Anthon Pang, Broker, e-PRO, SRES

Question 1:

What are some ways to "green" up your electricity consumption?

1. Reduce consumption (e.g., eliminating phantom loads)
2. Increase efficiency (e.g., Energy Star appliances)
3. Purchase and retire carbon offsets
4. Switch to green sources of electricy (e.g., wind, solar, low-impact hydro, geothermal)
   

Answer:  All of the above.  For example, the Fall "Every Kilowatt Counts" campaign is promoting the elimination of phantom loads using power bars with timers, replacing inefficient lighting with compact fluorescent bulbs and fixtures, and replacing less efficient devices/appliances with Energy Star approved ones.  Unfortunately, switching to green sources of electricity often isn't practical at a small scale (cost, payback period, etc).

Question 2:

In Ontario, approximately how much of the grid/system's supplied electricity comes from nuclear and coal-burning generators?

1. 25%
2. 50%
3. 75%

Answer:  According to the Ontario Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, the answer is 'c'. [1]

Question 3:

Did you know Bullfrog Power is the only green power retailer in Ontario that uses customer demand to build new wind power generators?

• Yes
• No

Answer:  If so, why haven't you switched?

This is a great way to support clean, renewable power. Our home has switched to Bullfrog Power. It's a practical and meaningful way for individuals to help clean up our air quality and reduce carbon emissions that contribute to climate change. All of Bullfrog's power is sourced from clean EcoLogo-certified sources.

We're proud to be a bullfrogpowered home. If you would like to become bullfrogpowered with 100% green electricity too, sign up your home online at www.bullfrogpower.com. It only takes about 10 minutes, and you don't need any special equipment or wiring to make the switch. Plus, you can enter my personal promotional code (ANTH0908) to get $25 off your first Bullfrog Power bill.

Monday, October 6th is the last advance voting day. Otherwise, your last chance to vote is election day, Tuesday, October 14th.

By now, you should have received a voter information card (if you're on the voter registration list or gave the Canada Revenue Agency permission to share your residence information with Elections Canada). You don't have to bring this card with you to vote, but it is adviseable -- the poll no. printed on the card helps those working at the polling station to direct you to the proper table.

If you haven't received a voter information card, or the one you received is addressed to someone else or contains errors, call the local (Brampton) Elections Canada office at 1-866-236-8618.

Don't forget your ID. (If you don't have an acceptable piece of primary ID, e.g., driver's licence, there are some alternatives.)

Reference: Elections Canada

For Lakelands Village residents, you may have received misinformation from your local candidate(s) (e.g., automated phone message) about where your advance polling stations is. Refer to your voter information card. (In the worst case, if you show up at the wrong place, they'll tell you where you should go.)

If you want another incentive to vote, many of the advance polling stations are at community centers. It's a good opportunity to also check out your local CCs: facilities, programs, and upcoming events, especially family activities. For example, there will be grand re-opening celebration for the renovated swimming pool on October 18th, at the Century Gardens Recreation Complex.

Would you like to see or have a copy of your home's floor plans? Well, the City of Brampton should have a copy of your home's building plans on file.

Just head over to the Building Division of Planning, Design and Development, now located at Flower City Community Campus (a "block" south of Queen St), address: 8850 McLaughlin Rd., Unit 1.

Once inside the building, head downstairs to Document Services. Don't forget to bring picture ID (e.g., Ontario driver's licence). The clerk will verify your identity against their tax roll information for the property. For a recent transfer in title, you may have to bring a copy of your Purchase Agreement to show that you are the new homeowner.

The clerk will then retrieve the microfiche for you to view. If you live in a subdivision, there's a reference set of plans submitted by the builder for each model, and a separate file specific to your lot. Among the things you might find: HVAC heat loss calculations, mechanical drawings, floor plans, elevation drawings, cross-sectional drawings, etc. (The city may not have a copy of your survey though.)

There's no cost to view your plans. If you'd like copies made, it's $5 per page + GST (capped at $25), plus a $5 access to information fee (per Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, R.S.O. 1990c. M56.). As an example, the reference set alone for my home was 30 pages.

Just a reminder to fellow Bramptonians to check out the Habitat for Humanity's Brampton ReStore, which sells donated reusuable/surplus building materials. Proceeds go towards supporting build projects and administration costs.

If you'd like to learn more about donating or volunteering, check out their web site: Habitat for Humanity Brampton

If you'd like to learn more about residential construction, the Habitat for Humanity University offers a series of free, online courses. (Don't be intimidated. These are very basic.)

• Residential Construction Basics

For a more hands-on approach, Habitat for Humanity Toronto offers a 5 course curriculum (in two formats, either 4 - 2 hour sessions or a single full day session) that provides participants with knowledge and skills practice. It promises to provide good info for your own renovation projects too. Cost is $40 per course. There are also sessions limited to "women only" enrollment.

• Habitat for Humanity Toronto
  

Conversation Day is coming to Brampton!

Formerly known as Environment Day, this special one day event will be held at Fletcher’s Meadow Secondary School, located at 10750 Chinguacousy Rd., in Brampton, on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2008, between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Only residents arriving in vehicles will be allowed entry (i.e., no walk-in traffic).

Residents may drop off the following items free of charge:

• household hazardous waste items (e.g., batteries, household cleaners, solvents, paint, motor oil, pesticides)
• electronics (except TVs)
• confidential fine paper for shredding, and
• reusable goods for Goodwill (e.g., clothing, furniture, books, and small appliances).

The following items are not accepted at the event. Instead, you can take these to a local Community Recycling Centre (CRC):

• waste wood
• scrap metal
• tires
• TVs

(By the way, if you make a non-perishable food donation at the event, you'll receive a $10 voucher which you can use at a CRC.)

For more information, visit the Region of Peel Waste Management site.