The Town of Okotoks is proud to announce the successful installation of two new solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on the rooftops of the Operations Centre and Fire Hall No. 1. These installations mark the Town’s third and fourth major solar energy projects, reinforcing its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and advancing its Climate Action goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050.
While the full cost of both solar installations was originally approved by Council, project costs were reduced by 30% through the Municipal Electricity Generation (MEG) Program. This funding, provided by the Government of Alberta through the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre, played a key role in helping the Town advance its commitment to renewable energy and long-term sustainability.
Energy consumed by Town-owned and operated buildings accounts for approximately 35% of the municipality’s corporate greenhouse gas emissions. The addition of these solar PV systems will significantly reduce reliance on grid electricity, lower municipal electricity costs, and shrink the environmental footprint of Town operations.
Project Highlights
Operations Centre
- 149.6 kW solar PV system
- Generates approximately 175,000 kWh annually (meeting 50% of the facility’s electricity needs)
- Reduces emissions by over 96 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent per year
Fire Hall No. 1
- 93.5 kW solar PV system
- Generates approximately 96,000 kWh annually (meeting 90% of the facility’s electricity needs)
- Reduces emissions by 53 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent per year
“These solar installations reflect our commitment to meaningful climate action that saves our residents money and improves our resilience,” said Mayor Tanya Thorn. “When we invest in renewable energy, we’re investing in a cleaner, healthier future for Okotoks—and for the generations to come.”
Together, these projects are expected to prevent annual greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to the electricity used to drive more than 600,000 kilometres in a typical gasoline-powered passenger vehicle.
“Not only did we achieve our energy use reduction targets for this project, but it was a real pleasure to work on a project that sets a strong example of sustainability in action,” said Nick Ginakos, Facilities Team Leader with the Town of Okotoks. “I’m incredibly proud of the teamwork that made these solar projects a success. Thanks to the MEG Program funding, the Fire Hall and Operations Centre will now operate at a significantly lower cost and greenhouse gas emissions.”
The Municipal Climate Change Action Centre is a partnership between Alberta Municipalities, Rural Municipalities of Alberta, and the Government of Alberta. Funding for the MEG Program was made possible by the Government of Alberta.
For more details on these two Solar PV projects, check out the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre links below:
