Canada is steadfastly advancing towards a greener future by upgrading electricity grids to deliver more affordable, reliable, and clean energy to both homes and businesses exactly when and where it’s needed. Investing in clean energy initiatives is essential for fostering resilient, livable, and sustainable communities, ensuring the creation of good jobs and unlocking economic prospects for future generations.
On July 2, 2024, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure, and Communities, announced on behalf of the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, a substantial investment of $9.7 million aimed at modernizing the electrical grid in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. This pivotal funding will enable the community to utilize electricity more efficiently and incorporate renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, thereby reducing emissions and promoting sustainable employment and community development.
“Working with communities to modernize the electric grid is key to bringing more clean, reliable, and affordable energy to Nova Scotians. Projects announced today will support the Town of Antigonish in its goal of becoming Canada’s first net-zero community, and I look forward to seeing the results of this grid modernization,” explained the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.
The allocated funds will facilitate the deployment of advanced hardware and software systems across Antigonish, creating a more resilient and efficient electricity grid. This modernization effort is expected to minimize the frequency and duration of power outages, enhance opportunities for cost-effective electrification, and increase the integration of renewable energy sources, aiding Antigonish in achieving its net-zero goals.
“With this investment, the Town of Antigonish can benefit from more resilient, clean and efficient power. Projects supported by this funding are emblematic of our efforts to support good, sustainable jobs for communities in Nova Scotia,” expressed the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities.
This federal investment comes from Canada’s Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program (SREPs), which supports smart renewable energy, energy storage, and grid modernization projects nationwide. The SREPs initiative is part of a broader effort by the Government of Canada to ensure clean, reliable, and affordable power is accessible to every region by 2035.
“We are excited to announce the launch of a large-scale infrastructure investment that will serve as a national flagship project. The Town’s Grid Modernization project is a significant initiative that showcases how municipalities, electric utilities, and customers can collaborate to ensure that our transition to a green future is inclusive and benefits all members of our community,” said Laurie Boucher, Mayor, Town of Antigonish.
Canada’s government remains committed to collaborating with experts and other governmental bodies to position the country, including Nova Scotia, as a leading global supplier of clean energy and innovative technologies. This effort is aimed at creating new economic opportunities, providing quality jobs, and establishing a clean, dependable, and affordable electrical grid for all Canadians.
