AN IMPORTANT PART of making our communities greener and healthier places to live is the recognition of those innovative local governments that are making a difference, designing sustainable and vibrant communities that encourage physical activity, energy conservation, and produce environmental benefits.
In 2007 and 2008, the LiveSmart BC Green Cities Awards profiled these leading-edge communities, and provided them with the funds to invest further in initiatives that make their environment even greener and healthier for their citizens.
In order to reward those who were actively and effectively initiating change, entries were evaluated on how well the local government’s actions over the past couple of years met the award criteria.
These included:
- Contribution towards community greenhouse gas emission reductions;
- Urban forests and new urban design to increase density and reduce urban sprawl;
- Reducing water use;
- Building seniors-friendly and disability-friendly communities; and
- Extent to which the community is advancing the ActNow BC principle of being more physically active.
