Summerland has received more than $26,000 in provincial funding through the Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program.
The grant of $26,121 is part of a total of $83,527 given to local governments in the area.
The Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program is a conditional grant program which provides funds to governments which have signed the Climate Action Charter.
Participating communities must also report publicly on their progress towards meeting climate action goals.
Since 2008, the province has provided $19 million through the program. At present, 95 per cent of B.C. communities have signed the charter.
“The Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program provides a strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said Bill Barisoff, MLA for the Penticton riding. “I applaud the participating communities and their clear efforts.”
Julie McGuire, Summerland’s climate action coordinator, said the money will go to climate action initiatives in the community.
The funding is based on the amount of fuel used by a municipality.
Summerland’s funding was lower than Penticton’s amount of $41,001 but higher than the $6480 given to Peachland or the $9,925 given to the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen.
McGuire said Summerland’s fuel consumption is high because the community has a significant network of roads.
Initiatives in the municipality’s recent climate action budget include fuel-efficient heater upgrades at the fire hall and at municipal hall and a new heat pump at the Aquatic Centre.
Community projects include the transit service, electric vehicle charging stations and a municipal tree program.
In addition, the budget includes a call for proposals from the community for pilot projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
A total of $7,500 will be available for groups to submit proposals to the Climate Action Committee.