Quick Poll Results and Learn More
Current Question:
vote now
(right hand side of the homepage)
Question: In Prince George, what renewable energy source will be the most important in the next 20 years?
- wind
- solar
- ground source heat
- wood
- micro-hydro
Learn more:
Of the electricity used in Prince George, 90% is generated from hydro-power facilities—a clean source of renewable energy. However, electricity accounts for only 27% of energy use in the City. The other 73% is natural gas, and diesel and gasoline for vehicles. To displace natural gas for heating – the easiest area in which to have an impact, the City has investigated solar hot water and combined heat-and-power systems. Currently, the largest use of local renewable energy in Prince George is in the form of pulping residue and wood waste used to power the operations of pulp plants and mills, and wood burned in woodstoves for home-heating.
Previous Questions:
Question: Do you currently volunteer with a group in Prince George?
Results
Learn more:
Since the 1950’s the level of social capital in communities has gradually declined. With the rise of individualism, the development of technologies (like television) that compete with more interactive pastimes and urban forms that tend to segregate rather than link, our society has become more privatized and most indicators of social capital point to a decline in social cohesion. Ties to family and friends, political involvement, civic associations, and membership in trade unions are all decreasing. Research points to extremely strong correlations between vibrant social networks and childhood development, safety, education, income, economy and public health. It cannot be doubted that strong social capital is an integral part of strong, healthy communities
Question: To reduce costs and protect groundwater supplies, how should we conserve water?:
Results
Learn more:
Prince George’s per capita residential water use is about 450 L/day. In comparison, the BC average is about 260 L/day per capita, Canada’s average is 325L/day, and many developed countries use far less water than that. To reverse growth in water use, the City is now implementing a Water Conservation Plan that aims to reduce water consumption 15% by 2014 over 2004 levels.
The Evolving Plan -> Environmental -> Environmental Focus Areas -> Drinking Water Supply
Question: What is the most important housing issue in Prince George?:
Results:
Learn more:
By 2038, the population over 65 will rise from 10% to 25% of residents. Reflecting this transition, the recent Quality of Life Survey reported that over half of Prince George residents expected their housing needs to change in the next ten years.
The Evolving Plan -> Social -> Social Focus Areas -> Housing
Question: The future of Prince George's economy will depend on:
Results:
Learn more:
Economic prosperity has traditionally been equated with economic growth. While bringing many benefits, economic growth has also been tied to problems such as income inequalities, air and water pollution, and loss of wildlife habitat. Sustainable economic development can be thought of as economic development that creates shared wealth and health for people while maintaining the health of the surrounding environment. There is a need to build a shared understanding of what sustainable prosperity means in the context of Prince George’s unique situation.
The Evolving Plan -> Economic -> Economic Focus Areas -> Economic Prosperity
Question: Air pollution is a concern because of its effects on health, odours, and visibility Air quality:
Results:
Learn more:
Prince George’s air quality has ranked among the worst of BC municipalities for many years. The geography of the ‘Bowl’ combined with atmospheric thermal inversions can trap pollutants. Industrial sources, residential burning and transportation are major contributors to air pollution, as are some natural sources. Since 1995, a coordinated effort to measure and manage air quality has resulted in improvements to air quality. In particular, industry has made changes that have caused a large reduction in Total Reduced Sulfur (TRS), a measure related to the familiar “pulp mill smell.”
The Evolving Plan -> Environmental -> Environmental Focus Areas -> Air Quality
Question: Kitchen table talks are a chance to learn about sustainability together. Is this a good way to go?
Results:
Question: Should people in a community be involved in planning for the future of their community?
Results:
