Squamish, BC - The District of Squamish is taking the next step to explore an alternative energy utility that may service the town’s Oceanfront lands and other brownfield sites along the Mamquam Blind Channel. The pilot project, with support from BC Hydro, is intended to provide the 150 acres of redevelopment land with heat and hot water serviced by alternative energy sources such as biomass or ocean water heat recovery instead of conventional heating methods like baseboard electric head and standard natural gas furnaces.

BC Hydro has projected that future demand for hydro-electricity will likely exceed their capacity and has partnered with a few communities to explore development of alternative energy utilities. Their District Energy Systems program supports local governments interested in providing cleaner, more efficient energy wherever it is feasible.

“The oceanfront development is an ideal pilot project location because it’s a relatively compact area and a blank canvas,” says Corinne Lonsdale, Acting Mayor, District of Squamish. “We have the ability to incorporate the utility literally from the ground up, installing the distribution system and working with developers to design all of the future oceanfront buildings to draw from it for heat and hot water services, instead of conventional methods that are subject to price volatility and high GHG emissions.”

The District is hosting an open house tonight at the Howe Sound Inn and Pub, Garibaldi Room. Anyone interested in learning more is invited to take in a presentation starting at 7:30 p.m. -30- For more information contact Cameron Chalmers, General Manager Community Services or Chris Bishop, Acting Manager, Planning and Building