The City of Vernon has received Honourable Mention for the Climate and Energy Action Awards at the Union of BC Municipalities convention.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED / COMMUNITY ENERGY ASSOCIATION
September 29, 2019 - 6:00 AM
VERNON - A City of Vernon initiative is turning heads in the climate action community.
At the Union of BC Municipalities convention, the City received an honourable mention in the Climate and Energy Action Awards for its Climate Action Revolving Fund for Electric Bicycle Fleet.
“Our Council is committed to reducing our Greenhouse gas emissions and our climate change impact,” said Mayor Victor Cumming. “This recognition shows that Vernon is joining others to make strides in climate action.”
The policy for which the City received a nod allows "council to utilize the carbon tax reserve funds designated for climate action to support corporate and community projects that can demonstrate GHG emission reduction and 'pay back' the reserve using the energy savings of the project," the City of Vernon's award application summary reads.
"At the same time, council designated up to $5,000 for a composting pilot and $20,000 for the purchase of electric bicycles to be used by staff for business purposes. In May 2019, the City purchased six electric bikes, which are used by staff performing a variety of duties including inspections, site visits, meetings, and errands."
Awards recipients were the City of Richmond, Village of Granisle, and the City of Surrey. Honourable mentions were also given to the Fraser Valley Regional District and City of Campbell River.
“The innovative projects we are celebrating are great examples of the leadership we need to achieve the goals of the Province’s CleanBC plan,” said Michelle Mungall, Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources.
“BC communities continue to take progressive action on climate change by instituting projects that help to reduce their corporate and community greenhouse gas emissions as well as adapt to climate impacts,” added Patrick Johnstone, chair of the Community Energy Association and Coun. with the City of New Westminster. “This local government action is vital to achieve BC’s long term GHG emission reduction targets.”
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