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jodie@mountaintownproperties.ca
Thursday, May 23• 2013 ! ICE PR CED U D RE
Vol. 8 • Issue 22
Lost Kootenays project jumps to life on Facebook
See Page 8,9
Log Cabin, 4 bdrms 23 acres , Paterson
$399,000
Jodie O.
368-7166 Realtor & Property Manager
Weighing in Rossland News
How you use the energy in your home can go undetected and unanalyzed until you get your bill at Natalie’s the end of the month. And with the rising cost of electricity, sometimes that end-ofmonth realization can come as a Becky’s shock. Following on the heels of the successful Rossland Energy Diet, the Kootenay Energy Diet gives JohN’s Rosslanders a second chance to revisit what is working and what isn’t, and give those who did not As well as our usual excellent coffee and food every day of the week! participate a chance to step on the scales. Starting this week, the Kootenay Energy Diet is intended to support local homeowners in learning about their home’s energy efficiency and At the flashing light better manage their own habits intersection, Rossland with natural gas and electricity usage. This will help them to have a more comfortable home and one that is affordable to operate. “The most important thing people can do to reduce energy use is to ensure their homes have ample insulation so it doesn’t leak heat and have drafts,” said Shelley LUXURY CONDOS Hastie, PowerSense community FOR RENT ambassador, in a press release. “The second most important thing to do Lodging@RedResort.com or call 250-362-5553 is improve their heating system, Concierge Service whether it is gas or electric. And Only Official RED Provider thirdly, review hot water tanks and the amount of hot water they use.” The average LiveSmart qualified retrofit reduces energy use by 20 to 50 per cent. If customers improve their insulation and air sealing and Yourheating Horoscope system, For the Weekthey’re more likely withto Michael O’Connor inside in the 50 per cent have savings Horoscope the range, West Kootenay saidAdvertiser Hastie. If they chose For the Week only to change out their windows with Michael O’Connor and doors, the savings would be in inside the West Kootenay Advertiser
Fresh Bread MON WED FRI!
Cupcakes
ThuRsDAYs!
Pizza
FRIDAYs!
Your
See Page 2
AND ON THE SEVENTH DAY ...
Energy diet returns to Rossland and begins new chapter in energy usage reduction in the city that started it all last year TIMOTHY SCHAFER
2020 Washington St. Rossland
Kootenay Danceworks kicks off season finale
Higher energy rates for Fortis customers: study SHERI REGNIER Trail Times
A recent study is shedding light on the energy rate disparity between Fortis BC and BC Hydro. A report commissioned by the Lower Columbia Community Development Team Society (LCCDTS) determined that Fortis consumer rates are, on average, 20 per cent higher than its counterpart, BC Hydro. “Through our energy committee a study was done to compare energy rates in the Fortis service area with those of BC Hydro,” explained Mike Martin, LCCDTS chair.
• See ENERGY, Page 7 the five to seven per cent range. To participate in the Kootenay Energy Diet, Rosslanders can register in person at an introductory information session on June 12 (7-9 p.m.) at Miners’ Union Hall. If homeowners can’t attend the information session, they can complete an online application form and submit it within six weeks of the session in their community. Once people are registered, FortisBC will help them through the next steps, conducting an initial home energy assessment with a certified energy advisor and making a commitment to complete at least one home energy efficiency upgrade before Dec. 31.
• See KOOTENAY, Page 4
Timothy Schafer photo
A rainbow rocked the landscape below Rossland briefly on Sunday evening but the rain and snow continued to fall for the next few days.
Carbon neutrality takes hit TIMOTHY SCHAFER Rossland News
The city has elected to no longer remain neutral. Carbon neutral, that is, as city council decided to scrap its plan to contribute money to the Darkwoods offset project and instead set up reserve fund for a more local energy efficiency project. The main advantage of the move is that funds from the CARIP grant can be directed into local projects that actually reduce emissions in the municipality, said councillor Jody Blomme. This will also ensure the city can report to be “making progress towards” carbon neutrality as part of the Climate Action Charter commitment. “What was good about Darkwoods was that it was relatively local, but this will be very local, so I think this is a better situation,” she said.
• See CARBON NEUTRAL , Page 5