News

Metro Vancouver (MV) is thinking long-term with the region’s water supply strategy. The region’s population is expected to grow from 2.5 million today to 3.6 million by 2050, and up to about 5.5 million in a century from now. Water demand will grow from about 390 billion litres per year today to over 600 billion litres per year by 2120.

Seven future water supply options have been shortlisted in a report by MV. Check it out here: https://lnkd.in/g_2hbwE

VICTORIA — The Province of B.C. has greenlit a series of clean energy projects in First Nations, northern and rural communities.

Officials stated the seven projects will reduce pollution and make life more affordable through the Community Energy Leadership Program (CELP).

“Through CleanBC, we’re supporting communities across the province to build a cleaner, more sustainable future for British Columbia,” said Bruce Ralston, minister of energy, mines and petroleum resources, in a press release. “These projects will help local governments and First Nations make energy efficiency improvements and help lower their energy costs.”

CELP was established to assist local government and First Nations investments in energy efficiency and clean energy projects, including building retrofits, heat pumps and solar panels. It’s most recent round of funding totalling $470,000 will go towards projects that reduce pollution, lower energy bills, stimulate economic activity and support resilient communities.

“We believe strongly in working with and supporting leaders from Indigenous Nations, communities and industry,” said George Heyman, minister of environment and climate change strategy. “Together we can increase access to clean energy, reduce pollution and support good jobs as we build back from economic effects of COVID-19. Investing in expanded opportunities for people and communities with new, clean technologies is an integral part of our CleanBC plan for building a stronger, sustainable and better low-carbon future for everyone.”

The approved projects include a solar array on the Elders’ Building for the Ashcroft Indian Band. Part of efforts to develop community resilience in an area affected by wildfires, the project is expected to save the band about $2,775 per year on energy costs.

The Village of Midway was awarded funding for energy efficiency retrofits to the Midway Community Centre. Improvements to the hot water system, windows and lighting will increase energy efficiency by 50 per cent.

Funding will also be dispensed for the installation of a battery-power storage bank in the remote community of the Kitasoo/Xai’xais First Nation. This project will reduce the use of diesel generators leading to emissions reductions of 159 tonnes per year.

“Many Indigenous communities are leading the way when it comes to developing and implementing clean-energy alternatives,” said Scott Fraser, minister of indigenous relations and reconciliation. “Through partnerships like these, we’re working with Indigenous peoples on a low-carbon future to support strong, healthy and resilient Indigenous communities in B.C.”

TransLink and the Government of British Columbia have released the Truck Route Planner, an online tool to help commercial vehicle operators plan their trips. This tool is the first of its kind in Canada to plan truck routes with a holistic picture of the region’s commercial vehicle network.

To use the Truck Route Planner, truck operators input the dimensions of their vehicle with their desired destination and starting point to find the optimum route for their vehicle. The Truck Route Planner suggests optimum routes based on:

- The operator’s vehicle dimensions

- Municipal bylaws

- Height clearances

- Bridge weight load limits

- Major road closures on truck routes

Identified as a priority in the 2017 regional goods movement strategy, the Truck Route Planner was developed with support from BC municipalities, the BC Trucking Association, and the Greater Vancouver Urban Freight Council.

The Truck Route Planner can be accessed here: https://lnkd.in/gqXKJ4f

Please see the following documents for information related to BCCR's response to COVID-19:

BCCR letter to members- Final.pdf

COVID-19 Update - BCCR.pdf

BCCR COVID-19 Update - April 6, 2020.pdf

BCCR COVID-19 Resources.pdf