KELOWNA – The Government of Canada has committed $470,000 through the ecoENERGY for Renewable Heat program to the Okanagan–Shuswap Solar Project which will support the installation of solar water heating systems in 470 new homes in the Central Okanagan. The announcement was made today by Ron Cannan, Member of Parliament for Kelowna–Lake Country, on behalf of the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources, at the Okanagan Environmental Industry Conference.
"Our government's investment in this partnership adds to the success of our ecoENERGY for Renewable Heat initiative, which is increasing the use of clean, renewable energy in British Columbia and across Canada," said Mr. Cannan. "It's also another demonstration of how our government is keeping its commitment to deliver tangible ways to help Canadians reduce greenhouse gases and protect our environment for this and future generations."
Speaking in Kelowna, Mr. Cannan stated that the Government of Canada's contribution would cover approximately 20 percent of the total cost of purchasing and installing the systems at the Fintry Housing Development.
Partners in the Okanagan–Shuswap Solar Project include Thermo Matrix and Tigress Ventures Inc.
"We're very excited about this partnership with the Government of Canada, which will bring a large-scale installation of solar hot water systems to the sunny interior of B.C. with the hope that this project will encourage homeowners and businesses to explore the energy-saving opportunities by contacting one of our local installers," said Angela Reid, President of Tigress Ventures. "Once we've demonstrated success in the community, we plan to work with local partners to create a solar hot water bulk-buying club, making solar hot water installations even more affordable."
Water heating accounts for between 20 and 25 percent of the average household's energy use. A solar water heating system can meet up to 60 percent of a Canadian home's hot water needs and, depending on the energy source it replaces, can cut energy costs by more than $300 a year – while reducing household greenhouse gas emissions by one tonne annually.
In addition to a marketing and communications program to raise awareness of the benefits of solar water heating systems among residents of the Okanagan and throughout B.C., the project also includes a detailed evaluation component that will help to support future decisions on the use of the systems.
The ecoENERGY for Renewable Heat initiative is one of a series of ecoENERGY initiatives through which the Government of Canada is investing more than $3.6 billion to increase Canada's supply of clean, renewable energy to help Canadians reduce their energy costs and emissions. The initiatives are a key part of the Government of Canada's Turning the Corner plan to fight climate change by achieving an absolute reduction of 20 percent in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
Residents of B.C.'s Okanagan region will soon be able to obtain solar water heaters for their homes at a reduced cost. The Government of Canada has committed $470,000 for the Okanagan–Shuswap Solar Project as part of the ecoENERGY for Renewable Heat program.
Media may contact:
Bernadette Murphy
Acting Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa
613-996-2007
Angela Reid
President
Tigress Ventures Inc.
Office 250-861-4976
Cell 250-215-7714
www.tigressventures.ca
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