2009 Energy & Climate Action Awards - Winners

The Town of Gibsons has won the 2009 Energy & Climate Action Award in the Community Planning and Development category for development of the Upper Gibsons Neighbourhood Plan.  The centerpiece of this neighbourhood plan is the new Upper Gibsons Geo-exchange District Energy Utility. The first of its kind in North America, this system, which will be owned and operated by the municipality, will provide renewable earth energy heating to all new buildings in Upper Gibsons, reducing GHG emissions from heating and hot water by an astonishing 96% (1,450 tonnes). This innovative project will result in energy cost savings of $350,000 annually and about 1/3 of that will be returned to residents as energy cost savings.

The District of Lake Country has won the award in the Corporate Operations category for the Lake Country Hydroelectric Generating Station, a low impact micro-hydro project that harnessed the power of the existing high elevation water supply system to produce clean, green energy. The municipally owned and operated hydro project, which is the first of this type to sell power back to BC Hydro, will produce approximately 3900 Megawatt-hours of emission-free, renewable electricity per year, enough to power roughly 400 homes. 

The awards are organized annually by the Community Energy Association in partnership with the Province of British Columbia, Union of British Columbia Municipalities and BC Hydro.  “The awards celebrate leadership of local governments taking action on climate change and energy.  This year's winners demonstrate that energy planning, energy efficiency and renewable energy are possible no matter where you live in the province,” said Richard White, Co-Chair, Community Energy Association and Director of Community Development, City of North Vancouver.

Honourable Mentions were awarded to:

  • City of Prince George for implementing a broad spectrum of innovative initiatives demonstrating city-wide dedication and commitment to reducing greenhouse gases. 
  • Corporation of Delta for its Climate Change Initiative, a comprehensive, progressive and dynamic climate action strategy.
A record number of entries were received this year. Entries in the Corporate Operations category included Capital Regional District, Abbotsford/Mission, Colwood, Coquitlam, Dawson Creek, Richmond, Delta, Lake Country, Saanich and Whistler.  In the Community Planning and Development category, entries included Burns Lake, Colwood, Gibsons, City of North Vancouver, Prince George, Port Moody and Sparwood.
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2009 CEA Energy & Climate Action Award News Release October 1 2009.pdf302.48 KB