Ontario Energy Minister and Bay of Quinte MPP Todd Smith has announced millions of dollars in funding towards Indigenous leadership in the energy sector. That includes several projects locally.
The funding comes through Community Energy Champions, Education and Capacity Building, Indigenous Community Energy Plan, and Indigenous Energy Projects.
Of the $12.14 million handed out, the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte will receive $505,000 and Alderville First Nation is getting $328,500.
MORE BELOW
In Tyendinaga, the money will be allocated to hiring a Community Energy Champion for three years ($180,000), project management for training and skills for renewable energy projects ($125,000), and an energy-as-a-service business model for a solar panel system ($200,000).
On the Alderville First Nation, the money will be allocated to hiring a Community Energy Champion for three years ($178,500), and for developing a small-scale, roof-mounted, solar panel system ($150,000). It would be constructed on the Black Oak Savanna community building.
Energy Minister and Bay of Quinte MPP Todd Smith.
“There’s opportunities for First Nations communities to get equity in these projects so they can see come financial return, or community benefit agreements with the proponents of these projects.”
He says the equity is important, but not the only benefit.
” … reduce their demand when it comes to electricity as well, through conservation efforts and adding things like wind and solar and battery storage in their community.”
