Municipal Hall

July 15, 2008 / 10:00 AM

The District of Maple Ridge is quickly moving towards becoming one of the most sustainable communities in the world. In order for it to reach this important milestone more people need to pitch in and here's a chance to get involved. The District is completing a comprehensive Energy and Emissions Plan that will outline how it intends to reduce its "carbon footprint" or the amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions it produces as a result of providing services to the community. It will do this by accepting donations as part of its new "Counteract Your Carbon Program" from individuals and companies who care about the environment and who wish to see the District achieve its goal.

All people and businesses have a carbon footprint. If you turn on a light, drive a car, take a plane trip or cook on a barbecue, you are producing greenhouse gases. Add them up, and this is your carbon footprint. One of the District's goals is to reduce GHG's by allowing citizens and businesses to donate toward innovative energy efficient technologies through its new sustainability program. Donors can choose the projects they would like to support.

For example, Fire Hall #1 will be expanded beginning this summer in order to service our growing community. New systems will be incorporated to increase energy efficiency and to reduce the Fire Hall's carbon footprint. The Leisure Centre has also been identified as a potential District facility to undergo facility upgrades to help reduce energy consumption and GHG emissions. For these projects and others yet to be announced, citizens and businesses can make financial donations that will help pay for the installation of new technologies in District facilities that in turn will lead to a reduction in GHG emissions. In return, individuals and businesses can offset their own carbon footprints while receiving a tax benefit. For as little as $15.00 for every tonne of carbon that we each produce, collectively a great deal of benefit can accrue to the community as a whole. On average, a household produces 6 to 9 tonnes of GHG's per year.

The District of Maple Ridge will issue tax receipts for donations of $30.00 or more to anyone who contributes to District projects designed to lower our community's carbon footprint. For more information on this exciting opportunity and to learn how you can make a difference and be recognized for your efforts, go to the District's website

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Attached Photo: Olivia Bastaja (age 5) oversees first donation from Mayor Robson to Fire Chief Dane Spence