towards advancing solar technology in British Columbia! We very much look forward to working with these communities, keeping up to date with their progress and helping to foster knowledge sharing and understanding of solar heating opportunities in BC Keep an eye on the website for news about the exciting developments within each community.