Haldimand County, a small cluster of Southern Ontario communities on the shore of Lake Erie, has become a thriving destination for those seeking alternative energy jobs. It has a history of agriculture, but it also boasts a thriving industrial economy and trade sector. Haldimand County encompasses the towns of Jarvis, Hagersville, Caledonia, Cayuga, and Dunnville. Don Boyle, the county’s Chief Administrative Officer, calls it unique because despite its close proximity to eight universities and colleges, “it’s a rural community and still embraces a rural culture and community feeling.”

Green Energy Hub Inspires Workers in Alternative Energy Jobs Sector

One of Haldimand’s unique features is its Green Energy Hub. Inspired by the Green Energy Act, this initiative is a partnership between stakeholders from the region as well as Brant, Brantford, Norfolk and Six Nations. Its goal is to promote sustainable economic development, attract businesses from the alternative energy job sector, and create jobs in Ontario’s solar and green economies.

PV Installation Classes Could Be One Way to Access Job Opportunities

Because of Haldimand County’s reputation as a key “spoke” of the region’s Green Energy Hub, it is an ideal location for solar energy generation. Recently, Samsung C&T Corporation made a roughly $7 billion investment in solar and wind projects in Ontario designed to generate up to 2,500 megawatts of clean energy. Some of these projects will reside in Haldimand, suggesting that PV installation classes will become increasingly important as local citizens explore their green career options.

Solar Economy to Benefit from Area’s Success

Haldimand County’s economic success thus far bodes well for the region. It is currently in the top 50 financially sound communities in Ontario, out of a total of 444. Haldimand County also operates with efficiency as its goal. “Great ideas in the morning can be implemented in the afternoon,” says Boyle. This allows the workforce to quickly react to issues and act on ideas.