Brockville Climate Action Group

2009-1 30-08
SOLAR DEMONSTRATION PROJECT
BROCKVILLE MEMORIAL CENTRE

Moved by: Councillor Earle

THAT the Economic Development and Planning Committee
recommend to Council the approval in principal for the installation
of 1232 solar panels on the rooftop of the Brockville Memorial
Centre at a cost of approximately $2,045,930 (+1-) for the purpose
of a solar demonstration project and the resulting positive return
on investment opportunities to the City on the selling of renewable
energy to the Ontario Power Authority; and further,

THAT such approval be conditional on securing confirmation on
the execution of the approved Ontario Power Authority Renewal
Energy Feed-in Tariff Contract (Bill 150), associated with the
obligations of renewable energy suppliers providing electricity to
the grid; and further,

That specific details associated with the financing of the
proposed project, including a grant and low interest loan from the
Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and the allocation
of gas taxes will be confirmed prior to Council ratification; and
further,

That staff be directed to investigate other provincial initiatives,
municipal processes associated with tendering of such
installations and visuals on existing North American operations.

CARRIED

Mr. D. Paul reviewed Report 2009-130-08 and commented that
the report was before the Committee for recommendation to
Council for the approval in principal respecting the installation of
1232 solar panels on the rooftop of the Brockville Memorial
Centre.

Councillor Kalivas asked if the existing roof of the Memorial
Centre would be encumbered in any way resulting from the
installation of the solar panels, and what would happen should
repairs be required to the roof. Mr. Cosgrove responded that the
last section of the current repairs to the roof of the Memorial
Centre are being completed and that the roof should be good for
another 20 - 25 years.

William Masek, Upper Canada Solar, explained to the Committee
that the low pitch of the roof would allow for the entire area to be
utilized. He further explained that the higher panels would be used
on the north side. The panels will be black in colour, can be
adjusted for the time of year, and would be installed 17 feet apart.
Emergency repairs would be accessible as the panels are
installed 18 inches off the roof at the lowest point and up to 3 feet
at the highest point, providing sufficient space for access.

Councillor Beach commented that he was pleased to see this
project coming forward and that Brockville would be on the cutting
edge.

Councillor Fullarton questioned the costs and returns of such a
project.

Mr. Paul that locating the project on the roof of the Memorial
Centre allows for an increase in the number of panels which
makes the project more cost effective.

2009-130-08
SOLAR DEMONSTRATION PROJECT
BROCKVILLE MEMORIAL CENTRE

THAT the Economic Development and Planning Committee recommend to
Council the approval in principal for the installation of 1232 solar panels on
the rooftop of the Brockville Memorial Centre at a cost of approximately
$2,045,930 (+/-) for the purpose of a solar demonstration project and the
resulting positive return on investment opportunities to the City on the
selling of renewable energy to the Ontario Power Authority; and further,

THAT such approval be conditional on securing confirmation on the
execution of the approved Ontario Power Authority Renewal Energy Feedin
Tariff Contract (Bill 150), associated with the obligations of renewable
energy suppliers providing electricity to the grid; and further,

That specific details associated with the financing of the proposed project,
including a grant and low interest loan from the Federation of Canadian
Municipalities (FCM) and the allocation of gas taxes will be confirmed
prior to Council ratification; and further,

That staff be directed to investigate other provincial initiatives, municipal
processes associated with tendering of such installations and visuals on
existing North American operations.