Sunshine Coast in Transition is pleased to announce the launch of the Transitions Streets program on the Sunshine Coast.
We all need to find ways to save money and reduce our energy use these days. And thankfully, on a Transition Street, the two go hand-in-hand. It’s a place where people get together with their neighbours to take steps towards greater self-reliance while at the same time finding ways to live in balance with the world’s diminishing resources. And the fortunate side effect is that participants build stronger connections and friendships with their neighbours, empowering a sense of true community.
The project is a tried and tested, award-winning concept designed to reduce energy use and household costs and strengthen neighbourhoods. The model has been adopted by Transition Initiatives throughout the world. Here in British Columbia, the Coast project will join the ranks of successful projects in Victoria and Nelson.
Each Transition Streets neighbourhood will meet regularly to discuss and share ideas around five topics: local food, water use, energy use, transportation and waste/consumption, using the handy and accessible Transition Streets manual.
Participants do the learning together, one topic per session, and then individuals/families identify the actions they are able to take in each area. There is no expectation. It’s up to each participant to decide what he or she can do.
The program is provided free of charge and takes seven months or less to complete, with a commitment of just four hours per month. At the end of the sessions, participants report all the changes they have made or are planning to make, so participants know exactly what their savings are and what they will be over time as participants tackle more changes.
As an added bonus, Transition Streets participants will have access to free workshops relevant to each study topic provided by another pilot: the Neighbourhood Stewardship Program.
The deadline to apply is Sunday, June 15. Thanks to the Town of Gibsons, three Transition Streets can be supported in this pilot year of the project. Residents of West Howe Sound, Gibsons, Elphinstone, Roberts Creek and Sechelt are encouraged to apply. Download the application at www.sunshinecoastintransition.wordpress.com.
For more details, email [email protected] or call 604-886-8769.
