DISTRICT OF SUMMERLAND
Summerland Solar+Storage Project Update - Preferred Site Identified

The District of Summerland has reached a major milestone in the development of the Summerland Solar+Storage Project: the identification of the prime potential site. Following a thorough review of all District-owned property, the District's former Public Works yard & storage area located at 13500 Prairie Valley Road/12591 Morrow Street/Denike Street was found by Council to offer the best balance of appropriate zoning, long-term land use, environmental protection, fit with the project objectives and available co-benefits.

Summerland's Solar+Storage Project includes a 1MW solar array with 2MW of battery storage to be sited on approximately 5 acres of land within the District's municipal boundaries. The Project will provide localized benefits to Summerland's electrical utility systems and ratepayers, and provide resiliency for critical infrastructure. It will be a showcase for utilizing cleantech that other municipalities can look to.

A large portion of the preferred site has been previously disturbed, including a large paved section in an area where trees and vegetation have already been removed. Materials leftover from previous industrial-type uses are scattered throughout the site. The Project provides an opportunity to remediate the historical impacts and to return the disturbed area of the site to productive use.

The area surrounding the site is highly valued for recreational uses. As such, one of the potential co-benefits of the Project is the addition of recreational amenities such as maps, trail signage, picnic benches, charging stations for e-bikes, informational kiosks, garbage and recycling bins.

By generating solar energy locally, the District of Summerland will strengthen its existing utility resource, enhance the local economy, create jobs, increase energy security and independence, support innovation and attract new residents and visitors. The Project will serve as the foundation for an integrated, long-term approach to sustainable energy management within the District. It will provide ongoing opportunities for job creation, community involvement, partnerships with local businesses, schools and not-for-profit groups.

Staff will be providing the community with an update of the Summerland Solar+Storage Project's progress to date, a review of the preferred site, and a discussion about next steps at a public meeting taking place May 6th at 6pm, at Centre Stage Theatre (9518 Main St.). The meeting is open to the public, and interested parties are encouraged to attend.

Quote
District of Summerland
"Summerland's Solar+Storage Project is unique to the Okanagan and is just one step in the District's plan for sustainable initiatives that make the community more resilient. The next important step in this project is to share the District's preferred site with the community. There are a number of reasons that Council supports this location. Personally, high on my list is the potential to repurpose this previously developed site that is not currently in use."
- Mayor Toni Boot

Links
For more information regarding Summerland's Integrated Solar Project, as well as illustrative images of the preferred site, visit www.summerland.ca/solar