mayor’s task force on climate change - peachlandthe corporation of the district of peachland...

The Corporation of the District of Peachland

Mayor’s Task Force on Climate Change Wednesday October 30, 2013 at 1:30 p.m. in Council Chambers

Agenda

1. Call to Order

2. Adoption of the Minutes September 25, 2013

3. Fortis Energy Diet (20-30 minutes) (Presenter – Peter Robinson CEA)

4. Mayor’s Task Force Draft Terms of Reference (TOR) (20 minutes)

(Attached Current and Draft TOR)

5. Policy Options for District Energy Ready Buildings: DoP (5 minutes)

(Council Update)

6. Carbon Neutrality for 2013 - 2014 budget item (5 minutes) (Council Update)

7. Other Business

8. Adjournment

Mayor’s Task Force on Climate Change

September 25, 2013 – Meeting Notes

Present: Mayor Fielding, Wayne Powers, Debbie Cox, Frank Engelhart, Bert Putt, Paul Dupuis (Planning Technician), Dave Smith (Director of Planning and Development Services).

Regrets: Councillor Kerbes, Mike Seibert, Mike Healey Chair opened the meeting at 1:35 p.m. The minutes from the August 28, 2013 meeting were adopted. MTFCC Introductions 3 of the 4 new MTFCC members were able to attend the meeting. For this reason the MTFCC did round table introductions. N/A Carbon Neutrality for 2013 – 2014 Budget Item Paul Dupuis gave an update to the MTFCC regarding Carbon Neutrality in 2013 – 2014. It was noted that Jessica Brookes from the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development would give a presentation to the Committee of the Whole (COTW) on October 8, 2013. It was also noted that a report was drafted that was recommending that the District create a Climate Action Reserve Fund and that the money received from the Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program (CARIP) be put towards the fund. The MTFCC received for information. Mayor’s Task Force Mission Statement The Terms of Reference (TOR) for the MTFCC was briefly reviewed and the mission statement discussed. It was noted that the mission statement was wordy and required revision. The Mayor suggested how it may be revised. It was also noted that the TOR should be reviewed concurrently with changes to the mission statement. The MTFCC recommended that a revised TOR for the MTFCC with a revised mission statement be forwarded back to the committee once complete. Policy Optiosn for District Energy Ready Buidlings: DoP Paul Dupuis explained that in line with the Community Energy and Emissions Plan (CEEP) staff had been working with the Community Energy Association (CEA) to draft a District Energy Ready Building Policy Report. It was noted that the report was not a budgetary item since it was funded through the CEA, VanCity and the Real Estate Foundation of British Columbia. The report sets out those policy options the District could look at in the future in the implementation of a DES system. The MTFCC Recommended that the report be forwarded to Council so that it may be received. Okanagan Region Travel Survey Paul Dupuis made the MTFCC aware of a Regional Travel Survey. It was noted that every home within the Okanagan from Vernon to Peachland would receive an invitation to be a participant in a survey that will provide information for future regional transportation planning initiatives. The MTFCC received the information.

Other Business / Information Some discussion ensued regarding LED lighting in the District. It was noted that the BC Hydro was looking into developing a program to facilitiate this within BC Municipalities in the future. N/A Adjournment: Meeting was adjourned at 3:10 p.m.

1975 Springfield Road Kelowna, BC V1Y 7V7 Fortisbc.com

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Okanagan Energy Diet (OED)

1. Project Description:

Based on the success and framework of the Rossland and Kootenay Energy Diet pilots, the Okanagan Energy Diet (OED) will promote energy efficiency and conservation to homeowners in the Okanagan & Similkameen FortisBC service area. The high-impact promotion is meant to overcome first barriers to homeowners making energy efficiency improvements, and would include:

An intensive information and marketing campaign to encourage homeowners to make energy

efficiency improvements to their homes (i.e., heating system, building insulation, and air sealing

improvements)

Reduced cost home energy assessments and access to the LiveSmart BC and FortisBC rebate and

finance programs

A local energy coach to promote the program and provide residents personalized service and

information

The primary benefits to participating homeowners are the on-going reduction of energy costs and increased comfort in their homes. Greenhouse gases will also be reduced.

2. Project Goals and Objectives:

The goals of the project are two-fold: 1) to overcome the identified barriers to reducing energy use amongst homeowners; and 2) to help customers mitigate high energy (electricity and natural gas) bills.

Based on these two broad project goals the objectives of the OED are:

To have a minimum of 4 percent (2000) of homeowners access an NRCan Certified Energy

Assessment

To have a minimum of 3 percent (1600) of homeowners make home energy improvements and

access the LiveSmart BC and FortisBC rebates

To have 5 percent (80) of OED participants access the FortisBC low-interest loan program

To actively promote energy conservation and efficiency to all residents in the Okanagan and

Similkameen

To engage local and regional media to create a fun and informational campaign about energy

efficiency and conservation

3. Okanagan Energy Diet – Project Area:

The OED Project Area includes the FortisBC electrical area of the Okanagan and Similkameen. The following outlines the timelines of each community launch:

September Kelowna, Princeton, Penticton, Keremeos, Summerland, Oliver, Osoyoos


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October Hedley, Naramata, Okanagan Falls

4. Strategy/Tactics:

The OED is a “made in the Okanagan and Similkameen experience” for the residential customers of the FortisBC service area (not including those in multi-unit residential buildings). There will be eight community campaigns, each with a six to eight week roll out phase and 12 to 18 week follow-up phase to encourage participants to complete their energy efficiency improvements within the rebate program timelines. Each phase includes:

Presentations to municipal councils and the regional boards to seek their support.

Presentations to local contractors to provide background information and to seek their support

to help promote the program.

Presentations (“ener-ventions”) in each community to provide information and to seek

homeowner participation. At each roll out, home owners and landlords are encouraged to

register for a residential $60 Home Energy Assessment. (The regular cost is $350-400. The

Ministry of Energy and Mines and FortisBC are subsidizing the costs.) Self-identified low-income

households will receive the energy assessment and energy efficiency measures for free.

The sequence of events that occurs after a homeowner signs up to participate is:

A home energy assessment appointment is scheduled. The home energy assessment is

performed by a Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) Certified Energy Assessor and includes

installation of energy efficiency products, such as: energy efficiency light bulbs, low flow shower

head, kitchen tap aerator, outlet insulation, and hot water pipe insulation.

Homeowner receives a LiveSmart BC Energy Efficiency Evaluation Report, an EnerGuide Home

Energy Rating, a recommendation of retrofits and behaviour changes the homeowner could do

to achieve energy savings, as well as information about all LiveSmart BC and FortisBC rebates

and the low-interest, long- amortization on-bill financing option.

A local energy coach will make follow up contact with homeowners (via telephone and/or email)

to answer any of the homeowner’s questions, and to offer assistance and general

encouragement. The homeowner will be encouraged to undertake energy retrofits within the

next 3 month period.

Once the energy retrofits are completed, the home owner schedules a post energy assessment

(approx $150 fee). The certified energy assessor will verify that the retrofit measures were safely

and correctly installed and will provide a new EnerGuide rating for the home. He will also

complete all paperwork required to apply for the rebates.

The homeowner will receive the rebates in the mail within 6 to 8 weeks afterwards.

The homeowner enjoys a more comfortable home and reduced energy bills. It is highly likely that

the value of the home increases as well.

A wrap up event/celebration will be planned at the end of the Energy Diet program.


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5. Council / Board resolutions and involvement:

The municipal Councils and the Regional District Boards will be invited to conduct resolutions:

Resolution of general support for the program.

Resolution to contribute to the Okanagan Energy Diet to reduce the initial cost of the home

energy assessments (further information on this option is below).

Councils and Board will also be invited to:

Speak at the community information session (“Ener-vention”) on the Energy Diet (Councillor Van

Alphen has already agreed to speak at the Summerland ener-vention).

Participate in a challenge with other OED local governments, for a first prize of $5,000 to be used

towards an energy efficiency retrofit of a municipal building (and a second prize of $1,000). The

winning local government will be decided through a combination of total energy savings and the

proportion of houses in the community that participated.

Spread the word through other means, as the local government sees fit.

Participate personally in the Energy Diet.

6. Local offset opportunity:

Local governments that invest in the Energy Diet (either financially or in-kind), may use the resulting greenhouse gas reductions against their corporate emissions, which can therefore count towards the goal of corporate carbon neutrality.

FortisBC and the Community Energy Association have worked with LiveSmart BC and BC Hydro to reach an agreement regarding this for the term of the current LiveSmart BC program (until March 2014).

To take advantage of this opportunity, in Energy Diets local governments are typically choosing to provide a small subsidy to help reduce the cost of the initial assessment as the initial cost is the main barrier to program participation. The more homes that participate in a program locally, the more retrofits will be completed and the greater the greenhouse gas reductions.

Note that this is not a 'marketable offset', rather a local reduction project with a specific protocol and reporting procedure. For further information see the following signed letter from LiveSmart BC.


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7. Suggested opportunity for Summerland

Suggested subsidy and justification

It is suggested that Summerland provide a $25 subsidy for up to 160 residences. This figure has been arrived at because the Okanagan Energy Diet intends to have 4% of the residences in the RDOS area go through an initial audit, which for Summerland is approximately 160 (note that the program excludes multi-unit residential buildings). This is a smaller subsidy compared to what some of the communities in other Energy Diets are offering, relative to population size (see table below).

Of the 160 homes, it would be expected that approximately 130 would conduct improvements and conduct the final assessment to obtain the rebates and have their savings validated.

Community economic impact

In addition, a significant co-benefit to the project is the community economic impact.

Home energy retrofits in 130 homes are estimated to result in approximately $480,000 in household expenditures in the local economy, at approximately $3,700 per house (based on the Rossland Energy Diet experience).

The cumulated annual energy savings from all the homes will be in the order of a many tens of thousands of dollars per year. If energy prices continue to increase, savings would increase.


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Table of subsidies communities are providing (to date)

Local Government

Population (source

Stats Can, 2011)

Subsidy amount for initial home

energy assessments

Number available

Total Financial Commitment

from Municipality

Equivalent contribution

per citizen

Okanagan Energy Diet

Kelowna 117,312 $25 1000 $25,000 $0.21

Keremeos 1,330 $25 25 $625 $0.47

Osoyoos 4,845 $10 100 $1,000 $0.21

Penticton 32,877 $25 400 $10,000 $0.30

Summerland (suggested)

11,280 $25 160 $4,000 $0.35

Kootenay Energy Diet

Castlegar 7,816 $25 50 $1,250 $0.16

Grand Forks 3,985 $25 100 $2,500 $0.63

Trail 7,681 $25 100 $2,500 $0.32

Midway 674 $10 25 $250 $0.37

Rossland 3,556 $25 100 $2,500 $0.70

Montrose 1,030 $10 25 $250 $0.24

Fruitvale 2,016 $25 20 $500 $0.25

Creston 5,306 $30 200 $6,000 $1.13

Regional District of Central Kootenay

30,360 $25 276 $6,900 $0.23

East Kootenay Energy Diet

Sparwood

3,667 $50 (plus $150 for post retrofit assessment)

50 $10,000 $2.73

Fernie

4,448 $50 (plus $150 for post retrofit assessment)

50 $10,000 $2.25

Regional District of East Kootenay

15,629 $50 50 $2,500 $0.16


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8. Letter from LiveSmart BC:


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TERMS OF REFERENCE

Select Committee Name: Mayor’s Task Force on Climate Change Established: June 16, 2012 Terms of Reference adopted: To be determined Purpose of Task Force: The Task Force will aid the District of Peachland in meeting its GHG reduction targets into the future. The Task Force will uphold the mission statement below: “The District of Peachland, as party to the B.C. Climate Action Charter, will foster a community

and workplace culture that respects the environment. The District will seek to minimize/eliminate

human caused environmental degradation through a variety of strategies and policies. Those

strategies and policies that will address things such as, carbon neutrality by 2012, will vary widely

in their content, scope and interdepartmental / community integration. Through quality research,

education, assessment, coordination, communication and implementation significant strides in

becoming sustainable are expected into the future”.

Members: The Mayor’s Task Force will be comprised of 8 members. Staff support will be provided by the Planning and Development Services Department. The Mayor’s Task Force will be represented by two members of Council; one being the Mayor and the other as determined by Council. The remaining 6 Task Force members are to be chosen from applications received by interested members of the Public. The members will be chosen based on their experience and knowledge in areas that relate to Climate Change and Energy Management. Mayor: Appointed by Council Council Representative: A Council member as appointed by Council Public Representatives: As appointed by Council Chairperson: Mayor

Vice-Chairperson: To be selected by the Committee on an as needed basis

Term: Public representatives will serve on the Task Force for a term of two years. Upon the completion of a term all publicly held positions on the Task Force will be advertised. Elected officials will serve a term of one year.

Staff Support: Planning and Development Services

Objectives: The objectives of the Task Force on Climate Change will be as follows:

1. To aid with considering and inquiring into reports and making recommendations regarding the potential for implementation of innovative projects as initiated through the Planning and Development Services Department, and as approved by Council.

2. To work closely with the Community Advisory Committee on Climate Change to facilitate and educate for community wide carbon reduction.

3. Discuss and provide comments to the District regarding the District’s commitment to becoming Carbon Neutral.

Responsibilities of the Committee:

1. The Mayor’s Task Force on Climate Change will represent the interests of the District of Peachland with respect to carbon neutrality objectives, and will function as a steering committee for achieving these goals.

2. The Committee will gather data, provide local knowledge and technical expertise, identify issues, assess priorities, review progress, and provide an understanding of the various constraints and opportunities relating to specific climate change projects as approved by Council.

3. The Mayor’s Task Force on Climate Change is responsible for completing the following tasks:

Advocating for approved projects.

Attending Climate Change Task Force meetings.

Assessing economic implications

Protocol and Procedures:

1. The Climate Change Action Committee will operate in a manner that is consistent with the District of Peachland Council Procedure Bylaw No. 1704 and amendments thereto.

2. The Climate Change Action Committee will not vote on any issues; decision-making will be achieved through consensus.

Budget: To be determined

DRAFT Mayor’s Task Force on Climate Change: Terms of Reference Discussion Draft - October 24

th 2013

_____________________________________________________________________________

Committee Name: Mayor’s Task Force on Climate Change Established: June 16, 2012 Purpose of Task Force: The Task Force will aid the District of Peachland in meeting its GHG reduction targets into the future and will uphold the mission statement below:

The District of Peachland, as party to the B.C. Climate Action Charter, will foster a community

and workplace culture that respects the environment and promotes environmental sustainability.

The District will seek to minimize or eliminate human caused environmental degradation through

a variety of strategies and policies. Such strategies and policies will vary widely in their content,

scope and focus and will address matters such as carbon neutrality, district energy, community

emissions, energy management, sustainable transportation and sustainable development

practices. Sustainability goals will be articulated and addressed in light of quality research,

education, assessment, coordination, communication and direct action.

Members: The Mayor’s Task Force will be comprised of eight members. Staff support will be provided by the Planning and Development Services Department. The Mayor’s Task Force will be represented by two members of Council; one being the Mayor and the other as determined by Council. The remaining six Task Force members are to be chosen from applications received by interested members of the public.. The members will be chosen based on their experience and knowledge in areas that relate to climate change and energy management. Mayor: Appointed by Council Council Representative: A Councillor appointed by Council on recommendation of the Mayor Public Representatives: As appointed by Council Chairperson: Mayor

Vice-Chairperson: To be selected by the Committee on an as needed basis

Term: Public representatives will serve on the Task Force for a term of three years renewable by mutual consent of the member concerned and the mayor. Elected officials will serve a term as recommended by the mayor and approved by council.

Staff Support: Planning and Development Services

Objectives: The objectives of the Task Force on Climate Change will be as follows: 1. Corporate Operations:

To assist the District of Peachland achieve its carbon neutrality goals by:

i) Reviewing, researching, analysing and reporting back on any matters referred by Council or CAO/Senior management for consideration by the committee;

ii) Making available Council and staff information with respect to new corporate energy management opportunities, GHG reduction strategies, or where appropriate, options for change to policies and practices bearing on current District of Peachland Corporate Operations.

2. Community Energy Emissions

Provide the necessary leadership to create within the community a sustained commitment to addressing climate change challenges; such leadership to include:

i) Outreach to the general public through information provision, educational opportunities, creation of incentives, recognition and encouragement of progress, and support for community based initiatives;

ii) Engaging community leaders, community groups, boards, agencies and service clubs, and supporting their efforts to educate inform and advocate for effective change within their spheres of influence;

iii) Development and sponsorship of contests, challenges, or other projects designed to promote awareness and positive change in personal behaviour and energy management practices;

iv) Periodic reporting on change in community energy emissions, transportation patterns, energy costs, and other key indicators of progress towards climate change goals.

Responsibilities of the Committee:

1. The Mayor’s Task Force on Climate Change will represent the interests of the District of Peachland by serving as a focus for pursuit of carbon neutrality objectives and implementation of the Community Energy and Emissions Plan (CEEP).

2. The Committee will identify the resources needed to pursue its mandate, will advocate for any budgetary requirements, and will establish priorities to ensure that available staff or financial resources are used appropriately and effectively

3. Members are expected to uphold the District of Peachland’s Respectful Work Place policy.

Protocol and Procedures:

1. The Mayor’s Task Force on Climate Change will operate in a manner that is consistent with the District of Peachland Council Procedure Bylaw No. 1704 and amendments thereto.

2. The Committee will not vote on issues; decision-making will be achieved through consensus.

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