The Community Sustainability Advisory Committee plays a pivotal role in making recommendations to City Council involving plans for community climate action. Nine members make up the group and their focus involves community sustainability issues including the environment, renewable energy, climate action and recycling.
Among the latest discussions, the group discussed what would be a suitable topic to pursue for a CleanBC Community Fund grant application. During their Sept. 28 meeting, members boiled down their top options to determine the best fit and criteria, noting that the applicable project must benefit the broader public.
The group recommended a solar array paired with battery storage for peak shaving at the City Public Works Yard, connected to publicly accessible electric car charge stations.
Ahead of the City Council meeting on Oct. 6, city staff narrowed down the options even further, building on the work and discussions made during the committee meeting.
“I think what we have here is an excellent example of staff and the committee working together to identify the best projects and how to approach it in the best manner that gives it the best chance of success,” said Councillor Bloomfield.
City Council voted unanimously to direct staff to prepare a grant funding application to the CleanBC Community Fund for the installation of four fast charge electric vehicle charge stations to be located in Penticton for public use. City staff will present more information on costing to Council at a meeting on Nov. 3 for final approval.
The fast charge stations cost $87,000 each to install, the total of which the City would pay 23.67 percent. The City currently has five EV stations, one of which offers a fast charge. For the full list, visit our EV stations webpage.
The Community Sustainability Advisory Committee meets monthly, providing feedback and opinions on issues to be decided upon by City Council. Their mandate is to make recommendations on matters including:
- Providing recommendation on the preparation, updating and administration of Corporate and Community Climate Action Plans
- Reviewing, analyzing and providing feedback on any community related climate action items as directed by Council, including strategic planning, bylaws and policy development
- Providing a forum for dialogue and information sharing related to community sustainability initiatives
- Research, develop and propose funding source options for consideration, including, but not limited to, corporate sponsorship, community partnerships, grants, awards and municipal funding.
- Recommend actions, education and marketing initiatives which promote increased public awareness and participation in climate action and community sustainability.
Due to the pandemic, recent meetings have been held over Zoom, generally taking 1.5 hours.
To learn more about this group, review their Terms of Reference. Read more committee updates.