Dawson Creek Mayor Calvin Kruk receives award from Premier Campbell.
City of Dawson Creek - WINNER
Dawson Creek is noted for its community energy planning and actions, including conservation and developing alternative sources.
Dawson Creek, is a leader in the province with respect to energy conservation and alternative energy as seen in their use of solar energy for heating water and powering traffic lights. Their mayor co-chairs the 100,000 Solar Roofs project and they are working with local wind IPPs to develop their own wind energy utility. The city also has a green purchasing policy and an excellent educational website for residents to learn about sustainability issues.
District of Squamish
Squamish is dealing with growth pressures. This can be seen through their involvement in the Smart Growth on the Ground program leading to a development plan for downtown. They have also led in other ways, including diversifying into a year-round recreation destination. The community is also supporting Quest University that will showcase green innovation.
City of Fort St. John
Fort St. John, like its neighbour Dawson Creek, has embraced energy conservation through use of geothermal at their City Hall, LED traffic signals and street lights, and their piloting of hybrid transit buses for use in northern communities. They have also developed the exciting "Walk To Whistler" program to encourage physical activity by offering rewards such as tickets to the 2010 Olympics. The city should also be commended for their implementation of universal water metering and innovative radio meter reading technology which will help them manage their community's water use and save money on lifecycle infrastructure costs.