City of Vernon presents 2015 Sustainability Awards | iNFOnews | Thompson-Okanagan's News Source
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City of Vernon presents 2015 Sustainability Awards

Mayor Akbal Mund presents the 2015 Sustainability Award for Youth Initiatives Sarah Clark for promoting local food producers and connecting people in the local food community
Image Credit: Contributed

VERNON - Mayor Akbal Mund presented the City’s 2015 Sustainability Awards during the Regular Open Meeting of Council in four categories: Building and Development; Sustainable Business; Community Sustainability; and Youth Initiatives.

“Sustainability plays a critical role in Council’s vision in economic development. Sustainable and resilient investment, business, and lifestyle options create more opportunities to attract young professionals and families to move to Vernon,” said Mayor Mund. “In harmony with the Official Community Plan’s guiding principle to create a culture of sustainability, this year’s award recipients are being recognized for their contribution to community sustainability through environmental stewardship, economic viability and social inclusiveness.”

In the category of Building and Development, the City presented Ian Murphy with an award for the development of small lot two-family residential properties in Vernon’s City Centre District. Such developments provide housing options closer to the downtown core and lessens the residents’ everyday reliance on personal vehicles, allowing for walking, biking and public transit as more viable options of transportation.

Element Eco Design was presented with an award In the category for Sustainable Business for their sustainable design and community contribution. Owners Gord Hiebert and Jana Macnab have combined their specializations in energy-efficient building, land management and permaculture design to create integrated sustainable home and land systems that interact harmoniously with nature. Element Eco Design hosts community workshops on edible landscapes, stormwater management, permaculture and sustainable design - promoting and enhancing the value of sustainability in Vernon.

In the category for Community Sustainability, the City presented the Vernon Branch of the Okanagan Regional Library with an award for their community contribution through a variety of workshops, speakers and events related to food security, permaculture, resource conservation, community resilience and social inclusiveness.

“It was mentioned through nomination that Kristy Hennings, a local librarian, has established outstanding sustainability outreach through community engagement and social networking,” said Mayor Mund.

Sarah Clark was presented with an award in the category of Youth Initiatives for her active contribution to the community through volunteer opportunities with the North Okanagan Food Action Society. Ms. Clark consistently does what she can to promote local food producers and connect people within our local food community. Ms. Clark also co-organized Roots and Brews – a fundraiser event that highlights local food producers and raises money for local food initiatives.

“One of the priorities of this Council is to be a leader in economic development,” said Mayor Mund. “A balanced, resilient and sustainable community will enhance economic opportunities for the City of Vernon, and the recipients of the Sustainability Awards are instrumental in helping us to achieve that vision. We thank you for your work and commitment.”

News from © iNFOnews, 2015
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