Vancouver is lighting it up!

If you notice a few changes on the Lion Gate Bridge, don't be alarmed. The province announced today that it will begin installing high efficiency LED lighting. Great to see changes Vancouver getting "greener".

LIONS GATE BRIDGE LIGHTING REPLACEMENT

VICTORIA – Beginning tonight, motorists, residents and visitors will notice a darkened Lions Gate Bridge, while crews install a high-efficiency LED lighting system.

The current 100-watt architectural lighting, which drapes the bridge’s suspension cables, is powered by 170 mercury-vapour bulbs and has been in place since 1986. However, with its core infrastructure nearing the end of its life span, the system is becoming increasingly onerous and costly to maintain.

The new LED lighting will have the same appearance as the existing system but will cut the current power consumption by 90 per cent and drastically reduce the time spent each year replacing burned-out bulbs.

The $150,000 project is being cost-shared by both the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and BC Hydro. The new LED bulbs have a design life of 12 years and will not only last longer but the Province expects to save more than $30,000 per year in energy and maintenance.

Work to remove the existing lighting and install the new LED system will begin immediately and is expected to take up to three weeks to complete. During this time regular traffic lighting will function as usual, and traffic will not be affected.

The LED lighting retrofit supports B.C.’s Energy Plan, which encourages new technologies to “green the grid,” promote clean energy and reduce energy losses.

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Hungry For Change?

2009 Car Free Vancouver Day

Car Free Vancouver Day put on street parties at four areas in the city. I attended the Main Street event near my home and volunteered at the Commercial Drive event with barricades. Both of these events were well attended and it seemed that everyone was having a good time.

Scoring Big

I am really excited that the city officials are exploring how Vancouver can implement a bike sharing program. My family and I went to the seawall near Science World where Bixi has demonstration bicycles this weekend. Each bike station includes a pay station, bike docks, and bikes, and is equipped with solar panels that power the station. I tried one of the bikes and it was easy to ride. It was also very comfortable and the seat could be adjusted with breeze. Although the ride was smooth, the bike only has 3 speeds so I think its limited in range. Otherwise it was a pleasant experience. I also found out that these bikes are made in Quebec and if the city goes ahead with a bike sharing program they will be creating some Canadian manufacturing jobs. The demonstration ends tomorrow.

We also attended The Official Canadian Street Hockey Tournament, Play On! Vancouver, which took place nearby on Abbot Street near GM Place. It was lots of fun to watch. I even caught a glimpse of CBC news anchor Ian Hanomansing reporting his results at the tournament.

Feeling like a Giant Rock

Almost a week ago, I posted I was looking for a bike and received a quick response from a friend. She told me she had two bikes and thought one was perfect for me. I went over to her house, tried it out and found the bike was just the right size for me. I now a Giant "Rock" model bike and hope that I'll be able to commute to work on it starting next week.

Are you part of the plan?

I visited BePartofthePlan.ca and filled out the online questionaire. I selected my transport priorities for the region, then my preferred existing funding options, and lastly ranked the future funding options that should be used. The consultation for Translink 10-Year Plan closes on June 30 and I wanted my voice to be heard. I hope Vancouverites express their interest in maintaining and improving a vibrant public transportation system.

We are all linked

Yesterday the Vancouver Aquarium announced that Beluga Whale Aurora gave birth to female calf and released a video of the birth too. It is great to hear that Vancouver has become the home of another beautiful mammal.

On the topic of home, Yann Arthus-Bertrand released a film called HOME which will be available on YouTube until June 14, 2009. You can watch a preview below.

Let's ride this heat out!

It's bike month and I have officially started to look for a new bike. I hope to get a bike that works well, was built to be fast, fits me well and is not expensive. Free would be even better. I am looking for inspiration and was thinking of visiting the Velo-City exhibit: Vancouver & the Bicycle Revolution at the Museum of Vancouver.

Vancouver’s human-powered revolution that's changing the way people experience and relate to the city, their neighborhoods, and to their own bodies.

The show opened today and runs until September 7, 2009. I enjoy taking the Translink because it allows me to read however I would like to be more physically active while doing mu part for the environment.

Happy Clean Air Day! Now Just Chill!

Hot, dry weather prompts air quality warning in Metro Vancouver
Today was an excellent day to promote clean air and good health across Vancouver. It was really hot day and residents are being asked "to cut back on activities that might increase air pollution, such as driving."

Instead of driving, take the commuter challenge or go for a walk with a friend and treat him or her to a Blizzard at Dairy Queen. Currently, if you join DQs Blizzard Fan Club you will get a coupon for a free blizzard when you purchase one.