From the desk of Regional Director Robyn Mawhinney
Hello,This report shares news on a WildSafe program application for Areas C & B, the next steps of a potential wood-chipping service, and my visit to Refuge Cove.
Continue reading Area C Directors Report: WildSafe application, wood-chipping, Refuge Cove visit + moreFrom the desk of Regional Director Robyn Mawhinney
Midsummer greetings!
Housing is an important issue here in Area C, across the region and our province. This report provides a housing-related update on some of what’s happening locally.
In 2008, the city of Berkely had a problem. They wanted to hasten the adoption of solar technology, but the $20,000 to $30,000 bill was too steep for a lot of homeowners. Cisco DeVries, the Mayor’s Chief of Staff, came up with what Scientific American would later call one of the top 20 “world-changing” ideas of the year. The capital would come from private investors, but homeowners could finance energy upgrades through their property taxes. Since then, Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) programs have provided more than $13 billion for solar installations and energy saving improvements for homes and businesses in the United States. Cortes Island resident Brian Scott would like to see PACE made available to British Columbians.
“I represent two things, an idea and an organization. The idea is the PACE financing tool, which will not be ‘the magic bullet’ but is very close when it comes to our need to address climate change quickly. PACE specifically addresses the fact that roughly a third of our greenhouse gas emissions come from residential and commercial buildings. I’m representing the concept and promoting it. I also represent PACE Alberta and PACE Canada,” he explained.
Continue reading Calling For A Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Program in BC
By Hope Lompe, Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
More than 380 rental homes have been preserved on Vancouver Island for people struggling to keep affordable housing, thanks to an initiative unique to Canada.
Established in British Columbia last year, the Rental Protection Fund allows non-profit organizations to purchase buildings at risk of redevelopment or where tenants likely face significant rent increases. To preserve affordable housing, the fund requires buildings to keep existing occupants.
Continue reading Non-profit housing fund preserved more than 380 homes on Vancouver IslandEditor’s note: Fishing was one of Cortes Island’s major industries. The museum records the names of 28 boats and 40 individuals active during the 1970’s. Government regulations changed that. According to the study SET ADRIFT: THE PLIGHT OF BRITISH COLUMBIA’S FISHING COMMUNITIES, 71% of the people working in the province’s commercial fishing industry lost their jobs. “What remains in the commercial fishery is not a vibrant and healthy fleet, but a fleet ravaged by consolidation.” DFO licensing practises “diverted the fish away from the populous small-boat fleet and delivered the resource into the hands of a venture capitalist…”
By Hope Lompe, Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Fishing communities, harvesters and advocates are welcoming British Columbia’s intention to work with the federal government to reform the purchase system for fish licences and quotas for B.C.’s commercial fishing industry.
Continue reading Fishing communities welcome B.C. intention to reform licensing and quotas
