Last month, thirty-six BC communities adopted a policy requiring all new homes to be solar ready, meaning they will be built with space to accommodate a solar hot water heating system. The Canadian Solar Industries Association(CanSia) is pleased with the policy noting that “Solar energy creates more jobs than any other energy resource through production, installation and research.”
Read more in the Surrey Now.
A new report takes an independent look at 27 North American Cities and rates their environmental performance. The US and Canada Green City Index reports on 9 key areas in urban sustainability; CO₂, energy, land use, buildings, water, waste air and environmental governance. Each city is provided with an environmental profile that examines in detail areas where the city excels or needs improvement. Although the report misses out in some key areas, namely food security and biodiversity, it provides plenty of interesting information.
On Wednesday Metro Vancouver Mayors agreed to a 2-cent increase in the region’s gas tax to help pay for a rapid transit line for the region’s northeast sector. The Evergreen line has been on hold for years due to a funding gap. It is expected that this additional tax will provide a much needed $40 million for the project. Read more at the CBC.
Manitoba may be the first Canadian province to start using recycled shower water to fill its ice rinks. The province is considering a pilot project to test the concept. The project would include the Dakota Centre, which houses two indoor rinks and three outdoor rinks. The Centre currently spends $35,000 on water annually. If the project is a success the province may convert all rinks, including curling rinks to a grey water system. Read more at the CBC.
A new website that builds upon open data allows users to rate Toronto neighbourhoods. Information provided on the Wellbeing Toronto website is exhaustive, ranging from the number of car crashes in an area, to income and education levels. While some view the ranking system as potentially damaging to communities, many others are happy to have such data readily available, including non-profits who will use the information to target their resources to communities most in need. Read more in the Toronto Star.
Winnipeg’s Vacant buildings by-law, passed in July 2010 has allowed enforcement officials to “issue no occupancy” orders if a building is too dilapidated for human occupation, or if the building has been left unoccupied for two long. After receiving a notice of violation the property has a year to fix up their property or it gets turned over to habitat for humanity, who then builds a new home for a low income family. Read more at the CBC.
The buy local movement is picking up steam in BC. Local procurement policies are viewed as a way to strengthen communities, both economically and socially. These policies could be undone, however by the negotiated CETA agreement, which seeks to give European companies the equal access to local economies. Despite the severe ramifications for local industries and workforces, BC’s premier has had little to say on the issue. Charley Beresford of the Centre for Civic Governance, find’s Premier Clark’s lack of position on the matter troubling, noting,
“I think it is in the interests of British Columbians to know what the province is bringing forward,” she said. It’s surprising that Clark wouldn’t have positions on things like local procurement given how far the talks have gone, she said. “There might be something fairly well developed, I would think.”
Buying goods and services locally is an attractive way for civic governments to build local economies, she said. “Even if municipalities haven’t used the tool yet, the discussion as shaping up would take the tool away.”
That’s contrary to what municipal leaders want, and so the province needs to say clearly what position it is taking, she said.
Read more in the Tyee.
On June 20th, Pickering city council approved a fair wage policy. The policy is effective immediately and will apply to all city contracts over $1 million. Councillor Bill McLean expressed his support for the policy, noting fair wages encourage a higher standard of work.
“I’ve supported this from the beginning and I know there’s some naysayers who are saying this is going to cost jobs and cost more money. I think this particular policy is going to save money because it’s done in such a fashion that it’s clear, concise and transparent. That way if there are problems down the road we have this policy to draw from. It protects not only workers but also the city from someone who’s not hiring skilled workers.”