The T’Sou-ke First Nation in Sooke has become the largest solar energy producing community in B.C. Solar energy will power a large portion of the community’s infrastructure and provide hot water tanks to a nearby village. The band aims to adopt more green initiatives in the future, and are looking at wind power and organic farming. Find out more here.
Month: July 2009
No mayor, no vote: UBC students criticize Translink structure
UBC students have criticized Translink’s failure to represent campus residents in transit planning processes. The UBC campus, which has a population of 11 000, is currently the second greatest transit destination in the region, and members of the UBC Alma Mater Society (AMS) are asking for an elected member of the Mayor’s Council to represent the campus. Read the full article at The Tyee.
Regional politicians want say on Translink plan
Translink’s 30-year long-term plan, called Transport 2040, sets broad goals for reducing greenhouse gases and increasing the use of transit, cycling, and walking. To achieve this system, Translink says it needs $450 million in new funding. Translink has proposed the option of using new property taxes to fund the plan, however regional mayors are strongly opposed to this idea. Read the full story at The Tyee.
Local Government Operations GHG Protocol
The Local Government Operations (LGO) Protocol is a set of program-neutral greenhouse gas protocol designed to allow local governments to quantify and report emissions. It helps local governments to provide standardized information regarding emissions rates, and allows for better scientific observations to be made. Find the full set of protocol here.
Victoria, BC Latest Transition Town
Victoria is taking the Transition Initiative by working to address peak oil and climate change issues, in an effort to enhance community sustainability and resiliency. To date the Victoria Region Transition Initiative (VRTI) has participated in public forums, given presentations, provided film screenings, and completed a Strategic Plan. Get more information on the VRTI here.
Community Earth Councils Website
YOU ARE BRILLIANT, AND THE EARTH IS HIRING” – Paul Hawken
Community Earth Councils (CECs) are groups of elders (50+) and youth (16-28) working together to
address global environmental and social challenges at the local level. CECs build community, helping young people find meaning and purpose while providing elders with a way to give back, inspire, and impact the future. Participants in a CEC explore how, together, they can bring vision into action.
First, however, they spend time getting to know each other, sharing their stories, hopes, and aspirations. They then explore possible projects for addressing a community need, possibly by partnering with other individuals and/or organizations. After a period of planning, they move to implementation, working shoulder to shoulder.
As they collaborate in service, elders and youth develop a strong appreciation for the gifts that each one brings. They engage in mutual mentoring, fostering individual growth and weaving a strong social fabric. Over time, a CEC may take on many projects for the common good, helping to improve the social and environmental wellbeing of their communities. But the benefits to members are no less significant. Along with the deep sense of purpose and fulfillment that comes from helping others, both youth and elders experience the warmth, energy, and joy of the community they’ve created.