Solar Hot Water Project
September 4, 2008 - The Okanagan chapter of the BC Sustainable Energy
Association (BCSEA) and the local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity have agreed
that the local BCSEA chapter will provide a Habitat home with a solar water
heating system. The system will provide the low-income working family who
will live in the home with a high quality, low maintenance solar hot water
system which will reduce their use of energy by several thousand kilowatt
hours per year. Such a system is an excellent "hedge" against higher
energy prices since the sun is a free energy source.
Swiss Solar Tech, a Summerland-based firm, has agreed to install the system,
which will include two solar panels and other components to provide a good
portion of the hot water for the residence. BCSEA volunteers are also helping
with the installation. The mandate of the BCSEA is to advocate for sustainable
energy and to help educate the public and government decision-makers about
the environmental and economic benefits of using alternate energy sources.
The Okanagan Chapter of the BCSEA would appreciate the assistance of any
individuals or businesses who are able to donate funds towards this project.
The total cost is anticipated to be approximately five thousand dollars and
we anticipate the system will be installed Fall 2008.
For further information please contact John Suttie (Phone 250-861-6734) or
Dion Torhjelm (250-860-1925) of the Okanagan Chapter of the B.C. Sustainable
Energy Association.
For Immediate Release: June 28, 2007
Wheels for Change: Coming to the Okanagan
Kelowna, BC--Lasting from Saturday June 30 to Sunday July 22 “Wheels
for Change” is a campaign created by a group of British Columbians who
want to provide people in this province with an opportunity to gather together
and take positive action on climate change. Widely endorsed by, among others,
Kelowna Mayor Sharon Shepherd and Vernon Mayor Wayne Lippert, environmental
activists Guy Dauncey and David Suzuki, and musicians Raffi and Bare Naked
Ladies, “Wheels for Change” is coming to the Okanagan Valley.
Organized by Vernon residents Mary Stockdale and Celia Auclair, cyclists
will ride a 1,000 km route from Nelson, BC, to Victoria, BC. The goal is to
“cycle a collective total of 40,000 kilometres or more to demonstrate
our commitment to action on climate change”. This goal corresponds with
the 40,000 km circumference of the planet Earth. The schedule has the participant’s
cycle the 68 km from Penticton to Kelowna on Saturday July 7 and the 52 km
from Kelowna to Vernon on Sunday July 8.
The organizers would like to challenge local cyclists to pledge a minimum
of 1,000 km for each of the two days the ride will be progressing through
the Okanagan Valley. You can help by bicycling 1 km, 100 km or the whole 1,000
km journey. To find out more, participate in, or donate to “Wheels for
Change” go to www.wheelsforchange.ca.
The July 7 Kelowna events will be held at the EECO Centre at the Mission
Creek Regional Park, 2363A Springfield Road (intersection of Springfield and
Durnin Roads). Beginning at 4:00 pm: with a Bike Decorating Workshop until
the 5:00 pm: Bike Ride along Mission Creek Greenway followed by the 6:00 pm:
Bring your own BBQ picnic and finally the 7:00 pm to dusk greeting from Mayor
Shepherd and others, followed by music by Jim Ripley and friends.
The July 8 Vernon events will be as follows: 5:00 pm: Gather at the bandstand
in Polson Park for a colourful bike ride through town. Family-friendly: decorate
yourselves and your bikes! Then the 6:00 pm: Potluck picnic near the bandstand
in Polson Park. Everyone welcome; please bring a food contribution and finally
the 7:00-dusk greeting from Mayor Wayne Lippert, Dr. Paul Philips, economist,
and Mr. Bruce Mol, Chairman of the Vernon Cycling Advisory Committee (VCAC).
This is followed by music by: Robin Genthon (opening with drum and chants),
Rod Neufeld (Canadiana singer/songwriter), 'Ellie Young and the Porch Pickers,'
Betty Johnson (jazz and blues), 'Lofi Cowboy' (post-modern singer songwriter)
and our main feature 'Kath and the Tomkats' (rock and blues).
- 30 -
For more information contact Celia Auclair on her cell: 250-503-8082 and/or
(strongly recommended) go the “Wheels for Change” website www.wheelsforchange.ca
.
Celia is participating as well as organizing this event and interview appointments
can be arranged by contacting her directly on her cell and leaving a message.
May 24, 2007
