Several West Kootenay organizations have secured funding to make their buildings and operations more energy efficient and resilient through the Columbia Basin Trust.
The trust said in a news release it is providing $1.5 million to 31 projects throughout the Kootenay region through its Non-Profit SMART (Sustainable, Mitigation, Adaptation and Resilience Transition) program, which supports projects that improve energy efficiency and strengthen climate resilience.
Initiatives eligible for funding include infrastructure upgrades such as solar panels, heat pumps, insulation, and fire-resistant siding and decking.
The SMART program also helps organizations purchase electric vehicles and install charging stations.
Funding was provided through two streams.
First stream: infrastructure upgrades
Castlegar’s Freedom Quest Services secured the largest amount of funding locally through the first stream at $97,880.
The organization will use the money to install an air-source heat pump, insulation, fire-resistant siding and energy-efficient windows at its office building and youth treatment centre.
The Lardeau Valley Community Club received the second-largest amount locally at $64,360.
The club manages and maintains the Lardeau Valley Community Centre in Meadow Creek and nearby amenities including a shower house and laundry facility.
The funds will support the installation of LED lighting, roof insulation and a solar array to reduce energy costs and keep the service sustainable.
“Power usage has become a real issue for us,” said Greg Underwood, president of the Lardeau Valley Community Club.
“With a heat pump and solar installation, we expect to see significant energy savings that will allow us to keep the facility available and comfortable.”
Organizations in Nelson, Trail, Slocan, Salmo, Fruitvale, Balfour and Edgewood also received funds through the first stream.
A full list of recipients can be found here.
Second stream: electric vehicles and mobility
Through the second stream, the Columbia Senior Wellness Society received $68,120 to support seniors in the Beaver Valley.
The funding will allow the organization to purchase a multi-passenger electric vehicle with charging stations to help seniors access appointments and community activities.
“Having the EV will help fill the gap seniors face when they can’t easily access transportation,” said Jayme Fowler, project director with the Columbia Senior Wellness Society.
“It will help people maintain dignity, self-sufficiency and connection to community.”
The second stream is also set to benefit organizations in Nelson, Castlegar and Slocan.
A full list of projects receiving funding through the second stream can be found here.
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