At L’Arche’s I Belong Centre (IBC), thoughtful improvements are making a difference in everyday life, supporting both sustainability and accessibility in ways that reflect the heart of our community.
Harnessing the Sun
Recently, solar panels were installed on the roof of the IBC, marking an important step toward reducing L’Arche Comox Valley’s environmental footprint and managing long-term energy costs. Thanks to the generosity of a dedicated and anonymous donor, nearly the entire cost of the project was covered – an extraordinary gift that will continue to give for years to come. We’re grateful to Hakai Energy for their expertise and care in installing the system.
Solar energy is not only a cleaner alternative, but also a practical one. It’s estimated that L’Arche’s new solar panel system will reduce the Centre’s electricity costs by approximately 30% of annual usage. For the IBC, this means more resources available to support our programs and activities.
Rolling Forward
Another improvement speaks directly to independence and daily living. What was once a plain storage shed has been transformed into a secure, weather-proof bike storage room, complete with the ability to charge electric bikes and one electric vehicle.
For several core members living in the I Belong Centre Suites, electric bikes are an important way of getting around town, offering both freedom and connection to the wider Courtenay community. This new space provides a safe, dry place to store and charge bikes, supporting independence. This project was made possible through the support of the Catholic Foundation of Vancouver Island, a valued and ongoing partner and B Frank Electric. A big thank you also to our volunteers: Tom Moffat, Bob Rasmus, Andre Ruel and Remo Henri.
Together, these improvements show how the combined efforts of a caring community can make a meaningful difference, turning thoughtfulness and generosity into real, lasting impact.
