Ontario’s Small Communities Fund (SCF) has awarded about $5 million to four communities to develop solar-powered microgrids.
The winners are among 13 infrastructure projects that will receive $10 million from the Ontario and Canadian governments in the SCF’s most recent round of funding. Communities will provide any necessary matching funds.
Ontario’s Ministry of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure listed the winning solar micorgrids as:
- Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation: $260,662 from Ontario and $260,662 from the federal government for a solar-powered microgrid to reduce the local community’s reliance on diesel and help lower greenhouse gas emissions.
- Taykwa Tagamou Nation: $684,238 from Ontario and $684,238 from the federal government for a solar-powered microgrid that includes energy conservation measures that use solar modules, oil-powered generators and batteries, to provide the local community with cost-effective power.
- Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve: $814,568 from Ontario and $814,568 from the federal government for a solar-powered microgrid to provide cost-effective power to more than 50 local homes and help reduce greenhouse gas emission
- Oneida Nation of the Thames: $814,568 from Ontario and $814,568 from the federal government for a solar-powered microgrid that will provide cost-effective power for local community housing and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The projects are part of $160 billion in infrastructure investment Ontario plans to make over 12 years, across the province for energy, roads, bridges, transit systems, schools and hospitals. Those eligible for funding include municipalities, local services boards, public sector bodies, Indigenous band councils, private sector for-profit organizations, and non-profit organizations.
“By partnering with the federal government, 13 communities will benefit from modernized, more reliable public infrastructure that will attract investment, create jobs and improve the quality of life at both local and regional levels. This is just one element of the government’s overall commitment to build Ontario up, invest in people and help our economy grow now and remain strong in the future,” said Brad Duguid. minister of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure.
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