Sep 19, 2013
Pictured above: Congratulating Colwood on it's UBCM Community Excellence Award are: Rhona Martin, UBCM Vice President (L), Councillors Teresa Harvey, Gordie Logan and Judith Cullington, Mayor Carol Hamilton and the Honourable Coralee Oakes, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development.

COLWOOD, BC – This week the City of Colwood has been recognized – twice! – for its strong leadership in energy planning, energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy.  At the Union of BC Municipalities convention, the Honourable Steve Thompson, Minister of Forests, presented the City with a Climate and Energy Action award for its commitment to the successful implementation of the Solar Colwood program. The following day, Minister Coralee Oakes, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development presented Colwood with the Community Excellence Award for leadership and innovation in climate action. 

These awards recognize Colwood and the Solar Colwood program’s leadership in raising awareness about clean energy options. The program has been instrumental in demonstrating that solar energy solutions are an affordable and effective way for homeowners and small businesses to reduce energy use and save money. In addition, the program has fostered local skill development and innovation, including the development of a new, efficient and cost effective solar hot water system.

 “Colwood is proud to be recognized for taking a leadership role in promoting clean energy options,” says Mayor Hamilton. “Our vision is that the Solar Colwood program will serve as a model of collaboration other municipalities can build upon to make solar solutions accessible and affordable.”

“These awards highlight the incredible momentum amongst BC communities toward achieving energy sustainability,” said Darrell Mussatto, Co-chair of the Community Energy Association and Mayor of the City of North Vancouver. “Many municipalities are well on their way to meeting their greenhouse gas emission reduction targets.”

In addition to helping homeowners and businesses become “energy champions”, the Solar Colwood program has played a role in reducing Colwood’s corporate GHG emissions by 22% since 2007. 

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Media Contact:
Judith Cullington
Councillor, City of Colwood
250-360-7653