Solar Stories
This event is presented by the Athabasca University Communities in Transition initiative.
Get inspired by Montana First Nation and the town of Lumsden’s solar initiatives, and ask Peace Energy Co-op about project execution!
What does it take to launch a solar installation in your rural community? Where do you start and what’s possible? Get inspired by the stories of Montana First Nation and the town of Lumsden’s solar initiatives, their challenges and innovations, and how the decision to invest in renewable energy has impacted their community. Then hear from Peace Energy Co-op, which has helped municipal governments, non-profit groups, and individuals realize their solar ambitions. They will share insights about project execution and highlight current projects such as the Peace River Energy Project, a cooperatively owned, grid-tied solar farm.
More about our presenters…
Montana First Nation’s solar journey began in 2012 with rooftop installations in Maskwacis, Alta., and by 2020, it had achieved the largest on-reserve solar farm in Canada. Many nation members have been trained on installation, adding another layer of economic benefit to the projects. Vickie Wetchie, general manager of Akamihk Energy, will speak about the process of building nation-owned solar infrastructure and the pride that this has created in the community across generations.
The town of Lumsden is being called the “most sustainable small town in Saskatchewan.” It began its solar investment into a community building in 2017, then with a few projects under its belt, tackled its large wastewater treatment facility electrification project, which went live in 2022. Town councillor Rhonda Phillips will relate the town’s work and how solar was adopted as the right solution for their community.
Peace Energy Co-op, based in the Peace River region of B.C., was the first renewable energy co-op of its kind in Western Canada and has been promoting and educating people about renewable energy for the past 20 years. Don Pettit, executive director and founding member, will provide insight into how their co-op works and the impacts resulting from their projects in rural Alberta and B.C.
This event is presented by the Athabasca University Communities in Transition initiative.
Get inspired by Montana First Nation and the town of Lumsden’s solar initiatives, and ask Peace Energy Co-op about project execution!
What does it take to launch a solar installation in your rural community? Where do you start and what’s possible? Get inspired by the stories of Montana First Nation and the town of Lumsden’s solar initiatives, their challenges and innovations, and how the decision to invest in renewable energy has impacted their community. Then hear from Peace Energy Co-op, which has helped municipal governments, non-profit groups, and individuals realize their solar ambitions. They will share insights about project execution and highlight current projects such as the Peace River Energy Project, a cooperatively owned, grid-tied solar farm.
More about our presenters…
Montana First Nation’s solar journey began in 2012 with rooftop installations in Maskwacis, Alta., and by 2020, it had achieved the largest on-reserve solar farm in Canada. Many nation members have been trained on installation, adding another layer of economic benefit to the projects. Vickie Wetchie, general manager of Akamihk Energy, will speak about the process of building nation-owned solar infrastructure and the pride that this has created in the community across generations.
The town of Lumsden is being called the “most sustainable small town in Saskatchewan.” It began its solar investment into a community building in 2017, then with a few projects under its belt, tackled its large wastewater treatment facility electrification project, which went live in 2022. Town councillor Rhonda Phillips will relate the town’s work and how solar was adopted as the right solution for their community.
Peace Energy Co-op, based in the Peace River region of B.C., was the first renewable energy co-op of its kind in Western Canada and has been promoting and educating people about renewable energy for the past 20 years. Don Pettit, executive director and founding member, will provide insight into how their co-op works and the impacts resulting from their projects in rural Alberta and B.C.