What's New in Saanich

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.

One forward-thinking Saanichite recently hosted a community meeting, on Oct. 20 with the objective of creating a solar hot water buying group.

“I’ve been made aware that this is the first community buying group in B.C.,” says Patrick Chénier, meeting organizer. “So we’re forging new territory!”

As a citizen of Saanich, Chénier decided to take on and promote the idea of the buying group. The basic concept is to create a substantial list of customers for solar hot water installs and present the list to a registered SolarBC contractor for the purpose of receiving a discount on the service, based on the volume of systems being purchased. So far, Chènier has a list of 60 interested community members, with the ultimate goal of 100.

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.”