Kelowna Named Solar Community of the Year

Kelowna is being hailed as the 2008 solar community of the year.

The BC Sustainable Energy Association and SolarBC made the announcement on Friday during a summit in Vancouver.

Kelowna Mayor Sharon Shepherd credits the city's solar steering committee and community partners for the recognition.

Kelowna is one of six SolarBC Communities, pledging to take leadership in developing the market for solar hot water and raise awareness of SolarBC.

The City currently has 22 solar-powered parking kiosks. Instead of using 10,000 double-A batteries annually in parking meters, the kiosks have replaced 173 traditional electric parking meters.

A high-profile commercial solar water heater is also in the works for the Athan's pool in the Rutland Family "Y". The City is also working on installing 100 solar-powered lights throughout the city to illuminate trails, parks, transit stations, and civic buildings.