Energy Sustainability (Bridging to the Future):

Energy and air quality planning have historically been outside the mandate of municipal governments in BC. However, much of a municipality’s day-to-day business activities and decision-making has direct impacts on energy, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and local air quality. In addition to reducing the environmental impact, municipal management of energy may be used as a driver for local economic development, as a general indicator of environmental performance and as a means to reduce the impacts of poor air quality. A sustainable energy pathway for Squamish is an essential element of the community’s future liveability, prosperity and resiliency.

The District of Squamish has pledged to “go green” with a 12-step pledge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Council unanimously approved Squamihs’s Global Warming Action Plan through a motion at their Regular Business Meeting held on February 6, 2007.

[See attached 12 step pledge]

The District is currently involved in numerous activities that will contribute towards energy management goals. Several important planning processes have or are taking place that represent new and more sustainable approaches to development, including the Smart Growth on the Ground in the downtown core, the District’s Growth Management Study (2005), and the District’s Official Community Plan (OCP).

District of Squamish current GHG reducing initiatives:

· Smart Growth on the Ground
· The District of Squamish has partnered with West Coast Environmental Law (WCEL) in the next phase of its Smart Growth evolution
· Biodiesel Pilot Program
· Sea to Sky Air Quality Coordinating Committee – Air Quality Managemnt Plan (AQMP)
· Bridging to the Future – 30 year energy plan
· Official Community Plan
· Squamish Wind Energy
· Energy Savings Plan

For more information visit:
http://www.squamish.ca/cityhall/departments/energy_pathways.aspx

Wind Energy

For a number of years the District of Squamish has been acknowledging its wind resource in moving a Wind Energy project forward with funding partners and technical advisors Sea Breeze Power Corp. Phase I of the initiative began in 2004 when we learned that the community of Squamish was generally supportive of wind energy (84% in favor of wind power), recognized that there are some environmental concerns and economic benefits, and wanted to learn more on wind power.

Phase II funding was finally secured in late 2005 thanks to assistance from Squamish Sustainability Corp, Community Futures, Western Economic Diversification and Suncor. The funding is to be used for installing a meteorological tower to test the wind for a year and to conduct community consultations on preferred development options.

Check out the following project update links to learn more…

(Wind Energy Phase II Update I and II Flat Sheets PDF Links)