For Release
November 06, 2007
Dawson Creek, British Columbia — Students, researchers
and industry in B.C.’s Northeast region will have new training and
business opportunities thanks to an investment of $150,000 by the Government
of Canada to build an alternative energy research and training centre
at the Dawson Creek campus of Northern Lights College.
The specialized building, called Energy House, will provide training
for students and trades people in the design, installation and maintenance
of alternative energy systems. Expected to open in early 2008, it will
also be a public display facility to demonstrate alternative energy to
industry and the general public.
Jay Hill, Member of Parliament for Prince George–Peace River, made
the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President
of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental
Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification.
“The Government of Canada is proud to support this project, which
improves infrastructure and increases capacity for the growing renewable
energy sector in British Columbia,” said MP Hill. “Energy
House will be a leading-edge facility that will enable Northern Lights
College to train more skilled workers and strengthen economic opportunities
for the people of B.C.’s Northeast region.”
Energy House will serve as both a demonstration and technical training
facility. The 3,500-square-foot building will be built using environmentally-friendly
and energy-efficient materials and design. The federal government will
contribute $150,000 of the estimated cost of $500,000.
“Energy House will be on the leading-edge of new environmental
learning and knowledge,” said Jean Valgardson, President of Northern
Lights College. “This facility will provide a training centre for
alternative energy technologies and installations, and attract students
from this region and all over Canada to our beautiful Dawson Creek campus.”
Western Economic Diversification Canada is a department of the Government
of Canada that works in partnership with the provinces, industry associations
and communities to stimulate and encourage diversification of the western
economy, as well as to represent the interests of the West in national
decision-making.
For additional information, contact:
Tom Wakefield
Communications Officer
Western Economic Diversification Canada
(604) 666-2445
cellular: (604) 218-4395
Howard Mayer
Dean, Industry and Contract Training
Northern Lights College
(250) 784-7505
hmayer@nlc.bc.ca
