Governance
2010 Energy & Climate Action Awards Competition
Reminder ... The August 20 application deadline for 2010 Energy and Climate Action Awards is fast approaching!
The Community Energy Association, in partnership with the Union of BC Municipalities, Province of British Columbia and BC Hydro, is pleased to invite all BC local governments to participate in the 2010 Energy & Climate Action Awards competition. The awards celebrate leadership shown by local governments taking action on climate change and sustainable energy and are offered annually to a municipality or regional district implementing a project or program that best integrates energy and climate action into community planning and development or corporate operations.
Past winners have come from all sizes of communities - leadership demonstrated to overcome challenges is an important judging criterion. Please download the electronic application from the Community Energy Association website at www.communityenergy.bc.ca. Applications must be submitted electronically to awards@communityenergy.bc.ca by 5pm Friday, August 20.
Winners will be announced at the end of the Cabinet Panel Session on Wednesday, September 29, 4:15 pm at the Union of BC Municipalities 2010 Convention in Whistler.
Toronto Makes Room for Bike Parking
Former Vancouver Mayor Recieves City's Highest Honour
On July 6th, former Vancouver Mayor, Art Phillips receievd the Freedom of the City Award. Under Mayor Phillips, the City of Vancouver adopted socially and environmentally progressive policies that laid out the foundation for what is today one of the most livable cities in the world.
Green Infrastructure Better for Stormwater Control
Researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago have concluded that green infrastructure is better suited to deal with storm water runoff that the traditional use of curbs and gutters, detention ponds and storm sewers. Green infrastructure incorporates permeable pavement, green roofs and constructed wetlands to reduce the flow of pollutants into sewers and ultimately into rivers, streams, oceans and lakes.
Read more here.
Local Elections Task Force Delivers its Recommendations
The BC Local Elections Task Force delivered its recommendations on improving local government elections yesterday. In their recommendations they highlighted the need for expense limits on local election campaign participants and the need for sponsorship information on all election advertising. Despite pressure from business groups the task force also recommended that corporations not be given a vote in local elections.
The Centre for Civic Governance submitted its recommendations to the elections task force in April. Strengthening Local Democracy.
Alberta Liberals propose a Monetary Incentive to Vote
In an effort to increase turnout at the polls, Alberta Liberals are proposing a $50.00 tax credit for those who vote in the provincial election. The proposal is part of a 12 point strategy to increase accounatbility and effectiveness in government. Read article in Globe and Mail.
City's first Rooftop Farm will Supply Food to Downtown Eastside Residents
Court Rules that Company Must Pay Property Taxes
A BC Court of Appeal has ruled that companies must pay thier property taxes. Several large-scale industrial companies had begun to withhold property taxes, complaining that their share of taxes was too high. Read Vancouver Sun article here.Community Gardens Taking Root
A growing interest in growing food has lead to several new food security projects in Richmond, BC. Read Vancouver Sun article here.
