Westbank First Nation will explore the possibility of installing rooftop solar panels to heat a portion of its community school and building centre thanks to a $20,380 investment from B.C.’s First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund.

The funding will be used by Westbank First Nation for a feasibility study on installing rooftop photovoltaic solar panels on the community’s Sensisyusten House of Learning building centre. Westbank First Nation has plans to build an extension to its community school and sees this as an opportunity to potentially install solar panels on the roof of the school.

Although the panels may be limited in size, the project will demonstrate the community’s commitment to renewable and sustainable energy. The objective of the study is to draft concept designs of solar panel integration in preparation for an architect and structural engineer review and to analyze the project’s economics to determine a range of solar array sizing options. The results will be presented to community members for their feedback.

The First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund provides funding to First Nations to participate in the clean-energy sector and helps Aboriginal communities reduce their reliance on diesel power generation.

Quotes:

Premier Christy Clark, MLA for Westside-Kelowna –

“Not only does this investment help Westbank First Nation buy and burn less diesel, Sensisyusten students may see solar panels used on a day-to-day basis, sparking new ideas for Westbank, their environment and career possibilities.”

Chief Roxanne Lindley, Westbank First Nation –

“This funding will help Westbank First Nation explore our sustainable energy options for an important part of our community – our school. We want our kids to grow up knowing we can choose how to respect and work with the climate in our territory.”

Quick Facts:

• Westbank First Nation has approximately 786 members and is a member of the Okanagan Nation. Westbank has five reserves, including two near Kelowna.
• Funding into the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund has increased from $4.2 million in 2016 to $7.2 million for 2017 as more clean-energy power projects have reached commercial operation.
• The B.C. First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund provides funding to First Nations to support equity investments in clean-energy projects, energy-efficiency projects and  clean-energy feasibility studies or private-sector engagement.
• Since 2011, more than 110 First Nations communities have benefited from approximately $8 million in capacity and equity funding.
• First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund has supported the development of First Nations clean-energy projects in sectors such as ocean thermal, wind energy, biomass, solar, run-of-river hydroelectric power, clean-energy planning and other clean-energy-related areas.
• The fund also provides revenue-sharing agreements with First Nations for a portion of water and land rents charged by the Province for new clean-energy projects.
• Thirty-four B.C. First Nations communities benefit from clean-energy revenue-sharing agreements under the fund.
• In March 2017, the B.C. government released the Rural Economic Development Strategy, which includes an ongoing commitment to partner with Aboriginal communities to ensure full access to development and growth opportunities.

Learn More:

Westbank First Nation: www.wfn.ca

First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund: http://ow.ly/JPz530apMVd

Community Energy Leadership Program: www.gov.bc.ca/communityenergyleadershipprogram

Clean Energy B.C.: www.cleanenergybc.org/