Agenda Package - City of Vernon

The Thompson/Okanagan regional partners outside of Vernon are not participating in the 2011
Commuter Challenge. Staff propose focusing on Bike to Work Week with respect to cycling
promotion in 2011 and other sustainability events with respect to remaining modes of
alternative transportation such as walking, transit and carpooling. As an example, staff intend
to continue celebrating Clean Air Day during Environment Week by offering free transit and
hosting a free continental breakfast for all transit users. Staff propose not hosting community
events in support of the Commuter Challenge in 2011.
Glean Air Day (Environment Week)
Clean air Day is an event that promotes clean air and good health in the Okanagan and across
Canada. To celebrate Clean Air Day in 2009 and 2010 the City of Vernon, with support from
RDNO, organized free transit for the day and a free continental breakfast at the downtown
transit terminus. All community members throughout the North Okanagan were encouraged to
try green modes of transportation such as transit, walking, cycling or carpooling. ln both 2009
and 2010 an increase of 15o/o in bus ridership was recorded during Clean Air Day. Clean Air
Day 2011 would continue with this approach to promoting transit use and alternative
transportation.
Sustainabil ity Awards (Environ ment Week)
The City of Vernon Sustainability Awards recognize individuals, groups, organizations and
businesses for their contributions to creating and strengthening a culture of sustainability in
Vernon. The awards increase community awareness and celebrate those who are making
Vernon a sustainable and healthy place to live. Categories include Building and Development,
Sustainable Business, Comm unity Sustainability and Youth I nitiatives.
Vernon's Sustainability Awards program consists of both Sustainability Awards and Seed
Awards. Sustainability Awards recognize outstanding contributions to community sustainability
through economic, social and environmental excellence. Seed Awards recognize outstanding
contributions in two of the three areas of sustainability. Recipients are chosen by a selection
committee representing economic development, social planning and environmental awareness
and a list of recommended award winners is fonryarded to City Councilfor review and approval.
Sustainability Award winners are presented with a framed photograph taken by the winner of
the 2008 sustainability photo competition and recipients of the Seed Awards are presented
with a framed certificate. Awards are presented at a ceremony during Environment Week.
Car Free Day
lnternational Car Free Day is part of the implementation of the TDM implementation plan. Car
Free Day is an opportunity to promote transportation alternatives other than the single
occupant vehicle and raise awareness about the environmental impact of vehicle use.
On Car Free Day 2009 Vernon participated in an inter-municipal challenge with the City of
Kelowna, resulting in 85% participation by Vernon Mayor and Council and a savings by staff
and Council of 70.99 kg of carbon dioxide emissions. ln 2010 Vernon Car Free Day joined
Vernon Steps Out, a walking program hosted by Vernon Recreation Services which promotes
active living through pedometer use and online step tracking. This event also highlighted the
extended regional transit service. Over 350 people attended the Vernon Steps Out on
267