Solar panels may be added to the new Coldstream Community Hall using provincial funding. (Vernon Matters photo)

By Pete McIntyre

Climate action program

District looks at ways to use province’s green funding

Jun 17, 2024 | 6:00 AM

The District of Coldstream has over $400,000 in provincial money to spend on green-related items and projects.

As part of B.C.’s local government climate action program, the province is providing more funding to municipalities to allow them to carry out larger environmentally-friendly initiatives.

The district has a current reserve of $424,865 after getting a payment of over $330,000 in March

Administration has developed the following possible projects and purchases for Coldstream council to consider.

1 Public EV dual charge station, installed (x1) $ 20,000
2 District EV dual charge stations, installed (x2) $ 40,000
3 Solar panels for the Community Hall & Daycare $ 110,000
4 Ford e-transit EV van (for Parks, Irrigation) $ 95,000
5 e-Chev Silverado (1/2 Ton Crew Cab Truck, for Utilities) $ 85,000
6 General use District EV (such as Hyundai Ioniq 5) $ 61,665
7 ES100 battery powered paint sprayer $ 7,200
8 Electric tools (chain saw, blowers, etc.) $ 6,000
Total $ 424,865

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The public EV station would have the ability to charge two EV’s concurrently. Users would have to pay to charge. This EV station would be located in the Community Hall parking lot.

The district EV dual charge stations would be behind the Municipal office as part of the new public works facility. These would be for internal district use only.

Installing solar panels at the community hall would reduce demand from BC Hydro and lower the operating expenses for both the hall and the daycare. These savings would be realized annually over the life of the solar panels, which are expected to exceed 30 years (at reducing efficiency).

The list will be discussed at council’s committee of the whole meeting June 17.