The City of Kelowna in it's adoption of sustainable transportation practices, ranks in the Top 10 cities in Canada.

In the second annual Smart Transportation Ranking Report, put together by the UBC Sauder School of Business and Appleton Charitable Foundation, Kelowna placed 10th (out of 27 cities). It moved up 4 spots from last year.

The report looks at 17 indicators in four categories - air quality, public policy, transport policy and technology adoption. Kelowna has a green municipal fleet which includes 4 hybrid vehciles and 18 smart cars. It's one of 4 cities to have all it's transit buses running on alternative fuels.

Projects for sustainable transportation in 2009 include the expansion of Rapid Bus BC, a transit exchange in Rutland, the extension of Rails with Trails and 2 off-road cycling projects along the proposed Glenmore Bypass and Gordon Drive extension.

Top 10 Green Vacation Ideas

• Use public transportation as much as possible
• Pack light - to save on energy exerted on the additional weight
• Go on a Volunteer vactation for a worthwhile cause
• Check-in at an eco-friendly hotel
• Use a digital camera, use rechargable batteries - save on film and batteries
• Avoid destinations that would suffer with the arrival of tourists - Amazon Rainforest
• Rent a smart car
• Conserve energy in hotel rooms
• Don't do too much laundry - washing sheets everyday is unnecessary
• Eat locally grown produce

Source - Article by Susan Sardone at About.com

Eco-Pass program extended till December 2009

The City Of Kelowna approved the Eco-Pass program which allows fuel-efficient hybrid cars and smart cars to have free on-street parking in downtown Kelowna.