Friday, May 25, 2012

LAKE COWICHAN – The Town of Lake Cowichan has been the fortunate recipient of two rounds of grants under the Town for Tomorrow Program for a total of $800,000. It is in the process of completing the second and final phase of water meter installations for domestic water users of the Town. It is hoped that the use of meters will put Lake Cowichan on a path to sustainable and responsible water use. Metering for water usage is expected to commence in 2013, once the metering programme is completed.

The Town of Lake Cowichan through its residents is committed to bettering the health of our community and planet. That assurance was given by the Town when it, on September 26, 2007, signed on to the BC Climate Action Charter. The metering program will be a step in that direction which will see a reduction in greenhouse gases (GHG) through the reduction in fresh water pumping/treatment/chlorination/distribution and sanitary pumping/treatment which should result in a 15-20% total reduction in water use that should result in approximately 15-20% reduction in GHG production.

Mayor Ross Forrest expressed his sentiments thus: "We are pleased to do our part in ensuring that the metering of water results in a wise use of this resource. Additionally, this will allow us to determine weaknesses in our water distribution system. I would like to thank the Province and Canada for their major financial contribution on the initial and final projects."

“As a signatory to the Climate Action Charter, Lake Cowichan is demonstrating considerable resourcefulness in choosing a project that brings efficiency and innovation together,” said Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, Ida Chong. “Projects that take steps towards conserving water, as well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, are worthy endeavours.”

The Town of Lake Cowichan would like to acknowledge its appreciation and thanks to the Honourable Christy Clark, Premier of British Columbia and the Honourable Ida Chong, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development through the unveiling of a plaque commemorating the domestic water metering programme. The event will occur at the Municipal Hall, 39 South Shore Road on May 25, 2012 at 10 a.m.

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