Kelowna News

The City of Kelowna was recognized Friday as the 2008 community of the year by the B.C. Sustainable Energy Association and SolarBC.

The announcement was made during the B.C. Solar Summit in Vancouver.

“This recognition is thanks to the city’s solar steering committee and the community partners who will help maintain our city’s leadership in sustainable energy initiatives,” says Kelowna Mayor, Sharon Shepherd.

Last September, Kelowna was named one of six SolarBC Communities and was asked to take a leadership role in developing the market for solar hot water and raise awareness of SolarBC.

The City joined forces with energy partners FortisBC and Terasen Gas, along with the Okanagan Environmental Industry Alliance, to explore civic and community solar projects.

The City plans to install a high-profile commercial solar water heater at the Athan's pool in the Rutland Family ‘Y”. Kelowna is also working on a project that will see 100 solar-powered lights throughout the city illuminating trails, parks, transit stations and civic buildings.

In addition, the City has 22 solar-powered parking kiosks. Instead of using 10,000 double-A batteries annually in parking meters, the kiosks have replaced 173 traditional electric parking meters.