The Rouge Valley Conservation Centre (RVCC) in Toronto, Ontario is the latest participant in the Ontario Power Authority’s (OPA) micro feed-in-tariff (microFIT) program thanks to a recent renewable energy generator installation on its property. Development of the project commenced on August 25 and will be completed within the next few weeks once Toronto Hydro connects the pole’s reading meter.
The RVCC made a commitment to the goals outlined in Ontario’s Green Energy Act in its Year of Energy Conservation campaign, launched in March 2009. Its green commitment extends beyond solar and wind power generators to include a variety of energy conservation projects such as insulation upgrades and the installation of ENERGY STAR windows and doors.
Conservation Park Initiative Contributes to Ontario’s Green Economy
The RVCC’s project is a wind-solar hybrid pole that reaches 68-feet in height - the first of its kind to be erected in the Greater Toronto Area. The initiative is a natural outgrowth of the mission of the conservation park, as it focuses on environmental restoration, protection, and public education.
RVCC’s campaign goal is to reduce its greenhouse gases by 3.8 tonnes per year. These plans contribute greatly to Ontario’s efforts to becoming a green economy leader in North America – one of the main objectives of the province’s Green Energy Act. Ontario’s economy has already benefited greatly from similar community projects, resulting in ancillary job creation and skill upgrading through solar training classes and installation courses.
Serena Lawrie, Director at RVCC, believes that the locally built technology is ideal for the Rouge Valley location because it is bird- and bat-friendly and noiseless. The uniqueness of the system exemplifies the varieties of renewable energy generators readily available on the market. Ontario’s green economy continues to supply improved and more customizable technologies. As market demand for tailored energy machinery continues to grow, so will parallel demand for skilled professionals with the requisite green training from solar, wind, and engineering programs.
Financial Investment in Ontario’s Green Economy
The RVCC wind-solar system was purchased from local home energy solutions provider, EftonScience, with funding provided through grants made by the City of Toronto’s Live Green program and the Ontario Trillium Foundation. The latter two organizations are key to the success of grassroots renewable energy projects. Live Green is a new, five-year program aimed at promoting and supporting neighbourhood-based green initiatives. The Ontario Trillium Foundation helps area residents improve their quality of life by building healthy and vibrant communities.
These organizations infuse financial and human resources into projects that improve the existing conditions of Ontarians. Their growing interest in financing projects aligned with the Green Energy Act ensures the development of a strong green Ontario economy since many grassroots initiatives continue to function and grow beyond the initial year of funding. These require long-term management by local staff certified from solar and green energy training classes, and customer service programs.
