Solar system atop Oakville’s Trafalgar Community Centre to cut energy use by 43 per cent

A solar power system being installed at the Oakville Trafalgar Community Centre is expected to reduce the facility’s energy consumption by as much as 43 per cent and greenhouse gas emissions by 19.9 tonnes annually, while providing the community with an environmentally friendly place to “come together.”

The project was given the go-ahead thanks to a combined investment of more than $1.6 million from the federal government and the Town of Oakville.

With an installation of more than 1,300 solar panels on the community centre and parking garage roofs, the project is expected to generate at least 660 megawatt-hours per year; sustainable upgrades not only helping reduce costs, but also increasing the town’s resiliency to the changing climate and helping it reach its energy management goals.

“Investments in green energy and environmentally friendly infrastructure is vital for the well-being of our communities and for the generations of residents to come,” said Oakville MP and Treasury Board President Anita Anand. “The installation of a solar power system to the Oakville Trafalgar Community Centre will aid the facility in lowering operational costs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, while creating a sustainable and welcoming environment for the community.”

Oakville Mayor Rob Burton expressed his thanks to Ottawa for their financial help – the federal government is contributing just over $1 million of the $1.67 million project – saying the solar panels will help the Town reach its target of becoming a Net Zero carbon corporation by 2050.

Oakville North-Burlington MP Pam Damoff said the improvements to the community centre “emphasize the importance of healthy lifestyles and environments” by providing a space to gather, play, and socialize in an environmentally friendly way. “The Government of Canada continues to invest in green infrastructure that will create a more sustainable community for generations to come.”

The funding program, which is providing $1.5 billion over five years towards green and accessible retrofits, repairs and upgrades, was created in support of Canada’s Climate Plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase energy efficiency and help develop higher resilience to climate change.