Swiss Solar Tech Ltd. installed Kelowna's first solar panel installation on a residential condo building last week. There are 30 panels on the roof what will serve 87 units.

The Mode Condos on Dickson Avenue is a new development from the Mission Group that will serve as an example for residential condos looking at alternative energy sources.

The solar panels will account for 35 to 40% of the yearly hot water heating needs and 90% over the summer months. This will be a significant reduction in energy costs.

There are quite a few grants and offers available to builders to use alternative energy that it becomes very cost effective.

 

Mayor Sharon Shepherd is looking to make Kelowna more sustainable, greener and fiscally responsible. In her inaugural speech she also talked about the shift to green technologies.

She would assemble a Kelowna Climate Action Committee which would tackle issues brought up by the provincial Climate Action Charter and look into building code changes to make use of solar technology.

To handle the city's traffic problems, she is wanting less cars on the road and more people using bike lanes and the transit system. Some of the other issues on the table include the HandyDart, more cycling options, better sidewalks and the continuation of the Central Green Project.

The Mayor will pursue a bike-share program that is similar to the Paris Velib program where people can rent bikes for trips around the City. The bikes can be picked up and dropped off at automated kiosks. To get funding for the project she plans on putting a Tour d'Okanagan cycling race which would also help tourism.

Source: Article by Jennifer Smith titled "Kelowna Mayor pledges to make city more sustainable" & article titled "Mayor wants more bikes"