Most Livable Community Awards

In October of 2009 CBC was just one of the media sites to post the story of Gibsons, BC being named as one of the most liveable communities in the world.  The full article can be read at:
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/british-columbia/story/2009/10/13/bc-gibsons-liveable-award.html

Quoting from the  'Sunshine Coast Bed and Breakfast, Cottage Owners Association News',
'key to the award was the Upper Gibsons Neighbourhood Plan, an innovative development project designed to conserve energy, water and land, use bike and pedestrian paths to promote alternate forms of transportation, promote social interaction, and encourage people from all ages and incomes to live there. The town is also set to install North America's first municipal geo-exchange district energy system, which will heat homes and businesses with thermal energy pumped from the ground.'

The LivCom Awards were launched in 1997 and are endorsed by the United Nations Environment Programme, (UNEP), with which it shares a Memorandum of Understanding. The LivCom Awards is the World’s only Awards Competition focussing on International Best Practice regarding the management of the local environment. The objective of LivCom is to develop and share International Best Practice, with the further objective of improving the quality of life of individual citizens through the creation of ‘liveable communities’.

The Environmentally Sustainable Project Awards are open to both the Public and Private Sectors and Partnerships of both. The objective of the Project Awards is to encourage Developers to have the same environmental objectives as communities.

Apart from the worldwide recognition given to communities that win any of these awards there is also the possibility of a financial award. The international acclaim however is probably worth a lot more.

Gibsons won in 2009 for a community with fewer than 20,000 residents. Could a project in Cranbrook aspire to this in the future?

It is something to think about.

For more information:

http://www.livcomawards.com/2011-awards/brochure.htm

http://www.livcomawards.com/

The BC Green Games

Every year The BC Green Games offers financial reward to schools that demonstrate environmental leadership.

http://www.bcgreengames.ca/home.html

Science World, BC Hydro Powersmart and Terasen Gas sponsor this competition and a couple of Cranbrook Schools their students and teachers have benefitted from this program in the past. By going to the address below you can see if your child’s school has entered and if you have a student in Gordon Terrace you might find a lovely little surprise!


http://www.bcgreengames.ca/component/project/index.php?option=com_project&view=gallery&paged=1


Scroll down on School District, enter South East Kootenay and then the school of your choice to see if any projects have been listed.

Please vote for them after tomorrow, March 1st!

Bio Fuel at the University of British Columbia

The University of British Columbia is using new technology to produce biofuel from wood chips, even wood that has been damaged by pine beetles. The wood is heated but does not burn in the conventional sense as it is kept in an oxygen deprived environment. The by-product is something similar to natural gas which will be used to help heat the university. The UBC Bioenergy Research and Demonstration Project has received an additional $11.2 million in funding from both the federal and provincial governments and will be fully functional in early 2012. The University of Northern British Columbia will also be using a similar system which will reduce their fossil fuel consumption by 85 percent. This is an exciting technology which could be successfully used locally. Perhaps it could become the backbone of a new Green Energy economy right here in the East Kootenays. To read more about this technology and the company that produces it go here  http://www.nexterra.ca/  and for more with comment:
http://thetyee.ca/Blogs/TheHook/Environment/2011/02/24/UBC-biomass-plant-to-provide-6-per-cent-of-campus-power/

Around Town and Looking Good

by Sharon Cross

On the evening of February 25th I had the pleasure of attending the presentation at the Prestige Inn regarding the proposed Homeless Shelter. There were probably 40 people in attendance - pretty good for a Friday night! Not only is this a much needed facility in our community, but the benefits help move people, in a positive and nurturing way towards being more independent. By lifting people up and off the streets it reduces the impact on our other services (policing, ambulance, hospital, etc.) What was also very encouraging to hear, is that this facility will be built to a Gold LEEDS standard with garden plots. One of the architects that I spoke to was quite enthusiastic about the building in terms of it's minimal impact on the environment.

I am really looking forward to watching this project bloom in our community. It truly is a project of HOPE for many.

The Cranbrook and District Science Fair

It was an exciting couple of days at The College of the Rockies this last week when students from the whole area displayed their science projects and were able to view demonstrations, watch the stars, look at fossils and generally emerse themselves in different aspects of science.  The College was seething with students of all ages and the camaraderie, learning and excitement was palpable.  Some great learning was going on.

Elementary School Awards

Inspiration from demonstrations, displays and local inventors such as Tim and his Skizee machine

Congratulations to all the students, teachers and many volunteers who coordinate and organise this huge event!

A Living Wage for Cranbrook

A delegation on the Living Wage was received by Council at the Jan 10, 2011 meeting. Councillors were enthusiastic in their reception of this presentation and praised those with this kind of social conscience. Denise Palleson was interested in how small business could help. Mayor Manjak commented he felt some councillors would be able to attend the February 14th public meeting on this topic although he would be away.

As the wage standards of BC reached the national news yesterday this article submitted by Sharon Cross becomes even more relevant.

Having worked in the community with people wanting to improve their employability levels, I decided to attend the “Living Wage Forum” on February 14th.  A group of approximately twenty people attended. Most were from the social services sector, three from the public (myself included), nobody from the business sector, and a City Councillor dropped by for about twenty minutes.

In one of our exercises we allocated various yearly incomes to the expenses that a family (with two adults working, and two children aged 4 and 7) would incur. There were four scenarios:
- At $8/hr., after tax and transfer our yearly income is $44,846.00

- At $10/hr. the yearly income is $47,426.00

- At $20/hr. the yearly income is $60,326.00

- At $30/hr. the yearly income is $73,225.00

Our group worked on the $8/hr. (two people earning that wage, with two children). To make ends meet we had to cut the bus pass, feeling it was important to keep the vehicle, especially with two children. Miscellaneous expenses were cut nearly in half. We cut after school care for the 7 year old child from 3,000/yr. to $500/yr. We reduced our emergency savings to $1,000 per year. We chopped parent education totally. There was no money for savings or debt repayment, or vacation, or entertainment.

Imagine the social pressure, not to mention the internal family pressures that could literally tear the fabric of a family apart causing additional hardships. What would happen if any one of them became ill or disabled?

There is a formula that has been applied in various communities to arrive at what would be considered a wage that people could live with. In Cranbrook, this wage has been identified as $14.16/hr. in order to support two people earning that wage in a household with two children. The cost of living in BC is one of the highest.

In other communities that have undertaken a similar exercise, employers have become very creative in identifying ways and means of supporting their workers in alternative ways than wages.  The City of Victoria created the Quality of Life Challenge and came up with a booklet of their process and successes. View it here: http://www.qolchallenge.ca/pdf/QoLC_Phase_1_%20complete_book.pdf

Because the business community works differently from non-profits or government, the diversity of opinions and creative solutions become far greater than that of a single point of view when all groups participate. A shared commitment to a vision, with respect for varying needs, results in the type of leadership that communities need to meet these types of challenges.

When we can lift people up and improve their quality of life, we lift up our entire community, and everyone benefits. The investment in our community is worth it.

Are we up for the challenge, Cranbrook? If so, the next meeting of this group of committed community-minded individuals is March 3 from 10a.m –12noon at the Family Centre (the building by the skateboard park.) You can contact them by e-mail at: livingwagecranbrook@gmail.com


Editorial Note
It would be great to see some members of the business community attend the next session.   To assist in securing existing economy and gain new ideas for making Cranbrook a welcoming place business owners are needed in this process.  As a post note and having read this article, these ideas (which could posibly be used as wage equivalents) come to mind; there are bound to be more.

- provision of over work living space at reduced rent

- lower cost rental unit provided with the job

- having tenants or employees provide security, cleaning or work in kind in lieu of rent or for extra wages

- availability of a work vehicle that could be used for family emergencies on an as need basis

- staggered/ flexible hours of work

- equipment provided to enable work at home

- child care provided, especially in businesses which have multiple employees and space available.  Child care costs could be shared by employees.

- first dibs on left over food or discarded produce

- food products at cost or discount

- in house lunch supply

- provision of bicycles for delivery, errand efficiency or transportation

- holiday bonus for work excellence

- company cottage or condo made available to employees

- clothing allowance for certain jobs (large quantities could be obtained at cheaper rates)

- provision for job sharing

- bus passes provided with job( acquired at a discount in cooperation with a municipality)

- entertainment ticket in house lotto/ incentives each month, (hockey, theatre, movie, dinners etc)

What's Happening ...

Friday, February 25th, 5:30PM-7:30PM Prestige Inn Van Horne Room
Public Forum on the future of the East Kootenay Homeless Shelter
Presented by the Salvation Army.

Friday, February 25th, Ted Outerbridge - Time Capsule Tour at the Key City Theatre. For tickets and information please phone 250-426-7006

Friday, February 25th, Live Music by Tim Ross at Ali Baba's in Finnegans Wake Pub starting at 7pm

Arts Council Fundraiser sale of new and gently used book and art supplies has been POSTPONED from Friday and Saturday until March 25 and March 26

Saturday, February 26 at the Canadian Museum of Rail Travel, starting at 7pm the Royal Alexandra Masquerade Ball. For purchase of tickets please phone 250-489-3918

Monday, February 28th, 3pm-6pm Manual Training Centre
An Open House being put on by the City of Cranbrook regarding the proposed Mosquito Pest Management Plan.The City will be using pesticides which will be sprayed by helicopter and by hand. If you have any concerns or questions now is the time to express them.

Monday, February 28, Starting at 7pm College of the Rockies Lecture Theatre
Madagascar Travelogue presented by Randy Harris. Sponsored by Citizens for a Livable Cranbrook

Tuesday, February 29, Tuesday Night Fun League, Cranbrook Curling Club. All welcome, $5 drop in fee For more information please phone250-426-4415

Thursday, March 3. The entry deadline is 5pm today for the youth artists aged 13 or up to enter a juried art exhibition at the Artrageous Gallery. All mediums are welcome. For more information please contact the Cranbrook and District Arts Council at 250-426-4223

Kitchen Scrap Composting in Victoria

Many communities across Canada have blue box recycling programs and now these communities are taking their efforts one step further by offering kitchen scrap composting pickup as well. Many of us already compost but we are generally limited to vegetable and fruit scraps. The program initiated in Victoria this spring would also include items that can't usually be composted at home like oil, meat scraps, dairy products etc.  The composting of these types of scraps will further reduce landfill requirements and are part of ongoing sustainability efforts.  Several large cities including, Seattle, Toronto, and Halifax already have similar programs.  In BC, Lady Smith and Nanaimo have started kitchen scrap programs. Many of these cities also require the use of biodegradable garbage bags and limit the amount of "garbage" that the city will pick up.  Isn't it time that Cranbrook started to look into a more comprehensive recycling program?  To read more about Victoria's program go here http://www.crd.bc.ca/waste/organics/pilot.htm

Editorial Comment on the Presentation to Council made by Wayne Stetski on Behalf of the East Kootenay Conservation Program

It was easy to tell from the lack of response from most council members and comments from Mayor Manjak that this kind of program is not within most Councillors’ comfort level. Let’s hope for all our sakes that this will change.

It is most encouraging to see other areas of the province embracing these programs as the value and respect for the land on which we live and by which we are sustained, has been recognised. Considering that our own very scenic area is one of our greatest assets at a time in history when not many such as this exist and considering this very asset is the one most valued by visitors and prospective residents, one can only hope for the interest, excitement and value it deserves, to be placed upon it.

The varied preservation and protection programs such as those that might receive funding from the East Kootenay Conservation program, serve to sustain. At a time when many now take the issues of sustainable economics seriously, lack of interest or value for it from those who serve us, is very worrisome especially considering the current visioning exercises currently happening in the community. The idea of a relatively small flat tax of $20 per property per year is not new or even progressive anymore. Projects which benefit us all are currently funded by much smaller communities within the valley.  We willingly subsidise our sports facilities by a lot more.

Is considering the support, protection and sustainability of our greatest asset, our exceptional environment not something that must be seriously considered? Let’s hope so.

Post Notes for the Council Meeting of February 21st

Delegations

RCMP Quarterly Report given by Sgt Laurie Jalbert noted assaults on police officers are up from 2 to 11.
It was also noted that cyberspace harassment and bulleying cases are up.

Cell phone use while driving was discussed and it was noted people still do not seem to understand the real danger both to themselves and others with this activity.

Alcohol related offences are still significant in number .

Particular attention will be given to these issues.



Wayne Eburne’s presentation revolved around a new long-range plan for the Cranbrook Museum of Rail Travel. It is anticipated and hoped that a new national historical designation may be given to the museum in the near future. This would have major beneficial financial implications if it happens.



The much anticipated Urban Deer Management Committee’s Report was given by Carmen Purdy and later accepted by council. The major recommendations are that:

- A public education program be started

- a limited cull of problem deer be undertaken this spring in two major areas or others if necessary. In Helena the deer are first baited and trapped humanely before being killed. After inspection the meat is provided to those in need. Although Ministry of the Environment Conservation officers will be asked to conduct this cull the process to be used here is not known.

- A control perimeter of Mule deer around the city be put in place

- Kimberley’s catch and release program be monitored

- An ongoing deer committee be struck to collect and monitor problematic animals and incidents and to determine course of action.

- Further limited culls be undertaken preferentially in November



Wayne Stetski as Manager gave a very informative presentation on the East Kootenay Conservation Program in the Columbia Valley. The number of supporters and partners in this program is impressive although funding to support the area in which we live is always an issue.  Mr. Stetski asked Council to consider a flat tax of $20 be implemented to support the many varied programs this fund offers.  This tax has been implemented in other areas of the valley and the idea was brought to Council several years ago by Nancy Newhouse, so is not a new idea.

Council Enquiries
Councillor Whetham enquired about the piece of property, (Joseph Creek riparian zone) we featured on this blog yesterday. Administration will check into it.

Councillor Wavrecan requested administration and environment committee look into some solar technology with a view to reducing carbon footprint. It was not clear what specific technology was being referred to or how it would be used.

Administration Updates
As reported previously

Correspondence was accepted. $500 was given to Cranbrook Midget Tier 3 Ice Tournament.

In response to a letter from Sharon Cross, Coucillor Whethan also broached the issue of public access to the land (for park) being purchased with the cash in lieu ( which as yet may not have been received) adjacent to the Shadow Mountain Development as it is already a requirement under existing policy. He hopes this public access issue can be resolved.

New Business
Report Recommendations as previously noted were accepted.

Bylaws

Revised version of the Erosion and Sediment Control Bylaw 3692 was adopted.