A capital budget amendment to the Genesis Place Recreation Centre solar project was approved unanimously by council, accommodating an alternative to an initially-proposed idea that was found to be not structurally feasible for the facility.
“Within the original scope, a plan to put panels on an exterior side wall was included that would bring visibility of the solar project to the public, as well as generate additional energy,” said Chris Reason, project manager, in a report to council. “Unfortunately, it was discovered that structurally, this is not a feasible option.”
Instead, he said, ENMAX proposed to add a solar carport. According to Reason, the carport would also bring visibility to the facility’s solar program while adding 288 more solar panels – bringing the total number of panels included in the project to 4,068.
“The additional panels would produce a further 120MWh annually,” he stated in the report. “This equates to 97.7 tons of reduced emissions, 21 cars off the road and 17 homes powered for the year.”
Administration is currently working with ENMAX, he said, to determine the ideal location for the carport – which will cover 36 parking stalls – based on distance to the electrical room, visibility, accessibility, snow removal and energy harvest. The construction of the carport will also accommodate an electric car charger, if the City deems this a viable option in the future.
“ENMAX had originally recommended an electric car charger be included in this project,” Reason said. “Additional research will be required to determine the need and feasibility based on current charging locations available to the public, grant funding and maintenance requirements.”
This alternative also comes with a savings of $60,000 off the original project, at a cost of $320,000. The project will be 100 per cent grant funded, according to Reason – ENMAX has already received confirmation from the Alberta Municipal Solar Program that the carport can be handled as an adjustment to the current grant application, and the remainder will be funded through the City of Airdrie Gas Tax Funding Grant.
The cost of the project also includes funds to cover the installation of additional security cameras at the facility, which will ensure full visibility of the parking lot as well as beneath the carport.
If all materials are ordered and delivered by the end of May, according to Reason, the project should be completed by the end of June. A grand opening will be scheduled upon completion, and a video will be developed to share with the community.
