New Solar Installation Unveiled on the Ktunaxa Nation Government Building in Cranbrook, B.C.

New Solar Panels

 

September 27, 2017

Members of the Ktunaxa Nation and residents of Cranbrook, B.C., will gather to celebrate the unveiling of a new solar electricity system on the roof of the Ktunaxa government building on the weekend of September 30th. The project was made possible through the leadership of the Ktunaxa Nation Council in partnership with Solar Now, the Columbia Basin Trust and Accelerate Kootenays.

The array features 119 solar panels and has a generating capacity of 40 kilowatts. The system will generate 45,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity each year—equivalent to the power used by four typical homes—and over 1 million kilowatt-hours throughout its 25 year lifespan. This electricity will be fed back into the grid, offsetting a portion of the power required by the Ktunaxa Nation Government Building.

Technicians with SkyFire Energy work to install a 119-panel solar array on the Ktunaxa Nation Government Building in Cranbrook, B.C., as part of Solar Now.

The solar array will also provide power to an electric vehicle charging station that will be installed on-site as part of the Accelerate Kootenays project. The location of the electric vehicle charging station will provide residents and visitors with an opportunity to learn more about the Ktunaxa Nation, and to consider the relationship between sustainable energy production and transportation.

“This project represents a significant opportunity to not only build renewable energy for the KNGB but also raise awareness on the positive effects on the environment of using electric vehicles, and the cost savings with low-level impact of solar power generation,” said Don Maki, Ktunaxa Nation Council Facilities and Capital Acquisitions Manager.

The Ktunaxa Nation Council has been actively working to build stronger relationships in the region and, more than ever before, working with all levels of government and industry to advance as a self-governing Nation. According to the Nation, this project exemplifies true reconciliatory action as expressed through the shared vision of its partners.

“As passionate stewards of the land and water, the Ktunaxa Nation is excited to form a partnership with Solar Now, Columbia Basin Trust and Accelerate Kootenays on the generation of clean and renewable solar energy,” said Darrin Jamieson, Ktunaxa Nation Council CAO.

“We will continue to uphold our values of environmental preservation. Through harvesting the sun’s energy, we can demonstrate to all people living on Ktunaxa ʔamakʔis that we can move towards autonomy through collaboration and sustainable partnerships.”

Clean Energy Canada, based at the Centre for Dialogue at Simon Fraser University, is a founding partner in Solar Now. The initiative is also made possible through the support of community sponsors, including Bullfrog Power, the Great Climate Race, and the Community Energy Association. Learn more about Solar Now.

Photo: Ktunaxa First Nation, Sept. 20, 2017.

http://cleanenergycanada.org/new-solar-now-installation-underway-ktunaxa-nation/

Related Articles


Latest Articles


Changing Scene

  • Skills Ontario Supports Ontario’s Investments in Skilled Trades in Budget Announcement

    Skills Ontario Supports Ontario’s Investments in Skilled Trades in Budget Announcement

    March 28. 2024 As demand for skilled trades professionals rises, Skills Ontario is commending the government for continued investments in skilled trades and technology programing, working to address the shortfall and need to build the workforce of the future in Ontario.  The skilled trades shortage is costing Ontario approximately $25 billion in foregone GDP. A… Read More…

  • IVRY Launches 7 New VR Lessons

    IVRY Launches 7 New VR Lessons

     IVRY Technologies, a division of IDEAL Electrical, is launching seven new virtual reality (VR) lessons in Canada as part of its Virtual Electrical Training (VET) Series 2 training module. The cutting-edge training will serve as a learning resource for International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) training centers across Canada. Read More…

  • PEI Budget 2024 Signals Continued Focus on Healthcare, Housing and Affordability for all Islanders 

    PEI Budget 2024 Signals Continued Focus on Healthcare, Housing and Affordability for all Islanders 

    March 28, 2024 Hon. Jill Burridge, Minister of Finance, presented government’s 2024-25 operating budget to the legislative assembly, outlining $3.2 billion in investments for Prince Edward Island with a continued focus on healthcare, housing and affordability measures. “This budget signals where we’re headed as a province and shows Islanders where we will be making key… Read More…

  • BC’s Budget 2024 Prioritizes Actions for Low-Carbon Economy

    BC’s Budget 2024 Prioritizes Actions for Low-Carbon Economy

    March 28, 2024 Josie Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, and Brittny Anderson, MLA for Nelson-Creston, met with community climate leaders in Nelson to discuss how Budget 2024 can help support people in the region to transition to a low-carbon economy and meet shared CleanBC goals. “Our government’s budget this year reflects the… Read More…