The Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) is providing over $820,000 to 21 projects aimed at bolstering energy efficiency and climate change resilience.
Organizations around the region will use their grants to purchase upgrades such as fire-resistant siding, improved insulation, solar panels and heat pumps.
“Non-profits provide essential services to people in the region. Improving their buildings or adding renewable energy sources not only helps reduce emissions but also strengthens their ability to respond to challenges like wildfires or extreme heat,” said Ulli Mueller, Delivery of Benefits Senior Manager.
“We’re proud to support these groups in creating more sustainable and climate-resilient communities.”
The projects set to receive funding include infrastructure or operational upgrades.
A few of the funded projects are highlighted below.
Harrop and District Community Centre Society – $26,300
Harrop and District Community Centre Society will use its funding to buy and install a new air-source heat pump, an air purifier and LED lighting.
The money will also go toward improving floor insulation, ceilings and the hot-water tank.
“By replacing natural gas emissions in all but the coldest weather and reducing heat loss, we will reduce energy consumption,” said Gillian Hurn, Society Chair.
“In addition, this project will allow us to use the hall to offer heat, air conditioning and wildfire-smoke relief to our local community under extreme weather conditions.”
Sand Creek Community Club – $44,200
Trust officials say this grant will fund upgrades to the Jaffray Community Hall with new LED lighting, solar panels and a heat pump.
“The heat pump will decrease natural gas consumption while providing proper air ventilation, and the LED lighting will help reduce electrical consumption,” said Krista Damstrom, Community Coordinator.
“In addition, solar will reduce greenhouse gases while offsetting the high cost of electricity.”
Valemount and Area Recreation Development Association – $53,200
The Valemount and Area Recreation Development Association’s portion of funding will go toward upgrading its office building with LED lighting, attic insulation, solar panels and an air-source heat pump.
The money will also be used to install sprinklers for wildfire protection and a pump to drain water that may pool at the front of the building.
“We want our office building to reflect our values by reducing energy consumption and being more resilient to climate change and emergencies,” said Curtis Pawliuk, Association Executive Director.
“By retrofitting our building, we want to lower our energy and maintenance costs, create a more comfortable environment for our staff to work in, and reduce our environmental footprint.”
Wasa Recreation Society – $82,500
The Wasa Recreation Society will use its grant to add fire-resistant exterior siding to the Wasa Community Hall while improving the building’s insulation and installing energy-efficient windows.
“Climate action is a task for all of us, and it concerns all of us,” said Karen Markus, Project Lead.
“The purpose of this project is to improve our energy efficiency and add resiliency against climate change by addressing the problem of wildfire. Plus, we may become an example that will encourage others to take action on their own properties—another way to make a difference.”
You can see the rest of the projects and their total funding amounts here.
