Environment

Environmental consultants were retained according to government requirements to identify a number of items such as wildlife species at risk (there were none), avoid detriments to Arrow Lakes, and to keep the visual impact of the development to a minimum when viewed from the lake.  When you are in Galena Bay you are in the forest and all that entails.

Friendly Heating Sources

As part of the Design Guidelines, home owners will be required to use a green energy source as their main source of home heat. Options for conventional energy sources in this area include electric, propane, heating oil and wood burning. There is on-grid electric service (and telephone) in place at the property boundary. With the overall goal of minimizing the environmental impact of this development the use of fire wood as the major energy source will not be allowed in Galena Shores. We do not want to denude the forest to heat our homes.

A well established technology with low environmental impact and low (long-term) cost that is strongly favoured by current Galena Shores owners is a Geothermal Heat Pump system. Subject to a complete geo-engineering study there is one particular design using a closed-system with vertical wells that would be the least disruptive of the existing forest and probably the most economical. Check out these links:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geo-exchange and
http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/publications/infosource/pub/home/heating-heat-pump/gsheatpumps.cfm

Alternatives include some form of solar heating, recycled wood (pellet stoves), etc.

Other Environmentally Friendly Measures

• 70 acres of the original 141 acres is parkland thru which a trail network meanders.
• Building Envelopes on each lot are identified. Disturbance outside of these areas is minimal.
• Building Design Guidelines control sizes, materials, and placement of the structures so that the impact on the environment is minimized. Colors and materials that blend into the natural environment are encouraged.
• A list of local craftsmen, labourers and suppliers will be provided to lot owners.

Design Review Consultant (DRC)

When reviewing the plans the DRC will encourage:

• High efficiency hot water heating systems
• Increased insulation levels in walls and attic
• High efficiency windows and doors
• Energy efficient appliances
• Energy efficient lighting like compact fluorescents
• Large windows to reduce lighting costs
• Low flow toilets and plumbing fixtures to conserve water
• Efficient use of building materials to reduce construction waste
• Locally produced materials to support local economy
• Recycling center in the kitchen
• Use of building products that require lower energy to manufacture
• Low maintenance, long lasting materials and finishes
• Non-toxic & resource efficient products
• Engineered wood products, engineered wood flooring
• Finished concrete flooring
• Hiring local builders and craftsmen from Nakusp and area
• Use of indigenous materials (logs, gravel, wood, rock)