RDN Incentives for Water Protection, Green Building

Through the Drinking Water and Watershed Protection Program, the Regional District of Nanaimo is now providing incentives to residents who protect local water resources by purchasing rainwater harvesting systems and efficient toilets. The RDN has also renewed its Green Building Incentive Program in the RDN Electoral Areas and the District of Lantzville, with the goal of encouraging residents to invest in energy efficiency, emission reductions and green building practices.

Community Feedback Required

Lately there has been talk about a bus service on Gabriola. I would love to see that happen when the community is ready.

When I read the feasibility studies however, and yes, more than one has been conducted, they do not ask the most critical question, which is: “Are you as a property owner willing to pay an increase in your taxes for a bus service?” 

Why have garbage fees risen?

I would like to respond to Eve Livingston’s letter of April 09

The question was “Why have garbage fees risen? “

Well the short version is the tipping fees at the landfill went up, and why did the tipping fees go up? It costs a lot to be environmentally sensitive and we are a leader in environmentally  sensitive landfills.  The leachate is collected, the methane gas is captured and used to generate power, what we don’t use is sold back into the grid, and where possible we reuse heat generated in the process.  Also the diversion of waste green waste, yard waste and recycling  will increase the life of the landfill for about 20 years. This is a big step head as other regional districts are looking at shipping their waste some were else at great cost.

Regional Director’s Report April 2012

When we lasted talked I was about to take an emergency services course on opening a reception centre. There are a number of courses offered by the Justice Institute of B.C. and organized by Gabriola Emergency Social Services. I have now completed three of the courses offered, and am starting to acquire a better understanding of the dedication the volunteers have and how hard they train to be ready for any emergencies.