Earth Hour in Peace River: Turn Off Your Lights and Come for a Walk

Saturday night (March 28), 8:30-9:30, join millions around the world during Earth Hour and turn off the lights to mark awareness of wiser use of energy by making choices about using electricity.

Peace River Town Council voted to support the initiative and Town facilities will turn off unnecessary lights during that time. I'm proud to know that Peace River is among the 2712 cities, towns and municipalities in 83 countries that have committed (as of today) to participating in the VOTE EARTH, as part of the world's first global election between Earth and global warming.

Some Town Councillors (Wanda Laurin and me, for sure) plan to get outside for a walk during that hour so if you would like to join us at Riverfront Park at 8:30, please do.

But whether or not you come for a walk or go for one in your own neighbourhood, please consider turning off your lights during that hour. See what you can do without power and join millions around the world doing the same.

The Earth Hour in Canada website features activities around the country and you can register there. Join the excitement--it is becoming quite an event!

Affordable Housing $$

Yesterday I was thrilled to be present in Council Chambers when a $5 million cheque for a 46-unit affordable housing complex in Peace River was presented to the North Peace Housing Foundation by our MLA, Frank Oberle. Many thanks to Frank, who advocated on Peace River's behalf for this much-needed funding from the Alberta government's housing initiative. A news release outlines some of the details of the project.

Also at the small gathering were representatives from the Peace Regional Affordable Housing Coalition, which worked hard to bring the issue of housing need to the attention of decision-makers, and the Town of Peace River. The Town's decision to donate land for the project was likely a factor in the success of the proposal and I'm very proud of Council for making that commitment.

How exciting that Peace River will soon have affordable housing options suitable for people living on a low or moderate income who have disabilities, are single, or have small families.

There may also be units that rent at market rates so that there are more housing options for people like seniors who are not eligible for subsidized senior's housing.

North Peace Housing Foundation will have its office in the building and there will be space suitable for social or educational activities that can be used to help build a sense of community within the complex.

The building is right on the public transit route, making it easier for tenants without vehicles to get around, and is within walking distance to a grocery store, several schools, and churches. A bit further, but still at a walkable distance for many, are recreation facilities, the daycare, elementary schools, and downtown.

I'll be eagerly awaiting the sod-turning for this wonderful new initiative!

Communities without Boundaries Alberta Network: Inaugural Meeting

Mark this date:
Tuesday, March 17, 9:30 to 11:30.

Readers in rural and small town Alberta will want to plan to attend the inaugural videoconference/webcast meeting of the Communities without Boundaries Alberta Network.

In addition to the business of launching this Alberta-wide not-for-profit organization, the session will include three addresses on citizen engagement and community broadband planning:

• Mayor Glenn Taylor, Hinton, AB will address how one rural Alberta community has used and benefited from this technology and the town's plans for the future.
  
• Matt Wenger: Learning from our Neighbours. Mr. Wenger will discuss combining technology and social organization to establish multi-stakeholder involvement.
  
• Dr. Marco Adria will explore the opportunities and challenges for engaging citizens in community planning.

You can participate by videoconference at any of 17 locations across Alberta or by webcast. The Peace River site is at the NAIT/Northern Lakes College Campus.

For more information and to register. go to:

http://www.communitieswithoutboundaries.ca/March17th