Tyee Editor David Beers and Tyee Blogger Colleen Kimmett attended our annual governance forum at Harrison Hot Springs March 6th and 7th. While David gave a very good presentation on working with the media, Colleen interviewed the politicians and posted her stories about green ideas, sustainable development and climate fatigue.
Centre for Civic Governance
The Centre for Civic Governance works to support community leadership meeting today’s social and environmental challenges: climate change, Canada’s increasing equity gap, and shifting social trends. At the Centre for Civic Governance, our goal is to strengthen Canadian communities through sharing best practices, providing tools for locally elected leaders, and progressive policy analysis. We strive to provide knowledge and information to make real and positive social change.
Green Bylaws Toolkit: For Conserving Sensitive Ecosystems and Green Infrastructure
Private vs Public Financing
Municipalities have been under pressure to use private partner financing and P3 arrangements that are difficult to acurately assess for risks, given the provisions for secrecy in both negotiations and contracts. A recent study of P3s in British Columbia examined the costs of private financing of public projects and found that public financing is less risky and less expensive.
Last year, Millenium Development and its financial guarantor, the City of Vancouver entered into a $750 million dollar line of credit with Fortress Investment Group to fund its Olympic Village construction budget. Unfortunately, they chose to do so using very risky currency swaps.
According to Kenneth Bayne, the City’s director of finance, quoted by the Vancouver Sun: “”This exposes the loan to both interest rate and currency risks between the two countries [hedging risks].”
Fortunately for British Columbians, the Municipal Finance Authority of British Columbia (MFA) provides low interest financing and other financial services to BC communities and institutions. The MFA has saved BC taxpayers millions of dollars in debt repayments as a result of their excellent credit rating.
Wind Farm Trend Hitting the North
At present, Alaska faces some of the highest fuel prices in the U.S. In an attempt to seek economic relief in this unstable time, numerous communities in Alaska have built wind turbine farms. This attempt has not only led to a decrease in household electricity bills, but has also reduced the use of fuel and energy on a whole. To learn more
National Fim Board Posts Canadian Documentaries Online
The National Film Board of Canada has just launched an online screening room. New films are added weekly. For now, check out the excellent documentaries “Carts of Darkness,” and “Lonely Boy,” and the classic, much loved animated shorts, “The Cat Came Back and “The Big Snit.”
A New Years Resolution that Makes a Difference
This year, Trees Ontario wants us to make a New Years resolution that will last for years to come. Along with various “green” resolution suggestions, Trees Ontario ecourages locals to help them in planting nearly three million trees throughout the Province in 2009.
50 Solutions to Help the Homeless
Vancouver’s new mayor has pledged to end homelessness by 2015, a considerable challenge that will require solutions that go beyond asking the federal governmnet and the province for more money to address the issue. Megaphone Magazine, Vancouver’s street paper has republished an article from the Tyee listing 50 ways to help the homeless.
Child Poverty Affecting Academic Performance
A recent study conducted by the Univeristy of British Columbia found an alarming link between child poverty and poor academic performance. Such findings further highlight B.C.’s high child poverty rates. Read the full story in The Tyee.
Canadian Centre For Policy Alternatives Proposing a $33 Billion Stimulus Package
The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives is proposing a one year $33 billion dollar economic stimulus package that would create 407,000 new jobs, boost the economy by 3% and protect those hardest hit by recession. Unlike the contents of the Conservative’s upcoming budget, the CCPA is not propsing any tax cuts. Read more here.
New Westminster, BC Implementing Density Bonuses
New Westminster city councillors are asking staff to move ahead with the implementation of density bonuses. The city is offering bonuses to developers in exchange for amenity contributions. Amenities include affordable housing, child care, civic lands and buildings, parks and
open spaces, public art and specific types of transportation
infrastructure were appropriate. The City has assurred residents that bonuses will be in accordance with the current Community Plan. Read more here.
Richmond BC School District Works Towards Energy Sustainability
As part of an overall environmental stweardship objective, the school district of Richmond BC is currently working towards energy sustainability with the following goals in mind:
- Reduction of energy consumption
- Sourcing energy from clean renewable sources and
- Reducing the environmental impact of energy consumption.
Read more here.
Only 30% of Canadian Children Walk to School
A new study finds that only 30% of children in Canada walk to school. This is a significant drop from a study conducted in 1970 that showed 80% of children walked to school. Urban sprawl, tight schedules and parents’ fear for child safety are the main reasons for this decline is physical activity. Read more here.