ECOS Report to the Board
May, 5, 2009
ECOS focuses on a broad range of environmental issues and assists community residents in acting or undertaking projects to improve the health, natural environment and quality of life in our neighbourhood. ECOS contributes an environmental perspective on matters of general interest, and guides the Association in operating in an environmentally appropriate and responsible manner.
In 2008, the board adopted an environmental policy to clarify OSCA’s sustainable goals:
The Ottawa South Community Association is dedicated to being the "greenest" community association in Ottawa. To achieve this, we will:
- support community initiatives that improve our natural spaces and/or reduce our impact on the environment,
- provide environmental education and advocacy to the community, where required,
- advocate for improvement and/or proper care of our natural spaces, like parks and along the river,
- promote more sustainable development and transportation,
- be a strong vocal supporter of environmentally sustainable practices in government, and
- strive continually to improve our association's environmental performance.
Most of the focus this year has been on greening the new Firehall redevelopment. Thanks to the help of the redevelopment committee, and Patti Ryan in particular, as well as our city partners and CVS architects, we have a design that not only meets programming needs, but achieves many environmental targets as well, not the least of which is a reduction in water usage and more efficient energy use.
In the coming year, we will be turning our attention to other green additions for the Firehall. Many thanks to Mike Lascell, Cate Soroczan, and CVS architects, who helped us try for a rainwater harvesting system. Even though the project proved unfeasible, we thank everyone for their efforts, including many who have committed their fundraising dollars to further green initiatives. We are now considering the feasibility of installing photovoltaics on the new Firehall roof, in the hope that we may be able to take care of the changes brought about by the province’s new energy bill. This development is being led by Roger Peters, who is also working hard on another project we hope to start next year, the neighbour-to-neighbour energy audit program, where neighbours and residents can request an energy audit of their homes to help them better reduce their energy consumption.
In 2008, we also successfully launched the inaugural (and hopefully annual) Living Lightly Showcase with ‘Be the Change’ advocate David Chernushenko. Many thanks to his excellent and enlightening project, and for the wonderful support from the community. Windsor Park Tree Planting was another great success, and many thanks to Gary Lum, who has weed whacked around our seedlings to ensure that they thrive.