The Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) has provided grants to cover the costs of installing solar panels at nine affordable housing complexes across the region.
The Trust has provided almost $600,000 towards the upgrades, which will benefit 101 affordable rental units for families and seniors.
“Adding solar panels not only reduces the environmental impact of these buildings but also ensures families and seniors living in affordable housing can enjoy stable, sustainable and affordable homes,” said Ulli Mueller, Senior Delivery of Benefits Manager.
Examples of a few of the projects can be found below.
Abbeyfield St. Paul’s Golden – $75,345
The Abbeyfield House Society St. Paul’s Golden will use its funding to add solar panels to its 11-unit building, which is expected to generate 49,710 kilowatt-hours per year.
“This has helped ensure the sustainability and viability of the building for future generations of senior residents, and energy savings help us maintain affordable rents,” said Karen Smedley, Abbeyfield House Society President.
Slocan Valley Seniors Housing Society (Winlaw) – $69,460
Passmore Lodge, a 10-unit housing complex run by the Slocan Valley Seniors Housing Society, will add 37,000 kilowatt-hours per year.
“This project brings the building up to current standards, helps us have a smaller footprint, and saves and generates energy,” said Joyce Johnson, Slocan Valley Seniors Housing Society Administrator.
“We also signed up for net metering and hope to put electricity back into the system.”
Bluebell Manor Society (Riondel) – $44,690
The Bluebell Manor Society used its grant to add solar panels onto its five-unit complex, which is expected to generate 16,575 kilowatt-hours per year.
“The rooftop solar panels will help offset regular operating costs, support our low-cost housing mandate by holding down utilities costs for residents, and provide a more environmentally friendly footprint for our building by taking advantage of the latest technologies,” said Gerald Panio, Bluebell Manor Society Chair.
You can find details on the other projects here.
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