AWARDS RECOGNIZE B.C.’S MOST INNOVATIVE GREEN CITIES

VANCOUVER – Seven outstanding communities have been selected as recipients of the provincial government’s inaugural Green City Awards, for demonstrating leadership and action in a range of environmental sustainability initiatives. Premier Gordon Campbell announced the winning communities, sharing up to $500,000 in award funding, at the Union of BC Municipalities convention in Vancouver.

“This awards program is a challenge to communities to think big; to develop innovative ideas and share those ideas so we can work together to take action on climate change,” said Campbell. “With the goal of reducing by a third our current level of greenhouse gas emissions by 2020, it is crucial that the Province works collaboratively with communities. Clearly, these communities are leading the way, providing incentives and encouragement to other places to think innovatively.”

The 2007 Green City Award winners showed excellence across a wide range of sustainability criteria. The winners and highlights from their submissions are:

Nanaimo Regional District is noted for its development pattern including urban containment and emphasis on regional transit, solid and liquid waste management;
Capital Regional District – Salt Spring Island’s action on its official community plan, which promotes compact, pedestrian-friendly development;
Town of Oliver is dealing effectively with the challenges of water management, including reclaiming 100 per cent of wastewater and using it for agricultural purposes;
Resort Municipality of Whistler has exemplary planning and development that balances protection of the natural environment and tourism economy promotion;
City of Dawson Creek is progressive in its community energy planning and actions including conservation and developing alternative sources;
City of North Vancouver is implementing its official community plan which is based on smart growth principles; and
City of Vancouver’s quality planning and urban design is resulting in high livability and investment.

Nominated communities were evaluated on criteria including a triple bottom line; livability; climate change; innovation and transferability. The winning communities were chosen from 17 finalist local governments, based on input and review from Ministry of Community Services staff, other provincial ministries and an expert panel of leading specialists in sustainability and the green development sector.

“Making our communities greener and healthier places to live is largely in the hands of the people who live there,” said Community Services Minister Ida Chong. “Through the Green City Awards, we are highlighting those communities that stand out for their innovation and commitment to a better environment and who set an example for other B.C. cities and towns.”

The Green City Awards program, announced by Premier Campbell at the 2006 UBCM convention, commits up to $500,000 in cash awards each year, over five years, for leading green communities. For more information about the Green City Awards, visit: www.greencityawards.gov.bc.ca/

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1 backgrounder(s) attached.
Media contact:	Mike Morton Press Secretary Office of the Premier 250 213-8218	Marc Black Communications Manager Ministry of Community Services 250 889-1295 (cell)

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