Premier Iain Rankin calls it an historic day for Antigonish and for the province. The three levels of government have announced a $22.4 million project to develop solar gardens in
Premier Iain Rankin at Antigonish announcement. (Ken Kingston photo)
Antigonish, Mahone Bay and Berwick. The Antigonish solar garden, a 2.1megawatt facility will provide three percent of the town’s energy use.
A 1.9 megawatt facility is planned for Mahone Bay, and Berwick’s will be 4.8 megawatts.
The three communities are part of the Alternative Resource Energy Authority, operators of a 10-turbine 23.5 megawatt wind farm in Ellershouse.
Rankin says as Nova Scotia begins to rebuild the economy it’s important to grasp the opportunities such as this project.
The province has committed $7.5 million to the project, the federal government will spend $8.9 million and the three municipalities have committed $6 million. The town of Antigonish will invest $1.4 million.
Antigonish Mayor Laurie Boucher says collectively, this is the largest community solar power
Antigonish Mayor Laurie Boucher at news conference, with Antigonish MLA Randy Delorey looking on. (Ken Kingston photo)
project in the country.
Boucher says with the solar garden, town electrical customers can benefit through a subscription program.
Construction of the Antigonish solar garden is expected to begin in the fall and will take a year to complete.