Case Studies

To find further ways to conserve its finite groundwater resources, the City of Guelph studied a residential greywater reuse system that flushes residential toilets with water from showers and baths.

To cut pollution threatening fish and groundwater, the Municipality of the District of Argyle updated sewage-treatment facilities in the seaside village of West Pubnico with screens and ultraviolet light that disinfects effluent before releasing it into Lobster Bay.

The rapidly growing City of Cranbrook has upgraded its wastewater systems to improve effluent quality, reduce operating costs, cut GHG emissions and allow for population growth over the next 20 years.

The City of Campbell River studied the feasibility of using tidal energy to generate electricity. It hoped to install a small demonstration turbine at the municipal pier.

The City of North Vancouver, BC, built a district energy system (DES) to heat buildings in a major redevelopment of its waterfront area.

The City of Delta's new Community Energy and Emissions Plan (CEEP) is a long-term strategy for sustainable development.

The City of Pitt Meadows developed two complementary plans to guide the municipality in reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and the Region of Peel studied whether a district energy system was feasible for buildings near Toronto Pearson International Airport.

To reduce energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions, the Municipality of the District of Shelburne has endorsed projects that will use wind, solar panels and waste-wood pellets to generate electricity and heat.

Dieppe has conducted a feasibility study with a view to building a fire station.

The Municipality of the District of Shelburne studied the feasibility of renovating its 1902 administration building versus building a new one on a different site.

The new town hall in Sackville, New Brunswick, houses fire, police, municipal services and council chambers in a single energy-efficient facility.

The City of Morden studied the feasibility of improving its community centre's energy efficiency through retrofits.

A provincial pioneer in sustainable development, the City of Sorel-Tracy built its first energy efficient building, the new headquarters for its fire department.

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.

Learn about Cranbrook, BC's award-winning project to reclaim wastewater for irrigation.

Follow Ottawa's lead and integrate transit and cycling to increase bike use year-round.

Learn how a Quebec community creates biogas plus environmental and economic benefits from organic waste.

Learn how Brampton, ON, is preparing its older suburbs for climate change.

This article is part of a series called Six sustainability ideas that have gone mainstream in Canada.