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Representatives of Smithers, including Councillors Cress Farrow, Cathryn Bucher and Chief Administrative Officer Deborah Sargent, are presented with a LiveSmart BC Green Cities Award by Premier Gordon Campbell and Minister of Community Development Blair Lekstrom.
TOWN OF SMITHERS - Winner
Notable highlights of their nomination include:
- participates in the Measuring Up the North program – disability & senior focused program;
- connecting pedestrian and bike routes from schools and seniors living complexes to town amenities;
- sponsors free fall and winter Nordic walking program for 55+ year olds and people with illness, injury and or disabilities – includes free instruction and specialized walking poles;
- sponsors a door-to-door transportation service in partnership with other surrounding communities resulting in the passenger fare only covering 15 per cent of total cost;
- recently opened “Broadway Place”, a 24-hour, seven-days a week minimal barrier shelter;
- town was a partner in development of assisted living facility completed in March 2007 for seniors and adults with disabilities. Smithers sold the $345,000 property to the society developing the complex for $1; and
- established energy consumption and GHG emission base-line data set in their Community Energy Plan.
DISTRICT OF SECHELT
Notable highlights of their nomination include:
- adopted an affordable housing policy February 2008 – new developments applying for rezoning are required to incorporate 10 per cent of their total units as affordable housing units and are available to groups in need (those with less than $40,000/year income);
- installation of audible crosswalk traffic lights;
- established an accessibility committee to provide recommendations on improving access within the District;
- amended bylaws to encourage high density core area seniors friendly development;
- developed a green fleet policy (to date purchasing three energy efficient vehicles); and
- planned introduction of car share co-op, first on Sunshine Coast.
