Fernie city council has approved design changes to the new firehall to include the option of installing solar panels in the future.
Council has not approved the purchase or installation of solar panels, but the building will be designed to accommodate them.
Coun. Ted Shoesmith opposed the addition and said it would add costs with little benefit.
“I don’t think we should further complicate design, timelines or expense to the taxpayer,” he said.
“Keep in mind this cost here isn’t the final cost if we eventually we do get solar panels. we’re going to be paying for them.”
Some councillors noted that solar panels weren’t a necessity since the city gets its power from windmills and hydro.
Coun. Troy Nixon said this addition ensures the firehall is future proofed.
“Last year British Columbia brought in $1.3 billion worth of electricity because of drought,” he added.
“I see that as the main problem and this is just going to diversify the opportunities for our facility.”
The addition passed in a 4-3 vote.
The time to update the design of the firehall is expected to delay the project by about three weeks.
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