The Media Room
Natural Resources Canada
2010/24
April 23, 2010
Government of Canada Invests in Ontario Solar Energy Program
SCARBOROUGH, ONTARIO — Wilmar Heights United Church Non-Profit Homes Inc., with help from the Government of Canada, is putting renewable solar energy to work for the residents of a local seniors’ residential building. Wilmar Court recently completed the installation of a solar thermal system consisting of 24 solar thermal domestic hot water units.
“Our government is pleased to be investing $13,000 in this solar energy project in the community of Scarborough,” said the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Natural Resources. “We will continue to invest in clean energy projects that will create high-quality jobs for Canadians while helping to protect and preserve the environment.”
This project is a joint initiative led by Wilmar Heights United Church Non-Profit Homes Inc. with financial support from the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario, the Toronto Atmospheric Fund, and in collaboration with Canada–China Environmental Cooperation Council, Ainsworth, Ameresco and Globe Solar Energy.
The Government of Canada’s ecoENERGY for Renewable Heat program is designed primarily for industry, business and institutions to expand the use of renewable energy for space heating and hot water. It is also supporting community organizations and utilities in testing ways to promote the deployment of solar water heating systems in the residential sector.
“It is with great pleasure that we officially announce April 23, 2010, as our Solar Launch Day for Wilmar Heights United Church Non-Profit Homes Inc.,” said Jamie Ramesbottom, Executive Director, Wilmar Heights United Church Non-Profit Homes Inc. “We are very proud to have developed a unique community-based renewable energy project that will set the example for non-profit and social housing in Ontario and across Canada.”
Solar water heating systems can significantly help meet the hot water needs of residential buildings, cutting ongoing energy and water heating costs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The $36-million ecoENERGY for Renewable Heat initiative is one of a series of ecoENERGY initiatives funded by the Government of Canada with an investment of more than $4.1 billion to increase Canada's supply of clean, renewable energy.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
Natural Resources Minister Christian Paradis says the Government of Canada is helping to put renewable energy to work for the residents of a seniors’ building in Scarborough, Ontario. Minister Paradis says the government is investing $13,000 to help cover the costs of a solar thermal system consisting of 24 solar thermal domestic hot water units.
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