Rural municipalities team up on energy plan

Peace River Regional Energy and Emissions Project

To save money, cut energy use, and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the Peace River Regional District and four adjoining municipalities collectively developed plans to promote renewable-resource power and heating systems, as well as energy-efficient land use, waste disposal, travel and construction practices.

The communities split the cost of a consultant, who gathered input from civic officials, developers, farmers, business people and residents and set provincially mandated targets to lower GHG emissions in each municipality.

The plans offer tailor-made suggestions for educational campaigns, financial incentives, and research projects that encourage energy conservation among residents in the five communities.

Results

Challenges

• Meeting provincial requirements for GHG reductions plans in small centres with few staff resources.
• Financing GHG emissions inventories, consultant costs and energy-efficiency plans with limited municipal budgets.
• Convincing a rural population skeptical about climate change to make lifestyle sacrifices that reduce emissions.

Lessons learned

• Small jurisdictions can more easily finance costly energy plans when they pool resources.
• Municipal collaboration creates conditions for a coordinated, successful campaign to reduce GHG emissions.
• Get public buy-in with district trade fairs showcasing energy-efficient improvements that provide immediate cost savings.

Partners and Collaborators

• Peace River Regional District
• District of Tumbler Ridge
• District of Chetwynd
• District of Taylor
• Village of Pouce Coupe
• Stantec
• Northern Environmental Action Team
• FCM's Green Municipal Fund

Project Contact

Bruce Simard
General Manager of Development Service
Peace River Regional District, BC
T. 250-784-3204