Association backs domestic solar hot-water heating systems
At its monthly meeting on April 10, 2006, the Lowertown West Community Association called on the Mayor, the City Council, and all relevant committees to remove barriers to the residential use of solar water heaters. The text of the resolution is below.
Motion supporting approval of installation of solar hot water heating systems in residential applications in the City of Ottawa
Recognizing the City of Ottawa, as indicated on its website, is "working to preserve and improve our environment through dozens of different programs. The objective is to meet and even exceed its environmental commitments and make Ottawa a greener and healthier place to live." ;
Noting that this winter was the warmest winter on record;
Recognizing that members of our association wish to contribute to making Ottawa greener, and wish to reduce their 'ecological footprint' by reducing their family's green house gas emissions and using renewable energy alternatives where possible and practical;
Aware that one simple, economical way of doing so is installing a domestic solar hot water heating system;
Recognizing that other Ontario cities, as well as other municipalities nationwide have facilitated the installation of such systems by home owners;
Concerned that the City of Ottawa still presents barriers to the installation of solar hot water heating systems that are not found in any other major city in Canada;
Recognizing that the City of Ottawa's Planning and Environment committee report #36 from September 2005 notes:
"That the Planning and Environment Committee recommend that City Council:
- Direct City staff to continue working with the various stakeholders involved with removing the barriers to the residential use of solar water heaters to ensure that they are removed as expeditiously as possible; and
- When this has taken place, that City staff inform the community in an appropriate way such that those who are interested in selling and/or buying solar water heaters can take action accordingly.
CARRIED"
Aware that such barriers have yet to be removed as of this writing in April 2006;
We, members of the Lowertown Community Association call on the Mayor, the City Council, and all relevant committees to do their utmost to remove barriers to the residential use of solar water heaters immediately so that citizens who so desire may install such systems before this summer.
Carried unanimously
April 10, 2006
Lowertown West Community Association
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