Solar hot water projects to reduce Delta’s carbon footprint

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Delta will soon be tapping into its famous sunny weather to lessen its carbon footprint when heating community swimming pools.

Long known to have, on average, more hours of sunshine than most other Lower Mainland communities, three of Delta's public pools will benefit from solar hot water systems.

The Corporation of Delta will use $348,000 from Canada’s Gas Tax Fund to integrate the systems into three existing pool: the indoor pool at the Ladner Leisure Centre, and outdoor community pools in North Delta and Ladner.

“Delta continues to build on the success of our solar hot water system at Municipal Hall,” said Mayor Lois Jackson at an announcement Wednesday (Feb. 22) at the Ladner Leisure Centre. “We are so pleased to have the support of the federal government and UBCM to build on our success and bring greater attention to this technology throughout our community. It is critical we continue with initiatives that demonstrate sustainable and renewable energy such as solar hot water technology.”

Kerry-Lynne Findlay, MP for Delta-Richmond East and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice said using solar power will save on heating costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Delta has an established reputation as a leader in the use of solar technology. In 2009, Delta was the first municipality in Metro Vancouver to install a solar hot water system in a municipal hall.

As well, in May 2010, Delta was officially designated as a Solar Community by the Province of British Columbia.

Delta has also made regulatory changes to its bylaws to permit the installation of solar hot water systems and continues to investigate opportunities to expand the use of solar hot water within the community.

Funding from Canada's Gas Tax Fund provides stable, long-term funding to local governments and other organizations to help them build and revitalize public infrastructure. The program primarily supports capital projects such as local roads, public transit, energy systems and waste management infrastructure that lead to cleaner air, cleaner water or reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

The Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) administers the Gas Tax Fund in BC in collaboration with Canada and British Columbia.

“BC local governments are taking great strides to reduce emissions from our operations,” said Heath Slee, President of UBCM in a press release. “The Gas Tax Fund is playing a critical role in helping communities upgrade facilities with energy efficient technology.”

Work on all three solar hot water projects is expected to get underway this spring.