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Green Enviro Fair 2009

Saturday, May 30
Businesses, local organizations and community groups were invited to participate in a day long trade show for environmentally minded companies, groups, and organizations on May 30, 2009 as a kick-off to Canada Environment Week, a national event.

Residents were invited to tour the Green Enviro Fair and learn about sustainable products and services, or sign up to become involved in local programs or volunteer for local organizations. The Green Enviro Fair was hosted by the North Okanagan Sustainable Environment Networking Society (SENS) with support from the City of Vernon and RDNO.

Vernon Regional Transit Buses were on site for demonstrations on how to use the bike racks and a driver was available to answer questions. Thanks to BC Transit for their participation and enthusiasm.

City of Vernon Sustainability Awards 2009

Saturday, May 30
The Sustainability Awards Program recognizes contributions made by individuals, groups, organizations and companies in the creation of a culture of sustainability in Vernon and to strengthening a sustainable Okanagan. The Sustainability Awards Program was introduced at the May 30, 2009 Green Enviro Fair.

The Sustainability Awards recognize the significant contributions of community members, groups and businesses in each of the following categories: Sustainable Business, Building and Development, Community Sustainability and Youth. Each award group had two possible categories for acknowledgement of important contributions to community sustainability, the Sustainability Awards and the Seed Awards. Award winning sustainable achievements are those which incorporate aspects of economic viability, social inclusiveness and environmental stewardship while considering the current and future interests of the community. Seed Awards acknowledge significant achievements which may not fully support all aspects of sustainability but contribute to the improvement of at least two aspects of community sustainability.

Award winners include:

Youth Sustainability Category

These awards recognize the contributions that youth have made, either through their own initiatives or through school programs that have resulted in enhanced public awareness of sustainability or have provided leadership in supporting community sustainability.

The 2009 Youth Sustainability Award was presented to the Junction Youth Centre and the Youth Seed Award was presented to "The Ozone" grade 5/6 class at Ellison Elementary School.

Sustainable Business

These awards recognize businesses located in Vernon whose activities have promoted sustainability in the workplace or in the community. Nominated businesses should demonstrate excellence in raising awareness of sustainability issues with staff or clients, reducing the busines's ecological footprint and/or notably enhancing or promoting sustainability throughout Vernon.

The 2009 Sustainable Business Award was presented to Healthy Spot Pet Nutrition and Supply.

Building and Development

These awards highlight exemplary developments, building projects or retrofits that demonstrate innovative sustainable features that may include environmentally sensitive site planning, alternative energy and climate control, water conservation, storm water or wastewater management, conservation of energy, reuse of materials, the protection and enhancement of urban streams or the enhancement of wildlife habitat in the City. Developments may range in scale from large commercial, industrial, institutional or residential projects to individual new or renovated buildings.

The 2009 Building and Development Seed Award was presented to Foothills Development Ltd.

Community Sustainability

These awards recognize those remarkable citizens of Vernon who have been actively involved in promoting sustainability and who, through their efforts, have increased public awareness of sustainable choices and options or have notably enhanced community sustainability.

The 2009 Community Sustainability Award was presented to Wendy Aasen and the Community Sustainability Seed Award was present to Patrick Allen.

Sustainability Photo Contest 2009

In conjunction with the Sustainability Awards, a Sustainability Photo Contest was held by the City of Vernon. The winner of the photo contest was awarded with a $500 cheque. The winning photo was framed and presented to the Sustainability Award winners.

Congratulations to Wendy Niemi who took the winning photo, as shown to the left, Owl at O'Keefe Ranch.

Community Weed Pull

Sunday, May 31, 2009
A weed pull and invasive weed education opportunity was organized on the Gray Canal Trail at Star Road. This Sunday morning event was organized to provide all interested community members with a hands on opportunity to learn about invasive weed species, how to remove them, which weed species to avoid removing themselves and to learn more about the amazing native species found along the Gray Canal. This event was a joint initiative by the City of Vernon, the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) Invasive Weed Team and RDNO Parks and Recreation with the City of Vernon Safe Communities Unit Restorative Justice Program.