WFN school goes solar

Photo: WFN

Westbank First Nation's Sensisyusten House of Learning elementary school now sports 300 rooftop solar panels, thanks to a $150,000 equity investment from the Province's Clean Energy Business Fund.

The school underwent a $9 million renovation and an expansion.

“The school has played a key role in creating a strong foundation for our community since its initial construction of four classrooms in 1994,” says Chief Chris Derickson. “Enrolment has increased over the past 20 years, triggering the need for additional space. The improvements will ensure the quality and availability of our education and culture programs in order to meet the growing needs of our community.”

The school upgraded from four classrooms to nine, which now includes a language and computer room, learning assistance room, expanded administration, and storage. Fire protection and mechanical systems have either been replaced or upgraded and the outside will see a change in exterior lighting, and the new rooftop solar panels. 

Once operational, the system will connect to BC Hydro's distribution system, becoming part of the net metering program, which is expected to offset about $12,000 in annual utility costs. 

“This is an important pilot project for the WFN community,” says Derickson. “To successfully harness the energy of the sun, for electricity in our community core, opens the door for future renewable opportunities.”

The project was primarily funded by Indigenous Services Canada innovation fund, which WFN was one of only nine communities across Canada to receive. Other funding was provided by WFN's own source revenue and B.C.'s clean energy business fund.

Sensisyusten is open to all families across the community and provides students a strong connection to WFN’s Pine Acres elders care facility. The school's capacity will reach 120 students next year with only 60 students currently enrolled.