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Connecting with Our Communities

By Karim Abraham | Blog, Uncategorised | 0 comment | 9 October, 2019 | 5

As our Community Power team members are ramping up to conduct more visits to various Indigenous communities in British Columbia this fall, we’ve been able to capture some heartfelt stories about the positive impacts our home energy and construction assessment and funding application efforts are having in these remote regions.

Recently during a trip to the Kwadacha Nation, a team member learned an incredible reason why one particular house had significant mould issues. Since the crawl space of the house had a insulated concrete form foundation, the homeowners weren’t aware that the space had experienced a water leak which eventually filled the entire area completely with water. It was only detected when the water started leaking through the home’s floorboards! A local maintenance worker risked his life to dive down into the crawl space to shut down the water valve and drain the excess water. However, once the water was removed, the maintenance worker was unsure of how to fix the mould problem that later ensued.

Our team member was amazed by this story – not only by how a crawl space could collect so much water, but also about how this individual risked life and limb to save the integrity of this home. He explained to the maintenance worker about the steps he can take in the future to rectify air flow and mould issues immediately for a minimal amount of money. However, this particular case would require more funds to ensure the health and safety of the home. The exact repair method and materials required were explained and identified, and the maintenance worker was able to confidently and safely repair the mould damage and prevent future mould growth. Through our visits and tutelage, community members are ensuring that their homes are properly maintained, and we empower them with the tools and knowledge they need to confidently fix issues on their own.

"As with every person, every home has a story. This is evident in every visit we make to a community. When looking at homes, we try to make each one safer, healthier, more energy efficient and more comfortable… but that’s just part of it. It’s the people in each home that make the reasoning crystal clear: it’s the families, the elders, the children, and all of their stories and generations of commitment to the land and the community. At a glimpse, their stories can overwhelm and encompass you. More importantly, their stories make you strap your boots on with pride and ensure each step counts."
- Tim McCormick, Senior Field Operations Manager

During another trip to the Kwadacha Nation, a team member visited a passionate father and son who live side-by-side in their community. After completing an energy assessment on both homes, several items were identified as significant and high priority upgrades that Community Power has since applied to receive funding for to complete for the family. It was evident that both father and son are very proud of their homes and land and wish to preserve it as much as possible.

For example, the son was eager to show us his current side project – a log home he’s building on his own that overlooks a little stream at the back of their land. There were multiple log cabins hand-built by the family over generations on the land, which were used as sheds, for extra storage, and as guest bedrooms. The son, proud to carry on the family tradition, was building his very own log home alongside these homes from the past.   While the first floor of the cabin was complete, the son was curious for any advice and insight regarding his approach to construction from our team (who was more than happy to oblige). His excitement was infectious, and his pride was evident. Our team looks forward to watching the cabin take shape and helping the son with any future advice!

Energy Efficiency, Energy Poverty, Energy solutions, First Nations, Indigenous

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