ST-NICHOLAS, P.E.I. — The small Rural Municipality of St. Nicholas has a big new piece of green infrastructure.
The community of about 200 people, located west of Miscouche, had a new solar array installed this week which is now powering the village hall.
The 4.65-kilowatt system cost about $16,000. Funding for the project came entirely through the gas tax infrastructure fund, which the community is able to access despite its small size because it is an incorporated municipality.
Jason Woodbury, mayor of the community, said he’s pleased with the project and expects it to pay dividends far into the future.
The solar panels are expected to completely pay the hall’s $1,500 per year electric bill, which also includes heating as a heat pump was installed with last year’s gas tax fund.
“With the savings we have from the hall we can put that money back into more infrastructure in the community, for example, streetlights, which we don’t have now,” said Woodbury.
“So, I think going forward the investment we’ve made here is going to last a long time and be beneficial for the community (long-term).”
Marlene Cameron, who moved to St. Nicholas about a year ago and lives just across the road from the hall, makes a point of attending the council meetings and tries to keep abreast of its goings on.
She’s pleased with council’s decision to install the solar panels.
“I think it’s such a good idea,” said Cameron.
“I find the whole community is very forward in its thinking and there’s no limit in presenting good ideas to make our bills a little greener.”
“It will pay for itself and it’s a good idea to take advantage of these government grants that are available. It’s good to see everyone thinking sustainable resources.”
Woodbury added that he’s proud of his small community’s initiative on this front and is looking forward to doing other innovative projects in the future.
“This will be able to sustain our community center, but also highlight smaller communities, showing that you don’t have to be big to take climate change seriously.”