A Solar-Powered Future for Sunset Community

An organization that serves adults living with disabilities in Pugwash will tap into solar energy to help power their buildings.

With an investment of more than $126,000 from the Province, Sunset Community Inc. will install solar panels on five buildings. Natural Resources and Renewables Minister Tory Rushton, MLA for Cumberland South, announced the funding today, September 23, in Pugwash on behalf of Environment and Climate Change Minister Timothy Halman.

“This project will help Sunset Community Inc. create a more eco-friendly environment for the people they serve,” said Minister Rushton. “By supporting their work to switch to clean, renewable power for their buildings, we are not only reducing our carbon footprint, but also helping Sunset to be able to reinvest their energy savings into more programming and services for their clients. This investment reflects our dedication to a greener future, improving the well-being of Nova Scotians, and a society that leaves no one behind.”

The investment is provided through the Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund, which is available to municipalities, non-profit and community organizations, post-secondary institutions and Mi’kmaw communities to help them respond to and prepare for climate change impacts and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Quotes:

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund for entrusting us with the opportunity to realize this transformative project. With over 77,000 kWh of solar energy being produced annually, we are deeply honored to contribute to a sustainable future for our community and express our sincere appreciation for the support in making this vision a reality.”

– Dean Pounder, Director of Community Integration, Planning & Development, Sunset Community Inc.

“The Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities, through the Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund, is pleased to support the Sunset Community in their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by installing solar arrays. Funded through the mitigation stream, this solar project will help contribute to Nova Scotia’s 2030 emissions reduction targets while enabling the important work of an organization that helps adults with disabilities live personally satisfying and meaningful lives."

– Juanita Spencer, CEO, Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities

Quick Facts:

• the Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund was established on October 27, 2021, as part of the Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act, the government’s legislated commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, respond to climate change, transform how Nova Scotians produce and use energy, make homes more energy efficient, and more
• the fund provides $15 million over three years for projects that help communities adapt to climate change, mitigate its impacts and help Nova Scotia reduce its greenhouse gas emissions
• the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities was selected through a request for proposals process to develop and administer the Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund on behalf of the government

Additional Resources:

More information on the Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund is available at: https://nschallengefund.ca/

Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act: https://nslegislature.ca/sites/default/files/legc/statutes/environmental%20goals%20and%20climate%20change%20reduction.pdf