Today, Jennifer O'Connell, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities and Member of Parliament for Pickering - Uxbridge, and Chief Laurie Carr of Hiawatha First Nation announced federal funding of over $284,000 to install solar panels on the Hiawatha First Nation Cultural Centre.
The 73.5-kilo-Watt roof-mounted energy system will consist of 210 modules of 350-Watt photovoltaic (PV) panels. The energy it generates will increase the energy efficiency of the Cultural Centre and L.I.F.E (Lasting Individual Family Enrichment) Services building. These improvements are expected to reduce the facility's energy consumption by an estimated 21.4% and greenhouse gas emissions by 3.5 tonnes annually.
This investment will reduce the facility's energy costs, freeing up operational funds that will be reinvested in the community. The PV array will make the facility more energy autonomous, reducing the impact of energy disruptions on the facility and making it a more secure space for community members to gather during power outages.
The Cultural Centre and L.I.F.E. (Lasting Individual Family Enrichment) Services building expansion project was completed in spring 2021. It offers accessible spaces and services to the community including a family room, a large event space and a commercial kitchen that provides cultural programs, services, and teachings. It is also used as the community's emergency use space.
By investing in infrastructure, the Government of Canada is growing our country's economy, increasing the resiliency of our communities and improving the lives of Canadians.
