Indigenous energy and sustainability has received a $10 million investment from the province.
Minister of Energy and Mines Stephen Lecce joined Lennox and Addington MPP Ric Bresee and Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte Chief R. Don Maracle at the Mohawk Community Centre on Tuesday to announce the increase to the Indigenous Energy Support Program.
That accounts for a 66 per cent increase over last year, bringing the province’s total annual investment in the IESP to $25 million.
Lecce stated this investment is an important part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario by strengthening Indigenous leadership in the sector and funding community-led energy projects that will ensure the province has the affordable, secure, clean and reliable energy needed to build a more competitive, resilient and self-reliant province.
“The Indigenous Energy Support Program funding has been instrumental in helping the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte develop its solar powered micro-grid system in a newly developed on- reserve subdivision (Flat Street),” stated Chief R. Donald Maracle, Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte.
“With the support of the IESP, MBQ was able to engage professional services that will allow us to make informed decisions on future energy projects.”
Chief Maracle added the MBQ now has the ability to hire a full-time Community Energy Champion to update and lead its Community Energy Plan and provide education and training to community members in clean energy solutions.
This year’s IESP includes a new funding stream of up to $500,000 to help diesel-reliant Indigenous communities build electricity transmission and generation infrastructure.
This support will help these communities transition away from diesel-powered generators, providing families with clean, affordable and reliable power while protecting the environment.
With Ontario’s electricity demand expected to grow by a record 75 per cent by 2050, new supply and transmission projects present an opportunity to advance economic reconciliation.
Expanded eligibility this year also gives Indigenous communities the ability to partner on innovative projects and emerging technologies such as battery storage.
(BROCK ORMOND)
