Announcements
PLUG IN BC
2023 Community Outreach Incentive Program
Funding available for electric transportation outreach projects. On February 13, 2023, funding will open for electric vehicle (EV) education and outreach projects in B.C. communities. Emotive is an EV education and experience campaign that provides up to $10,000 per project to enable community organizations, local governments, and companies to demonstrate the benefits of electric transportation. It’s not all about personal electric cars either. Emotive funding also supports projects raising awareness for e-bikes, electric car shares, and other electric mobility options. Read about the funding and apply at https://pluginbc.ca/community-outreach-incentive-program-2023/
LOCAL AUTHORITY SERVICES (ONTARIO) / CANOE PROCUREMENT GROUP OF CANADA 
Local Authority Services, a non-profit created by the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, is hosting a series of webinars on programs and services available through Canoe Procurement. While the webinars are mainly for an Ontario municipal audience, they are open to municipal employees in other provinces as well. Please note the listed start times are Eastern Standard. Fleet and Charging - March 22, 1:00 – 2:30 EST Registration
Our first day will focus on light duty vehicles and keeping your equipment charged. Enterprise Fleet Management will provide an update on light duty vehicles, including the smaller vehicles that have been available for several years and the pickup trucks just arriving on the market. Siemens and Chargepoint will present on the various options to keep vehicles charged, including both fleet and public charging stations.
Equipment and Recreation - March 29, 1:00 – 2:30 EST Registration
The second day will look to the unique equipment used by Public Works and other departments to keep communities working. We will hear from suppliers for light-duty grounds maintenance equipment, medium and heavy construction equipment, and ice resurfacers, on the current and future electric equipment available.
Emergency Vehicles and Refuse Collection - April 5, 1:00 – 2:30 EST Registration
Our third and final day will focus on specialized equipment: Fire trucks, Ambulances, and Refuse Collection vehicles. We will hear updates on electric fire trucks currently undergoing pilot trials, a prototype electric ambulance, and real-world examples from refuse collection vehicles on the road.
MUNICIPAL NATURAL ASSETS INITIATIVE
Make nature visible in decision-making | Natural Infrastructure in BC: Barriers and Opportunities report now available Last year, the Province of British Columbia engaged the Municipal Natural Assets Initiative to better understand the regulatory and policy issues for which they are responsible for that interfere with planning, designing, and developing NBS — specifically natural asset infrastructure — across BC. MNAI's report captures the unique legislative challenges and clear, actionable solutions that BC should act on. Why? While many challenges lie at the provincial level, about 60% of public infrastructure is owned by local governments. With governance barriers reduced, or even removed, more communities can take charge of managing their natural assets and fulfill responsibilities to provide core services such as water filtration, stormwater management and protection from flooding in adaptable, climate-resilient, and cost-effective ways.
The Municipal Natural Assets Initiative encourages you to check out their report here.
BC SMALL WATER SYSTEMS COMMUNITY NETWORK
Are you looking for an opportunity to connect with small water purveyors? Do you have resources or expertise to share with decision-makers? Are you interested in increasing the sustainability of clean, safe drinking water in BC?
If your answer to any of these question was YES, the BC Small Water Systems Community Network – www.smallwaternetwork.org - would like to invite you to become a member of our growing community! This free, online platform is designed for owners, trustees, contractors, employees, or volunteers of a small water system or those who provide products, services, training, or expertise. On the Community Network you will find places to network, share knowledge, expand your learning, attend events, and participate in interesting opportunities.
Reach out to us at smallwaternetwork@bcwwa.org if you have questions or want to learn more about the Community Network!
BRITISH COLUMBIA COMMUNITIES IN BLOOM  | Growing Great Places Together
More than a Flower Growing Contest |
Growing Great Places Together
British Columbia Communities in Bloom is an annual recognition program for municipalities of all sizes. Participants are evaluated on the quality of green spaces, diversity and originality of landscaping, overall appearance, environmental awareness, heritage, and the level of community involvement. The evaluation process creates a baseline for future improvement. The updated Communities in Bloom program places a greater emphasis on sustainable horticulture practices and awareness for climate action initiatives.
Participants value the networking and civic pride that results.
BC COMMUNITIES IN BLOOM | www.bccib.ca| Register before April 14 | Volunteer Opportunities
More than a Flower Growing Contest
The past few years have taught us how essential greenspaces and social engagement are to our health and happiness. The Communities in Bloom program provides a proven process to help engage, and activate your residents, service and business groups around a positive message of ‘Growing Great Places Together’.
Smaller municipalities may be interested in the new 3-criteria “GROW Modified Evaluation” option to help get an ‘in Bloom’ program started in their community.
BC COMMUNITIES IN BLOOM |www.bccib.ca | Register before April 14 | Volunteer Opportunities
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