Dockside Green

VICTORIA - The Province of B.C. will contribute $85,000 in funding to support Dockside Green - one of the most environmentally progressive urban developments in the history of Canada, Environment Minister Barry Penner announced today.

"Earth Day is the perfect time to reiterate our support for this innovative, environmentally sound project," said Penner, against the backdrop of Earth Day celebrations in the heart of Victoria. "Dockside Green's commitment to strong ecological and economic performance mirrors B.C.'s priorities and fits well with our objectives for sustainability."

Located on a 4.6-hectare site between the Johnson and Bay Street bridges in downtown Victoria, Dockside Green will feature groundbreaking green technologies focused on reducing the environmental footprint of the development, and on reusing and recycling waste from one service and using it to propel another.

"The development is in a strategically located area, on a substantial piece of brownfield land, so we wanted to ensure the best possible use for it," said Victoria Mayor Alan Lowe. "That's why we wanted a unique approach to environmental sustainability that would benefit our environment for the future."

"We envision Dockside Green as a vibrant, diverse community in which environmental health translates into economic prosperity," said Jon Van Belleghem of Windmill Development Group. "The development will create economic opportunities while promoting sustainability and healthy urban living."

The provincial government's grant will help Dockside Green to document the project's platinum LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) status with the Canada Green Building Council, and to globally showcase green technologies and design features used in the development.

The project, developed by Vancity Enterprises and Windmill Development Group, came in response to a request for proposals to redevelop an industrial site. The RFP was issued by the City of Victoria in October 2004.

Don McDonald
Communications Director Ministry of Environment
250 387-9973

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