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That Goat Position in Vancouver? Filled

Posted by: Nate Berg
Thanks to: Brent Toderian
3 April 2009 - 1:00pm

The city of Vancouver is hoping to reduce its energy use and carbon emissions by hiring a goat to maintain the grounds at city hall. Though the mayor wants to expand the goat program to schools and parks, some have reservations.

"The concept is simple: Tony grazes on city hall greenspace and reduces the need for carbon-spewing lawn mowers and weed whackers. In addition to his daily grass intake, Tony consumes a high-fibre diet of prunes and whey. Tony's manure is collected and mixed with nitrogen fertilizer, which powers a battery of microwave-sized generators strategically placed inside city hall. The generators heat individual rooms and can be easily moved around the building, if necessary."

"'GoatingGreen will reduce city hall's heating bill by 30 per cent,' said Robertson, as Tony quietly nuzzled the mayor's pant leg. The savings, added Robertson, will help recoup the $37,580 program cost. GoatingGreen materials include Tony, 12 generators, two stainless steel pooper scoopers, one Goat-a-Matic tracking collar and a three-year supply of environmentally friendly fertilizer."

"Pending council approval, Robertson plans to purchase more goats and expand the program to public sites around the city, including parks and school grounds."

"But not everyone's on board."

Full Story: Mayor unleashes goat program
Source: The Vancouver Courier, April 1, 2009
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In the long term, removing major urban freeways should be part of a more comprehensive approach to reduce automobile dependency by promoting public transportation and transit-oriented development.
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