The T’Sou-ke First Nation on the west coast of Vancouver Island, BC has undertaken a journey to become a fossil fuel-free community.  Through leadership, focus and a growing knowledge of alternative energy technologies, the T’Sou-ke has become the most solar intensive community in Canada and a role model for communities across the country for creating positive change; change rooted in protecting the environment and putting people to work by creating training and jobs for the long-term welfare of the community.

The Victoria General Hospital made excellent use of their solar hot water system this summer. According to the SunReports renewable energy monitor that was installed on the system, the performance for July 3 shows a production of 583.79 Kilowatt hours (kWhs). This translates into an energy savings big enough to power 23 homes for a day, or a small subdivision, with the average 3 bedroom home using 25 KWhs. This was the average daily savings for the hospital in July!

Four brand new solar photovoltaic systems, also known as solar electric, are soaking up the spring sunshine and lowering energy costs for the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) on Vancouver Island, BC. The installations are part of a rural areas implementation plan for the Comox Valley sustainability strategy, and were fully paid for by the UBCM’s Gas Tax Agreement, which, through the Community Works Fund, provides local governments and other eligible recipients with financial support for a variety of capital and planning projects.