OAK BAYNEWS COMMUNITY
ENTERTAINMENT
A show of respect
Fibrations is on the ball
Part 2 of our series on why and how the Songhees are protecting Discovery and Chatham Islands. Page A3
Knitters, weavers and felters tangle this Sunday at St. Ann’s Academy for the annual fibre fest. Page A14
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
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Young at art Oak Bay High 2012 grad Derone Smith shows his art at the Bowker Creek Brush Up on Sunday. Smith was one of three youth artists featured at this year’s Brush Up. Sharon Tiffin/News staff
Carbon credits a major expense for Island’s health authority Taxpayer watchdog argues B.C.’s Pacific Carbon Trust actions amount to ‘corporate welfare’ Daniel Palmer News staff
The Vancouver Island Health Authority spent more than $880,000 last year to pay for carbon offsets, something the organization attributes to colder weather in 2011 and the expansion of its hospitals. The 35,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide produced by the authority is still six per cent lower than 2007 levels, when the province began requiring public bodies to pur-
chase offsets through crown corporation Pacific Carbon Trust. VIHA hopes to reduce its carbon footprint by 33 per cent below 2007 levels by 2020. “Heat recovery from chilled water systems has huge potential and is being implemented at Victoria General and Nanaimo Regional General hospitals,” said spokesperson Shannon Marshall, adding that VIHA is also exploring neighbourhood energy systems with the City of Victoria and Capital Regional District. Pacific Carbon Trust buys carbon credits from energy-
efficient companies in the private sector, and then sells them to school districts, health authorities and other government bodies to offset carbon output. Last year, the Trust sold $14 million in credits to public institutions. The system is meant to create an across-the-board neutral carbon footprint throughout the province. PLEASE SEE: Oak Bay 2008 pledge, Page A4
Get Your Smile Ready for Summer In-office bleaching available
Dr Cheryl Handley New patients and emergencies welcome Family & Cosmetic Dentistry 2108 Oak Bay Ave • Tel: 250 598 1313