The governments of Canada, New Brunswick and the City of Edmundston announced joint funding for solar energy generation at Centre Jean-Daigle and sewer separation work in East Edmundston.
With this funding, the City of Edmundston will install an array of solar panels on the roof of the Jean-Daigle Centre, in the area surrounding the amphitheatre, and on the Energy Edmundston building and surrounding land, in addition to building an energy storage system. This is the community’s first solar energy project. The panels, once installed, will produce the equivalent of 1 megawatt of energy that may be used to operate the building’s systems and to help support the City’s energy during peak usage hours.
“Investments in infrastructure are investments in strong and sustainable communities. The installation of new solar panels on the Jean-Daigle Centre and sewer separation in East Edmundston will support a clean and sustainable future for residents. Green initiatives like this one will help local economies grow and build more resilient communities across the country,” said René Arseneault, MP for Madawaska-Restigouche.
The City will also use this funding to replace its existing combined sanitary and storm sewer system with separate systems on several streets in East Edmundston. Additionally, the City will install new water mains at multiple locations. This project will increase the City’s capacity to manage wastewater and stormwater and increase access to potable water for residents.
“The installation of solar panels on Centre Jean-Daigle is an innovative way for the city to provide power to the centre. This project, combined with upgrades to the city’s water and wastewater management capacity, demonstrates how they are planning for the future and our government is pleased to support these important projects.” said Gary Crossman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation.
The Government of Canada is investing more than $5.4 million in this project. The Government of New Brunswick is contributing more than $4.5 million and the City of Edmundston is providing over $3.6 million.
“For several years, through our strategic planning, we have aimed to continually find ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while promoting renewable energy,” said Edmundston Mayor Éric Marquis. “The announcement of this solar panel project completely aligns with this objective. We are very grateful to our provincial and federal partners for their contribution and their constant collaboration, which allows us to take this step in a very important project for the city of Edmundston.”
Featured image: Centre Jean-Daigle. (Ville d’Edmundston)
