WHISTLER2020

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Charge! Electric vehicle stations installed

Whistler, BC – The Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) has installed four new electric vehicle charging stations in the first level of the Whistler Conference Centre underground parking lot.

"The charging stations are a small step on a much larger journey toward sustainability; however they demonstrate that Whistler is continuously willing to explore and support new opportunities for progressive energy and emissions management," said Mayor Ken Melamed.

Activated this week, the stations allow electric vehicles to boost their batteries free of charge before heading to Vancouver and beyond. It takes about four hours and 50 kilowatt hours of electricity to charge a typical electric car battery. At six cents per kilowatt, Dave Patterson, RMOW Manager of Park and Village Operations, said charging drivers for the power would cost more than giving it away for free. Each charging station includes two plugs; one for overnight charges and the other for shorter term charges.

"I believe these charging stations help us on the road to sustainability. It's another option to give locals and visitors," Patterson said. "We are staying ahead of the curve as more and more electric vehicles come on the market."

In Whistler, greenhouse gases from passenger vehicles are the single largest source of emissions across the community, representing approximately half (46 per cent) of our community's total emission footprint. Gasoline and diesel consumption represent one third of emissions from RMOW municipal operations. As of January 23, underground parking at the Whistler Conference Centre will be closed to the public and the Vancouver Organizing Committee for 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) will have exclusive use of the lot until April 4, after which the public will have full access to parking and the charging stations.


 

Valerie Langer

Valerie Langer of BC ForestEthics at TEDxWhistler

On February 18, 2010 the Whistler Centre for Sustainability will hostTEDxWhistler: Tourism’s Place in a Sustainable World – a live event that will be webcast across the country and around the world featuring thought leaders in tourism and sustainability. There are a number of opportunities to participate in the event. In Whistler Canada House, 100 invitees will listen to and engage the speakers while an online global audience participates through micro-blogging and livestreaming. Click here for more info.

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