The Oceanfront may be the site of cutting edge new technology in power sources and the district wants the public's input in just what that could look like.
The District of Squamish is holding an open house tonight to offer the community a chance to understand and discuss potential alternative energy methods to service the Oceanfront lands and sites along the Mamquam Blind Channel.
After a technical evaluation of Squamish's alternative energy options in summer and fall of 2009, wood waste biomass and ocean heat recovery loop presented the best feasibility results.
Wood waste biomass showed good viability, and with BC Hydro support and interest in the co-generation potential, co-generation was also included as a potential option.
This has led to a biomass combustion pilot project in partnership with BC Hydro.
It is intended to provide the 150 acres of redevelopment land with heat and hot water serviced by biomass combustion instead of conventional heating methods like baseboard electric head and standard natural gas furnaces.
However, because biomass co-generation is still a few years away from being commercially viable, the interim fuel source for co-generation would be natural gas, that would be swapped out for biomass gasification once the technology proves effective.
"The Oceanfront development is an ideal pilot project location because it's a relatively compact area and a blank canvass," said acting mayor Corinne Lonsdale.
"We have the ability to incorporate the utility literally from the ground up, installing the distribution system and working with developers to design all of the future oceanfront buildings to draw from it for heat and hot water services, instead of conventional methods that are subject to price volatility and high GHG emissions."
The district is hosting an open house tonight at the Howe Sound Inn and Pub, Garibaldi Room at 7:30 p.m.
To see the previous Neighbourhood Energy Utility presentations and reports, go to http://squamish.cc/extranet/NEU/.
