Sobolewski: Green is the Way of the Future, Like it or Not

The Town of Bonnyville heard a presentation from Eco-West on ways the company can help the town discover ways to be more eco-friendly. Mayor of Bonnyville Gene Sobolewski says he enjoyed the presentation and believes going green is the way of the future, “like it or not”

“It’s going to be the direction that’s going to be mandated by the Government,” Mayor Sobolewski attended the AUMA conference last week says municipalities going green was one  of the first things brought up at the Mayor’s caucus by the Minister of Environment. “They’re setting up an agency for greenhouse gas. There’s likely to be some funding for reduction of greenhouse gases. And the Province is putting in $5 million in grants for solar heating. So, yes, we are moving in that direction, like it or not. In some respects, I think it’s a long time coming.”

The presentation done by Eco-West showed the Town how utilizing the services of Eco-West can help them discover different opportunities to save money and be more eco-friendly. As well as, discovering new ways to reduce greenhouse gases and the Town’s carbon footprint. Eco-West works with neighbouring municipalities, like St. Paul and the MD of Bonnyville.

Project Eco-West aims to get rural communities involved in greening their local economies through the creation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventories and the development of Climate Change local action plans (CCLAP), supporting municipalities seeking green technology commercialization opportunities, attracting foreign direct investments and training a skilled workforce.

“I was very impressed by their presentation,” Mayor Sobolewski notes what caught his eye was Eco-West’s ability to secure funds to allow municipalities to go after grants or loans to improve their GHG emissions. In the presentation Eco-West highlighted the benefits of municipalities lowering their GHG emissions; such as, increased energy efficiency, reduced air pollution, more wasted diverted from landfills, increased levels of water quality/reduced water consumption, and local economic development & job creation.

“If there’s folks out there with that kind of tool kit, why wouldn’t we use it?” Mayor Sobolewski explains that Town Administration will look into Eco-West more thoroughly and provide Council with some direction as to whether or not to employ the companies services. Administration should have a recommendation for the March 22nd meeting.