The Honourable Terry Lake, BC Minister of Environment presented awards recognizing leadership in energy management to Surrey, Nakusp and City of North Vancouver at the Union of B.C Municipalities convention on September 26. The City of Surrey won in the Community Planning and Development category for the planning and development of Surrey City Centre. Over the past 10 years, City Centre has transformed itself with a new district energy system, zoning regulations and sustainable transportation infrastructure. The Village of Nakusp won in the Corporate Operations category. The Village has implemented renewable energy retrofit projects, reduced GHG emissions and reduced energy costs. Capturing latent heat from hot springs water, installing 6500 W of solar power, and a completing a micro hydro project are just a few of the projects undertaken. “As a small community, Nakusp has limited resources,” said Nakusp Mayor Karen Hamling. “These successful renewable energy projects have reduced operating costs, moved us closer to achieving carbon neutral operations and demonstrated leadership.” The City of North Vancouver won the Public Sector Collaboration category for the Lonsdale Energy Corporation and School District 44 Education Service Centre/Arts for Kids project, which showcases a geothermal heat pump system and recycling of surplus heat. By saving energy and reducing greenhouse gases, the project allows more of SD 44’s budget to be directed towards its education mission, while permitting Lonsdale Energy Corporation to integrate heat recovery and geo-exchange systems into its district energy system. The awards are organized annually by the Community Energy Association in partnership with the Province of British Columbia, Union of B.C. Municipalities, B.C. Hydro and FortisBC.
