October 2019 Town of Pelham Newsletter

 

Utility Sustainability Advisory Committee saves big

The Town of Pelham’s Utility Sustainability Advisory Committee’s work is starting to pay off, literally.

Announced at Council on Monday, September 16, 2019, the Town is set to see yearly reductions of over $135,000 for operation of the Meridian Community Centre (MCC) as well as an immediate rebate in the amount of $66,858. 

As part of Hydro One’s High Performance New Construction Incentive, which the Town qualified for due to its use of LED lights and other construction materials in the MCC, the Town will receive another $142,320. 

These savings and incoming funds are direct results of the committee’s work identifying areas of improvement and efficiencies, and ongoing conversations with Hydro One and local government officials. 

The one-time rebate of $66,858 is a result of Hydro One’s rate classification for the MCC, changing from General Service to Transmission Service. This rebate covers the differential during the time period of the building’s inception to present day.

“We knew this committee had a heck of a brain trust, and we knew we were going to see results, but I’m not sure we would have expected to ever see such phenomenal results,” said Mayor Marvin Junkin. “The experts on this committee and the staff resources available are what makes this committee successful, and their work will continue to produce great results.”

At the MCC alone, the committee has looked at the electricity consumption, oversized power feed, emergency generator system, building automation system, building pressurization, electricity power factor and peak loads, phase balance, commissioning report, maintenance of the main power transformer, operation manuals, and construction drawings. 

 The committee is also looking at residential hydro rates and is leaning on support from the Provincial Government to help reduce Pelham’s energy footprint.

Town extends cannabis interim control bylaw

Town of Pelham Council voted in favour to extending the cannabis interim control bylaw to July 15, 2020.

At a special meeting of council on September 23, Council heard from Cannabis Control Committee Chair Tim Nohara, and his committee’s plan to continue researching cannabis mitigation measures within the Town. 

“It’s important for our residents that we get this right,” said Mayor Marvin Junkin. “We know how important this issue is and we extended the bylaw to ensure committee and staff an ample opportunity to exhaust their research and bring back bylaws that are solid. This issue isn’t going away, it’s here today, tomorrow, and likely well into the future; we have to make sure that we get this right for those living in Pelham today and in the future.”

In addition to the interim control bylaw extension passing, Council also passed bylaws prescribingt he height and description of lawful fences and to regulate the fortification of and protective elements applied to land.

Staff and the Cannabis Control Committee will continue to meet regularly to discuss information, research, and eventual bylaws to be brought forward to Council.

The simple ways to keep things green

During festive seasons, you and your family can make minor changes to be environmentally friendly. The following are simple ways to do so: 

1. Hosting a Thanks giving dinner or Halloween party? Send electronic invites via social media, email etc.) Rather than paper; 

2. Use towels and rags instead of paper towels to get your home celebration ready; 

3. Buy recycled paper (which is similar in price to regular paper); 

4. Purchase less energy intensive products that reduce chemical and energy production; 

5. Take advantage of that cool fall breeze and open windows from time to time to introduce natural air; 

6. Save paper by borrowing/purchasing used books rather than purchasing new copies.

 Every little bit counts – it all starts with you!