These Kootenay local governments have voted for 100% renewable energy by 2050

Community by community, the momentum to transition to clean energy is happening in the  Kootenays.

On February 15, the Town of Golden was the latest to vote to join the growing number of municipalities that are committed to transitioning to 100 per cent renewable energy no later than 2050. And Golden makes 12 local governments in the Kootenays to do so.

“I’m proud that Golden has committed to moving away from fossil fuels so that our communities can be safer, cleaner and more resilient to the impacts of climate change,” said Calvin Beauschesne, a local volunteer and committed citizen.

100% Renewable Kootenays is a campaign of the West Kootenay EcoSociety. The goal is for the Kootenays to phase out fossil fuels and be on 100 per cent renewable energy in all sectors no later than 2050. This transition to clean energy includes electricity, heating and cooling in buildings, transportation and industry.

“I am inspired by Golden’s community and council. Golden is leading the way for other rural communities like theirs to be a part of the common-sense renewable energy transition that is already underway across Canada and the world,” said Natasha Edmunds, EcoSociety’s organizing director. "The clean energy transition is a way to live healthy, safely and securely together."

Even small towns like Golden—with a population of about 4,000—can make a difference by voting for clean energy. — Kirsten Armleder photo

The idea for 2050 didn’t originate with the EcoSociety. Over 250 communities around the globe are part of this movement. In Canada, cities like Vancouver and Victoria and Guelph, Ontario, have committed to the goal.

“We are organizing in other communities, such as Salmo and Trail,” Edmunds said. “Moving forward, we will be doing more organizing in the East Kootenays.”

If you’re interested in learning about the process of getting your community to vote on this clean energy initiative, we’ve written about previous communities’ successes (here and here).

Kootenay governments that have made the commitment to 100% renewable energy by 2050, followed by year adopted:

1. Village of Slocan, 2017
2. City of Nelson, 2018
3. Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK), 2018
4. City of Rossland, 2019
5. Village of New Denver, 2019
6. Village of Silverton, 2019
7. City of Castlegar, 2019
8. Village of Warfield, 2019
9. Village of Kaslo, 2019
10. Village of Fruitvale, 2021
11. Town of Creston, 2021
12. Town of Golden, 2022