That governments work with communities to showcase the Cariboo ‐ Prince George region as a leader in bioenergy and managing forests for carbon and other forest products. This would involve utilizing BC's four research forests (all located within the region), the wood pellet and bioenergy industry, andeducational institutions (from kindergarten to doctoral programs) to foster a low‐carbon economy based on our natural resources.

 

That the Government of BC create Premier's Awards (gold, silver, and bronze) that would be awarded by municipalities and regional districts in recognition of local achievement related to energy, transportation, food security, waste reduction, and the emergence of a low‐carbon economy. These would be awarded each year on BC Day or to commemorate BC's hosting of the 2010 Olympics and serve as evidence of citizen achievement related to building sustainable communities throughout theprovince.

 

That governments and utilities build an online tool that would provide homeowners with practical information about the renewable energy options that are most appropriate for their homes and communities. Home heating is a major contributor of greenhouse gas emissions and is a logical project for citizens who are interested in reducing their carbon footprints. It is currently, however, difficult for homeowners to identify the most cost‐effective and practical renewable energy technologies. Using the Solar BC online home rating tool as a model, this new service would use the physical address, house size,gas and electricity consumption levels, current energy costs, and other relevant information to calculate the costs/benefits/savings of different energy technologies (high‐efficiency gas furnaces, wood pellets,

geothermal, solar, wind, etc) for an individual home in a particular community. Perhaps such a tool could a piloted in the Cariboo ‐ Prince George region.

 

The group concluded its report saying “If we want to see change in this region, we need to work together. We need to set an example for those in our community who are still sceptical about climate change and may not feel the urgency in changing their behaviour. If we continue to work together, this council has no doubt that the Cariboo ‐ Prince George region can position itself as a leader on this important issue.”