Kelowna International Airport and other city-owned buildings are now more energy efficient thanks to a contribution of $1.25 million from the federal Gas Tax Fund.

The City of Kelowna dedicated a portion of its annual Gas Tax Fund transfer to geothermal and radiant floor heating projects designed to help reduce the airport's overall carbon footprint.

Funding also supported the development of an energy management program that focused on the larger energy consumers across the City of Kelowna. This program formalized the City's efforts to improve corporate energy efficiency by creating benchmarks and testing their energy efficiency.

Quick facts

• The Government of Canada provides $250,697,000 in annual funding for municipal infrastructure in British Columbia through the federal Gas Tax Fund.
• The Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) administers the Gas Tax Fund in BC, in collaboration with Canada and British Columbia.
• The City of Kelowna has received over $33 million to date from the federal Gas Tax Fund.

Quotes

"These upgrades, made possible thanks to the federal Gas Tax Fund transfer, will help the Kelowna International Airport save on heating costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, the City's new energy management program for large-energy consumers will contribute to improved corporate energy efficiency across the region."

-The Honourable Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay, Minister of National Revenue

 

"Our Government is proud to invest in important infrastructure projects, such as these, as we focus on creating jobs, promoting growth, and building strong, prosperous communities across Canada."

-Ron Cannan, Member of Parliament for Kelowna—Lake Country

 

"A healthy environment is an essential part of a thriving community. This Gas Tax Fund transfer has helped the City of Kelowna complete key infrastructure upgrades, which will save money, reduce energy consumption and help build a greener community, setting the stage for future growth and prosperity."

-Eric Foster, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Vernon—Monashee

 

"Federal Gas Tax funds make it possible for the City of Kelowna to follow through on our plans to build sustainable buildings and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. At the Kelowna International Airport and throughout the city, we use these funds to improve energy efficiency through innovative new technologies we might not otherwise be able to afford."

-Walter Gray, Mayor, City of Kelowna

 

"The federal Gas Tax Fund is playing a vital role in funding the renewal of infrastructure in BC's communities. Investments like these in Kelowna are supporting efforts by local governments around the province to improve the efficiency of core facilities like Kelowna's airport."

-Rhona Martin, UBCM President

src:news.gc.ca