What's New in Kelowna

The City of Kelowna is taking a well-deserved breather after hosting a hugely successful Solar Workshop last Friday. Those in attendance included German solar hot water expert Gerhard Stryi-Hipp, Minister Raitt of Natural Resources Canada and Local MP Ron Cannon.

On May 15 Kelowna will be hosting a Solar Hot Water Workshop for community members, developers, builders, contractors, architects and building inspectors. Along with a luncheon and networking session, workshops will cover everything from Kelowna as a Solar Community to homeowner incentives for solar hot water installations.

SolarBC is proud to recognize the city of Kelowna as our 2008 Solar Community of the Year, for recognition of their leadership towards becoming a SolarBC Community.

“Thank you so much for letting me speak to you on our plans to make Kelowna truly a Solar City,” said civic properties manager Randy Cleveland, speaking on behalf of Mayor Sharon Shepherd, who was unable to accept the award at the 2009 Solar Summit due to a flight cancellation.

“Kelowna has a history of sustainable development and has taken a lot of pride in energy management and alternative energy solutions,” says Don Degen, Water Drainage Manager for the City of Kelowna. He is referring to a number of projects, like solar powered lights in parks and along walkways, that the city has taken on as part of a sustainable living approach to their community.

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.”