Federation of Canadian Municipalities Conference Whistler BC.

It was an honor to attend this conference on behalf of the City of Kelowna. It was a well attended and a very active conference. The conference covered a wide range of pertinent issues that affect Kelowna and all Canadian Cities. We had the opportunity to tour the Olympic Venues, resident restricted affordable housing, the sewage treatment facilities ( which heats the affordabel housing complexes) and the library.

This is picture of the Inukshuk at the top of Whistler Mountain, ready and waiting for the 2010 Olympic Games.

Trash to Treasure of "T2T" would be a City wide event to reduce and re-use items that might end up in the land fill. I have proposed this to the City and it is currently being reviewed by City staff.  Council has yet to vote on this initiative.

On a pre-determined day people are encouraged to place quality household items at the curbside at 8 am with a sign “T2T” on the items. The “T2T” signifies that anyone can come by and take the item for free. Items can be any household item from bicycles to toys, clothing, books, or furniture. By 4 p.m. at the end of the day any remaining items must be collected by the homeowner and taken off the curbside. This is a community event that celebrates the environment. With the successful adoption of this event for Kelowna, perhaps the Regional District of the Central Okanagan may also want to get on board. I look forward to your support.

Why should Kelowna adopt this event?

It is easy to participate in. It encourages recycling. It provides an opportunity to meet your neighbors. It reduces the amount of items taken to the landfill. It provides an opportunity for people to collect needed items.

• and best of all, can be a lot of fun for those that want to participate.