Solar Colwood News
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June 2013
RADIO: C-FAX w/ Pamela McCall
June 12, 2013
Colwood councillor Judith Cullington talks about Solar Colwood.
Solar Colwood expansion passes second try
Victoria News - June 12, 2013
Council has now approved extending the deadline of the program from March 2014 to March 2015. Also approved is an expansion of the program's solar hot water heater grants to the entire Capital Regional District.
Solar Colwood rises from the ashes, spreads wings
Times Colonist - June 12, 2013
Councillors voted unanimously Monday to expand the solar hot water program to property owners across the capital region.
Solar Colwood reaches beyond its borders
June 11, 2013
The City of Colwood will be moving forward with a Natural Resources Canada suggestion that the Solar Colwood program be extended for an additional year. Once approved, the program will also expand to provide financial incentives beyond Colwood’s borders to homes and businesses throughout the Capital Region, allowing more people to take advantage of grants of up to $3000 to cover one-third of the cost of installing solar hot water.
RADIO: C-FAX w/ Bruce Williams
June 3, 2013
Solar Colwood Participant Energizer Glenys Verhulst talks about the Solar Colwood home tour and how we are the most successful program per capita to date.
May 2013
Royal Roads students help Colwood get ready for the worst
Goldstream Gazette - May 21, 2013
The group declared a highlight for the city is Solar Colwood, which they said encourages self-sufficiency and helps take the strain off local infrastructure.
Solar Colwood looks at breaking boundaries
Victoria News - May 10, 2013
If proposed changes are passed by both Colwood and Natural Resources Canada, the primary source of funding for Solar Colwood, grants for the solar hot water heaters would be available to all homeowners in the Capital Regional District.
Colwood considers expansion of the Solar Colwood program
May 9, 2013
Plans for the future of the Solar Colwood program are being considered at Colwood City Hall after members of the public -spoke passionately in support of the program at a May 6th meeting. Solar Colwood encourages energy conservation and use of renewable energy sources and has been instrumental in establishing Colwood as a forward-thinking, green community.
VIDEO: T'Sou-ke First Nation: An unlikely solar hot spot
Green Energy Future - May 3, 2013
The T'Souke First Nation on Vancouver Island developed and implemented a plan that saw them slash 75 per cent of their energy use and install a bunch of solar photovoltaic to fill in the rest. It turns out it's a lot easier to go net-zero when you drastically cut your energy use.
April 2013
The Sunny T'Sou-ke First Nation Loves Solar Power
Huffington Post - April 29, 2013
"If you can save energy it costs a tenth of a price to save as it does to produce," says Andrew Moore.
LiveSmart BC program extended for one year
April 12, 2013
In partnership with BC Hydro and FortisBC, the Province of British Columbia is extending the popular LiveSmart BC: Efficiency Incentive Program, which gives homeowners up to $3,500 in rebates for energy saving improvements to their homes
Inspiring a Generation to Go Green
Royal Roads InRoads Times Colonist Supplement - April 10, 2013
RRU Research project teaches students about sustainable technology offered through Solar Colwood.
March 2013
VIDEO: Colwood Earth Hour
CHEK News - March 24, 2013
"Last year, 13 million Canadians switched off in this symbolic event to draw awareness to energy waste and climate change. But some municipalities are spending a lot more time than just an hour to go green."
February 2013
VIDEO: Maurine Karagianis, MLA, Profiles Solar Colwood in the Legislature
February 27, 2013
"Colwood is a city with a lot of bright thinking -- and I'm proud to say that now all of Canada knows it. Colwood was recently named an official Canadian Solar City by the Canadian Solar Cities Project."
VIDEO: Solar Panels Go Up On Colwood Residence
Shaw TV - February 25, 2013
Sucheta Singh from Shaw TV introduces the first residential solar electric (photo voltaic) panels to be installed in Colwood. Grants are available for homeowners who install both an electric vehicle charging station and photo voltaic panels.
Event: Here Comes the Sun
February 23, 2013
Clean and efficient energy solutions are “springing” up all over Colwood! Find out how you can save on energy costs at home, at work, and on the road. Join the opening of the public electric vehicle charging stations, hear why our city has earned the title ‘Canadian Solar City’ and help us make Colwood the Earth Hour Capital of Canada!
Colwood burnishes green cred with EV charger
Times Colonist - February 22, 2013
Colwood is charging ahead with its sustainability efforts with the opening of a public electric-vehicle charging station at the Juan de Fuca Library on Saturday.
VIDEO: Carbon Talks - Earth Hour City Challenge: Meet the Canadian Finalists
Simon Fraser University - February 18, 2013
Colwood, Vancouver, and Surrey representatives engaged in a lively discussion on what a low-carbon city looks like at SFU on Jan. 31st, 2013.
VIDEO: T'Sou-ke First Nation: A leader in the innovative use of renewable energy in Canada
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada - February 11, 2013
See how the T'Sou-ke First Nation on Vancouver Island has become a leader in the innovative use of renewable energy in Canada, through its solar thermal heating for hot water and photovoltaics community projects.
January 2013
Carbon Talks
January 31, 2013
On January 31st, Carbon Talks in partnership with the WWF will host a dialogue with the three Canadian Earth Hour City Challenge finalists - including Colwood, BC!
WWF puts B.C. cities on short list for efforts in fighting climate change
Vancouver Sun - January 18, 2013
Colwood's building retrofit plan called Solar Colwood encourages homeowners through financial incentives to do home energy assessments and improve their energy consumption by installing solar hot water or switching from baseboard electric heat to ductless heat pump systems.
Uptown to host the city's first high-voltage car charging station
Saanich News - January 18, 2013
Within Greater Victoria, Colwood has led the way with Level 2 EV outlets, with four altogether in the municipality, including two at its city hall.
Colwood One of Three Canadian Cities Selected for the International Earth Hour City Challenge
City of Colwood - January 17, 2013
“We are proud and humbled to be recognized as one of the top three communities in Canada – among the top seventeen in the world,” said Mayor Carol Hamilton. “Colwood is a community of only 16,000 people, but we have been working hard to support innovative and sustainable approaches for many years.”
World cities take the lead on essential climate action
WWF, Switzerland - January 16, 2013
These 17 finalists have reported impressive climate actions, and exhibited a level of ambition that deserves further consideration:
Canada: Colwood, Surrey, Vancouver
EVENT: Climate Change Presentation by PICS
January 10, 2013
This will be a general meeting of the Victoria LEAF Club with everyone welcome,so bring a friend!
Colwood a stop on world’s longest ‘green highway’
Goldstream News Gazette - January 1, 2013
First by train, then vehicle and now electric car, Canadians have a new way to travel coast-to-coast. Fred Wissemann, Leaf Club president, welcomed Rathwell to the bakery, along with Mayor Carol Hamilton, Coun. Judith Cullington and electric car vehicle owners from the Victoria Leaf Club.
December 2012
B.C. municipal governments to the climate change rescue
Vancouver Sun - December 28, 2012
B.C.’s cities are at the forefront of this “emerald city” revolution, as shown by the actions of this year’s five Earth Hour City contestants from B.C. From the Solar Colwood program targeting 1,000 energy retrofits for average homes, to the City of North Vancouver’s higher energy efficiency zoning bylaw and carbon fund, to Surrey’s LEED Gold certified city hall and new geothermal-based district energy system; we have a lot to show the world.
Solar Colwood Info Booth at the Westshore Recreation Center Lobby in January
Paula Steele - December 21, 2012
Come visit the Solar Colwood staff to chat about what energy saving solutions, incentives, low-interest financing and other information you need to start saving energy and money.
VIDEO: Greentech Exchange: Realizing the Opportunities of Solar Energy, Communities and Products
Royal Roads University - December 15, 2012
Councillor Judith Cullington presents at a GreenTech event hosted by Royal Roads University, describing how Solar Colwood is win-win-win, creating jobs, helping Colwood families lower energy bills and protecting the environment.
NEW DATE: Focus Group Event with Royal Roads
December 15, 2012
On Saturday, Dec. 15th, Royal Roads is hosting a focus group with lunch and gifts provided to learn more abou the motivations behind purchasing or not purchasing solar hot water systems and barriers for homeowners installing them.
Solar Colwood review shows no major issues
Goldstream News Gazette - December 13, 2012
“At the present time there aren’t any serious issues, financially, with Solar Colwood,” committee chair Coun. Rob Martin said.
“If I’m being completely selfish, from Colwood’s standpoint it’s actually great because we’re bringing in a lot of dollars into this community,” Martin said.
BC Hydro, Solar Colwood team up on loans
Goldstream Gazette - December 6, 2012
The pilot program allows for homeowners to borrow up to $10,000 at an interest rate as low as four per cent for home renovations.
'Sustainability is everything' for New West
The Record December 5, 2012 - December 6, 2012
Colwood showed leadership by installing a solar panel on the roof of its fire hall and offered energy efficiency assessments, grants for solar hot water panels and other initiatives for residents and businesses.
Colwood is seeking create renewable clean energy, generate jobs and reduce energy costs through the Solar Colwood program.
November 2012
More Innovation Comes to Colwood
Solar Colwood - November 30, 2012
“This program removes two key barriers that stop people from completing energy upgrades,” says Solar Colwood Program Manager, Chris Birchall, “People who don’t have immediate access to funds can now get started with no money down, and people who don’t plan to live in their current location for long will know that they only need to pay a portion of the upgrade costs relative to the time they remain in the home.”
EVENT: Keeping the Heat In; Lowering Energy Bills
November 29, 2012
Solar Colwood Speaker Series - Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012, 7-9 pm, City Hall, 3300 Wishart Road
RADIO: C-FAX
November 26, 2012
Solar Colwood staff and callers discuss the benefits of home energy assessments, solar hot water, home energy planning, long term energy savings and upcoming Solar Colwood information evenings.
Realizing the Opportunities of Solar Energy, Communities and Products
GreenTech and Royal Roads University - November 25, 2012
Hear Solar Colwood project lead, Councillor Judith Cullington, and other community and technical leaders discuss how green technology is transforming the BC snd Canadian economy.
SocialCoast: Defend the Coast - Magic Energy Tour, Dec 2, 2012
SocialCoast - November 23, 2012
See solar at the Fire Station and the Royal Bay Bakery, Tour the amazing ecoSENSE cob home (living roof, rain water harvesting system, grey water irrigation and off the grid chicken coop) and snack on local organic foods from Victoria Stone Soup!
October 2012
Solar Thermal: Entry Level Course at Camosun College
Camosun College - October 22, 2012
This 36-hour course covers the basic skills and fundamentals of solar thermal technology.
Speakers announced for New Westminster's Envision 2032 Sustainability Fair
City of New Westminster - October 17, 2012
The City of New Westminster is pleased to announce an engaging line-up of speakers for the "Let's Talk Sustainability" forum as part of the Envision 2032 Sustainability Fair. The forum will be held on Friday November 2nd from 6:30pm to 9:30pm at the Inn at the Quay and will provide attendees with both information and inspiration about planning for a sustainable future.
Illuminate Solar / Renewable Energy Workshop
Solar Colwood - October 11, 2012
On October 25th, Illuminate Solar Inc. will present an overview information session on renewable energy technology and define the LiveSmart BC grants which are available to everyone, and the Solar Colwood grants (available only to Colwood residents).
August 2012
Media Release: Solar Colwood Celebrates Successes & Welcomes New Project Management Team
Solar Colwood - August 17, 2012
The City of Colwood welcomes the local non-profit social enterprise City Green Solutions to coordinate the next phase of its award-winning Solar Colwood program through to March 2014.
June 2012
Sun Country Highway invades Colwood, BC – a City poised for success!
Sun Country Highway - June 29, 2012
On June 16th, Sun Country Highway attended Colwood's Sun Fest on Vancouver Island to showcase the latest in EV innovation and infrastructure.
Six EV Charging Stations for the City of Colwood
Powertech - June 19, 2012
During the Colwood SunFest family event, the Mayor of Colwood, Carol Hamilton, announced that the Solar Colwood initiative will include alternative energy technologies and clean energy infrastructure projects.
Shiny incentives highlight Colwood's Sunfest
Goldstream News Gazette - June 15, 2012
Newly available rebates from Solar Colwood will be announced at Sunfest this Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Colwood city hall.
Understanding uptake of green energy
Royal Roads University - June 12, 2012
From saving money to saving face, there’s a variety of reasons for investing in green technology, as some Royal Roads University students have learned.
May 2012
Solar Colwood a bright solution for energy conservation
Goldstream News Gazette - May 30, 2012
I am disappointed that Solar Colwood, a pro-active and innovative program, is facing criticism when instead it should be recognized for the "thinking out of the box" program it is.
PAST EVENT: Colwood SunFest and Solar Colwood Tour 2012
City of Colwood - May 23, 2012
The SunFest and Solar Colwood Tour take place on Saturday, June 16 at Colwood City Hall. Self-guided tours of Colwood homes and businesses that have shifted to renewable energy.
PAST EVENT: Island Chefs Food Fest 2012
Island Chefs' Collaborative - May 20, 2012
The Island Chefs 5th Annual Food Fest takes place on June 10, 2012 at Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site. Eat Food & Fund Farms.
Everybody Wins with Green Tech
Times Colonist - May 12, 2012
The move for renewable energy and greener technologies has been really important to Mike Holmes for years now. Why? Because he is building homes that are going to be around for the long term.
PAST EVENT: Youth Say YES to Rocking Off-the-Grid for a Greener Future
YesBC - May 1, 2012
The Off-the-Grid Music and Art Festival at Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites is a FREE all-ages community celebration of music, art and ecology. It is part of the 2nd Annual YesBC Greater Victoria Youth Climate Action Summit, and happening Friday, May 25th from 4 to 7 pm.
April 2012
PAST EVENT: Solar Colwood at the Victoria Homeshow THIS Weekend!
Solar Colwood - April 20, 2012
You can still save up to $3,500 on solar hot water and $2,000 on ductless split heat pumps! Come and find out how!
VIDEO: Solar-Powered Bakery in Colwood
Shaw TV - April 20, 2012
Shaw TV's Nikki Ewanyshyn thinks green as she visits the Royal Bay Bakery in Colwood where they're making bread while the sun shines.
PAST EVENT: Join Solar Colwood at the Westshore Town Center Earth Day
Solar Colwood - April 11, 2012
See demonstration ductless split heat pumps and solar panel models. Ask us about grants for home energy efficiency upgrades. See you there!
Letter the Editor: Bakery's solar array a sound investment
Victoria Times Colonist - April 5, 2012
My experience with Solar Colwood has been truly encouraging and informative lending me the much needed confidence to invest in this energy-generating initiative
Letter to the Editor: Solar Colwood a Successful Program
Victoira Times Colonist - April 4, 2012
This program, still in its early stages, has installed either ductless split heat pumps or solar hot-water systems into 86 households. These Colwood homeowners have collectively received $154,850 in federal grant money.
March 2012
Colwood's first public electric vehicle charging station
Goldstream News Gazette - March 29, 2012
Six photovoltaic panels on the bakery’s roof power the [electric vehicle charging] station, and the bakery, as part of an overall system of clean energy installed by owner David Grove.
“It’s like I’m buying an energy contract for $6,000. I’m booking that energy use for the next 10 years at a fixed price.”
Solar Colwood Under Review
Victoria Times Colonist - March 28, 2012
Critics of Solar Colwood asked their city council stop the program completely until the review is finished, but the politicians threw their support behind the project that, they say, has helped raise the community's profile around the province.
Colwood fire hall ready to soak up the sun
Goldstream Gazette - March 27, 2012
It may have been raining but that didn’t stop the City of Colwood from installing solar panels on the roof of the Colwood Fire Hall last Thursday. Solar Colwood provides incentives for the hot water solar panels but not the PV panels. The cost of PV is still not financially viable given the low cost of energy. With rising energy costs, however, that gap may soon be bridged.
PAST EVENT: Solar Colwood Community Information Night - FREE
Solar Colwood - March 22, 2012
Learn about Solar Colwood and LiveSmart BC grants for Ductless Split Heat Pumps and Solar Hot Water. Act now for savings up to $4,750 - over 50% of total system cost! (some grants end on March 31st.) Working demonstration models will be on site and there will be time for questions & answers.
Power up on solar energy
Times Colonist - March 21, 2012
Get warm all over tonight at the Solar Colwood Community Information Night, where you can learn about Solar Colwood and LiveSmart B.C. grants for ductless split heat pumps and solar hot water.
Solar Colwood under the magnifying glass
Goldstream News Gazette - March 15, 2012
A full budget report for Solar Colwood has been released for the first time to the public. In the first three quarters of the 2011-2012 fiscal year a total of $607,267 was spent on the project, $3,255 in HST costs and more than $100,000 from in-kind contributions. For the full budget report and more information visit colwood.ca.
The case for solar energy
CottageCountryNow.ca - March 14, 2012
Whether you as an individual or small business owner should take advantage of the Ontario microFIT program to invest in your own solar power project is another question. If you have a south-facing pitched roof, or a large flat roof, or some land where a 10 kilowatt solar array would not be visually offensive to your neighbours, and if you would like to enhance the value of your property while getting the surest 10 per cent annual return available today on a $60,000 investment, then go for it.
RADIO: C-FAX
March 12, 2012
Councillor Judith Cullington and Colwood Firefighter Capt. Frank Gale discuss the benefits of the solar hot water and solar photo voltaic technologies recently installed on the Colwood Fire Station.
MEDIA RELEASE: Showcase Solar Hot Water & Solar Electric Construction Begins at Colwood Fire Station
Solar Colwood - March 12, 2012
“This is a showcase project for the City of Colwood so we’ve created a user-friendly display area with power monitors and an all-weather live camera image of the panels and systems,” said Councillor Gordie Logan, Chair of Colwood’s Protective Services Committe. “Once people see how well these systems work, we hope they will use the great incentives we are offering right now to install reduced-cost solar hot water panels for their own homes.”
Solar Colwood a Positive Force
Goldstream Gazette - March 12, 2012
Along with the enthusiastic Coun. Judith Cullington, Colwood’s mayor and council should be looking to expand the [Solar Colwood] program as far as they can go.
February 2012
Colwood to host electric vehicle charging stations
Goldstream News Gazette - February 28, 2012
Colwood will enter the green technology economy after approving plans to host three public electric vehicle charging stations by this spring.
Island First Nation's solar energy gives power back to the people
Times Colonist - February 15, 2012
The futuristic energy source, with a solar system twice the size of anything else in B.C, reflected in the timeless tide pools of the estuary, are a perfect metaphor for Planes's back-to-the-future agenda for T'Sou-ke First Nation.
"The whole territory used to be used in a way that was sustainable. We only took what we needed and we need to get back to that," he said.
A federal grant ends, but Colwood plugs the gap
Goldstream News Gazette - February 7, 2012
“Getting $4,750 off makes it easier to make the decision (to buy solar hot water). Price point is definitely a deciding factor for people,” Scott said. “Losing $1,250 would make it harder for people to get solar hot water. I’m thrilled Colwood is going to fill the gap.”
Solar Colwood offers more incentives to cover the loss of the ecoENERGY program
Solar Colwood - February 6, 2012
Did you miss out on the ecoENERGY grant for solar? It's still not too late to $ave! The highest Solar Colwood grants for Solar Hot Water and Ductless Split Heat Pumps are quickly running out, take advantage of the thousands of incentives today.
PAST PROGRAM: Community Information Session on Solar Colwood grants and incentives, Feb 9, 2012, 7-8:30pm, families welcome
Solar Colwood - February 1, 2012
Find out in person why so many of your Colwood neighbors are choosing to make energy efficiency home upgrades now! Solar hot water and ductless split heat pump models on-site.
January 2012
Colwood offers free home energy kits
Goldstream News Gazette - January 31, 2012
“These kits are really easy to install and an easy way to save $50 to $100 on your water bill (in a year),” Steele said. “This is a great first step for water conservation and a great first step for energy saving solutions.”
Tories stop short of $400-million home retrofit promise
Globe and Mail - January 30, 2012
The federal Conservative government is ending a popular program that helped Canadians make their homes more energy efficient even though industry officials say less than half of the $400-million promised for the initiative in the last federal budget has been spent. The government originally gave homeowners until March 31 to register for the program – which helped offset the costs of replacing aging doors, windows, insulation and other energy draws – but that has been cut off two months early.
Solar Colwood helps First Nation youth
Goldstream Gazette - January 17, 2012
Coming down from Cullington’s roof, Hale is a prime example of somebody who’s benefited from Solar Colwood. A member of the T’Sou-ke First Nation, he is among 11 local aboriginal people who received training to be become a certified installer through the Canadian Solar Industries Association, with the cost paid for by Solar Colwood.
Media Release: Solar Colwood Savings Giveaway Launch for the New Year, 2012
Solar Colwood - January 17, 2012
Four year old, Rio Encinas reaches over the counter at Colwood City Hall to collect his family’s free energy and water savings kit from Solar Colwood, several hundred of which are available now on a first-come first-served basis at Colwood City Hall, 3300 Wishart Road.
VIDEO: Planning for electric vehicle charging stations begins in Colwood
Shaw TV - January 4, 2012
Electric cars are starting to hit the streets of the south island but the discussion on how and where to charge these vehicles is just beginning - starting with Solar Colwood in the City of Colwood.
December 2011
Colwood drives electric vehicle fuelling stations
Goldstream Gazette - December 29, 2011
Colwood hosted an electric vehicle (EV) workshop at city hall on Dec. 16, drawing dozens of municipal engineers and planners, technical experts and provincial and municipal officials. In the parking lot, demonstration cars rolled with a whisper, producing no exhaust and only the crackle of rubber against asphalt.
RADIO: C-FAX w/ Adam Sterling
December 19, 2011
Colwood councillor Judith Cullington interview about electric vehicle charging stations on C-FAX 1070 AM.
Media Release: Moving to Clean Transportation in Colwood
Solar Colwood & Pembina Institute - December 16, 2011
“This is one of the first community planning workshops for electric vehicle charging stations in British Columbia,” notes Colwood Councillor Judith Cullington. “We hope that this session will help communities throughout Vancouver Island and the province as we all work together to plan for future transportation needs.”
Solar industry warms to HRM pilot project
Business Reporter - December 16, 2011
Halifax regional council gave staff the go-ahead Tuesday for the municipality’s Solar City project. Solar hot-water panels will be installed in 1,000 homes starting next spring as part of the project. The pilot is expected to create 30 to 40 new jobs, the staff report said. It will also save participants $250 to $700 on their heating bill every year and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 2,000 tonnes annually.
Workers warm to Colwood's solar home-heating scheme
timescolonist.com - December 15, 2011
[Solar Colwood] has brought jobs to Colwood and has sparked a new awareness of energy conservation in the community. Ed Hale is a the newest member of Smyth's [solar hot water installation] team. Hale was one of a dozen First Nations people from Beecher Bay and the T'Sou-ke Nation to train in the Canadian Solar Industries Association, a certificate course sponsored by Solar Colwood.
Greening Canada's electricity grid from the ground up
CBC - December 9, 2011
The Solar Canada 2011 Conference attracted more than 5,000 delegates from industry, government and grass roots organizations to showcase and promote solar technology. The conference centre was buzzing with energy, literally. Everyone there could see the tremendous growth potential, both for the people marketing the technology and those investing in it. The industry believes it will provide 35,000 jobs and displace up to 30 million tones of carbon by 2015.
November 2011
Solar Colwood is good for our community. Don’t be swayed by those who say that it is too expensive.
Goldstream News Gazette - November 24, 2011
This is a program that Colwood can be proud of. Colwood is the only municipality in Canada to receive Federal funding ($3.9 million) to help its citizens reduce their energy bills.
This fund coupled with provincial LiveSmart BC grants and federal EcoEnergy grants have helped save Colwood homeowners more than $100,000 towards the installation of energy saving equipment.
PAST EVENT: Solar Colwood Community Information Session
November 24, 2011
40 people attended our second successful information evening on the Solar Colwood grants. Thank you for your participation and congratulations to those clients who signed installation contracts the very next day! Togehter we are moving the City of Colwood towards energy conservation and renewable clean energy!
Letter: Solar Colwood paying off
Goldstream Gazette - November 22, 2011
The actual cost to Colwood property taxes is $31,400 over the four years—$5 per household or $1.70 for this year. Over the last year, the total amount of staff time contributed to the project is valued at about $20,000 — far less than is spent on many other city projects.
VIDEO: Solar Thermal Residential Installer Course at Camosun College
November 20, 2011
Camosun College provides advanced training through the Solar Thermal Residential Installer Course to prepare technicians for the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) exams. They are assisting with technical aspects of the Solar Colwood Program
40 Colwood Homeowners Receive $103,000 in Grants; More $ Available!
Solar Colwood - November 16, 2011
The direct savings to these homeowners equal $52,000 from Solar Colwood, $35,000 in savings from the Provincial LiveSmart BC grant program, and $16,000 from the Federal ecoENERGY grant program.
October 2011
PAST EVENT: Solar Colwood Information Session
Solar Colwood - October 7, 2011
PAST EVENT: FREE information session on Thursday, Oct 20, 7pm at Colwood City Hall, 3300 Wishart Road. Learn about Solar Hot Water, Ductless Split Heat Pumps, 3 grant programs, low interest financing. Lots of time for Q&A!
PAST EVENT: Solar Saturday, A Renewable Energy Exposition
Solar Colwood - October 1, 2011
PAST EVENT: Saturday Oct. 22 Solar Saturday, A Renewable Energy Exposition
Camosun College, Interurban Campus
Are you a homeowner, tradesperson, builder, solar practitioner or student who is interested in learning more about solar and other renewable resources? Learn more about the world of alternate, renewable energies available for residential living spaces, including: solar hot water; solar space heat; solar electricity (photovoltaic); and wind generated electricity.
September 2011
Solar Colwood Receives Award for Innovative Partnerships
Solar Colwood - September 28, 2011
The City of Colwood, Royal Roads University and BC Hydro have won the 2011 Climate & Energy Action Award for Public Service Organization and Local Government Collaboration at UBCM for their innovative Solar Colwood partnerships
How Many 'Miles-per-Gallon' Does Your House Get?
Tyee Solutions Society - September 21, 2011
The two most widely adopted in North America are HERS (which is used in the United States to determine EnergyStar certification for new homes) and its Canadian equivalent, the EnerGuide Rating System or ERS, developed by Natural Resources Canada...The Canadian-made ERS scale goes from 0 to 100. For a conventional new home, a score of somewhere between 65 and 72 is fairly standard. A home with some energy efficient additions will score between 72 and 79. A home that falls between 80 and 90 is considered energy-efficient and is eligible for certain perks, for example, a better mortgage insurance rate through the Canada Mortgage Housing Corporation.
Small companies get a helping hand to go green
Goldstream News Gazette - September 20, 2011
A free energy assessment by the non-profit City Green Solutions recommended the simple, no-cost solution of removing half the florescent tubes from ceiling lighting panels.
Dr. Chris Ling, RRU, Analyzes the Cost Benefits of Solar Hot Water
September 19, 2011
It might help save the environment, but will it save you money? Royal Roads assistant professor Chris Ling talks about the results of a research project that looked at the financial and environmental costs and benefits of solar hot-water heating on the Island.
West Shore Award Finalists
Times Colonist - September 13, 2011
Solar Colwood chosen as a finalist for WestShore Chamber of Commerce Community Awards in two categories: "Environmental Stewardship" and "Healthy Communities - Organization". Winners announced at awards gala, Sept 30, 2011.
Solar Energy Capture (on Sunshine Coast)
SCRD - September 7, 2011
“The system is installed quite easily and supplements the existing hot water heater in a building. On hot summer days the solar hot water heater requires minimal or no output from the regular heater,”
August 2011
Sunshine feeds first Solar Colwood retrofit
Goldstream News Gazette - August 30, 2011
With $3,000 from Solar Colwood, $500 from LiveSmart BC and $1,250 from the federal ecoEnergy Retrofit program, Lundrigan will pay about $2,300 for his Viessmann solar hot water heating system.
RADIO: 100.3 the Q
August 25, 2011
Solar Colwood news story.
Media Release: Homeowner Installs First Solar Colwood Solar Hot Water System & Receives $4750 in Grants
Solar Colwood - August 25, 2011
“We have installed over 170 of these systems, in the last 3 years, with a result of many happy clients,” said Smyth. “Solar hot water systems use free energy from the sun to pre-heat the water that flows into the original hot water tank, minimizing the need for a more costly heat source such as electricity, oil or gas to kick in.”
Colwood Corners overhaul eyed for year's end
Goldstream News Gazette - August 8, 2011
"There's a huge shortage of rental housing in Greater Victoria. If we can make it more affordable for people to own their homes, it will free up some of the rental stock and potentially get some people off the street as everyone can move up a rung in the housing ladder," Gant said.
July 2011
Home Energy Retrofits Begin in Colwood
Goldstream News Gazette - July 26, 2011
Paquette is the first to chip into the $3.9 million Solar Colwood project after receiving a $1,000 grant. He tripled that discount with a $1,500 LiveSmart BC grant and a $500 federal ecoEnergy grant.
“I think this is an awesome initiative,” says Paquette, 64, a 35-year resident of Colwood and a retired navy man. “Colwood should be applauded for showing leadership on this."
Home retrofits make sense for everyone
Times Colonist - July 24, 2011
The [Solar] Colwood initiative is the kind of big, bold action we need to see if we are to make the difference on greenhouse-gas emissions that we need to make.
Colwood rolls out home energy retrofits
Goldstream News Gazette - July 9, 2011
“We want to make it as easy as possible for as many people as possible to convert to clean energy,” Scott said, noting there’s financing programs available to pay off solar heaters with monthly payments roughly equivalent to the savings homeowners would see on their energy bill.
RRU students infuse data into federally-funded solar study
July 7, 2011
June 2011
Greening the Building Code - Communities Adopt Solar Power
Ministry of Energy and Mines - June 14, 2011
City of Colwood adopts new building regulation that requires all new single family homes to be solar hot water ready.
Media Release: Colwood Homeowners Eager to Access Incentives to Go Solar, Go Green!
June 7, 2011
Even before the official Solar Colwood program launch, the Solar Colwood grants are going fast. Homeowners are already on waitlists to receive up to $3000 for solar hot water heating installations and up to $2000 for ductless split heat pumps.
May 2011
The next green thing: Upgrading with loan from utility
Times Colonist - May 6, 2011
British Columbians could soon be able to borrow money from their utility company to fund energy saving improvements to their home.
April 2011
Developer begins sales for overhaul of Colwood Corners
Goldstream News Gazette - April 19, 2011
The Colwood City Centre is designed to replace the outdated strip mall at Colwood Corners, on 10-acres of property where Goldstream Avenue meets Sooke Road. The developer is partnering with Solar Colwood to use low-carbon systems for heating and cooling units to create 10 suites with solar panels for net zero energy use.
February 2011
Colwood Residents Keen on Going Solar
Goldstream News Gazette - February 25, 2011
"You never need to worry about running out of hot water," Scott said. "You can get the energy off the grid when you need to, but most of the time you'll be using the sun's free energy."
Researching Interest & Uptake of Solar Thermal Hot Water Systems
February 25, 2011
January 2011
RADIO: C-FAX Morning Show with Al Ferraby
January 25, 2011
Colwood mayor Dave Saunders interview on the Morning Show with Al Ferraby on C-FAX 1070 AM.
RADIO: C-FAX - Murray Langdon Show
January 25, 2011
Colwood councillor Judith Cullington interview on the Murray Langdon Show on C-FAX 1070 AM.
RADIO: CBC Radio British Columbia: On the Island
January 25, 2011
Colwood councillor Judith Cullington interview on CBC Radio British Columbia: On the Island.
Funding Powers Colwood Community Plan
Douglas Magazine - January 25, 2011
Today Minister of State for Sport and Saanich-Gulf Islands MP Gary Lunn announced a strategic investment of up to $3.9 million from the federal government's Clean Energy Fund for Solar Colwood, a comprehensive three-year program designed to lead the city to a clean energy future - a key objective of Colwood's award-winning official community plan.
Colwood Powers Up Award-Winning Community Plan with Federal Clean Energy Funding
CivicInfo BC - January 25, 2011
The forecast is sunny for energy conservation and cash savings for the Vancouver Island community of Colwood, where today the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of State (Sports) announced a strategic investment of up to $3.9 million from the Government of Canada's Clean Energy Fund for Solar Colwood, a comprehensive 3 year program designed to lead the city to a clean energy future -- a key objective of Colwood's award-winning Official Community Plan.
VIDEO: Colwood Clean Energy
/A\ News Vancouver Island - January 24, 2011
The Colwood Solar Project got a 3.9 million dollar injection from MP Gary Lunn that will go directly towards enticing 1,000 area homeowners to retrofit old hot water tanks.
Colwood becomes a 'solar city'
Goldstream News Gazette - January 24, 2011
Colwood is aiming to help 1,000 residents install solar hot water heaters in their homes after receiving a $3.9 million federal clean energy grant.
Feds power Colwood's green plan
Times Colonist - January 24, 2011
Colwood's community solar-power project got a $3.9 million shot in the arm Monday as the federal government committed the money from the Clean Energy Fund.
