Ottawa spending $5.1M to reduce energy consumption at Sable Island buildings

An aerial image of Sable Island National Park Reserve and Main Station. (Source: Parks Canada)

The federal government is spending $5.1 million on “greening” operations at the Sable Island National Park Reserve.

The project, which is part of Ottawa’s larger efforts to reach net-zero operations by 2050, will support efforts to reduce electrical energy consumption at key buildings on the island. It will also upgrade the generation system to a sustainable micro-grid, according to a news release from Parks Canada.

The changes are expected to cut the island’s use of fossil fuels by more than 50 per cent.

“Nova Scotians have a deep connection to Sable Island, and this project reflects our shared commitment to protecting its unique environment,” said Lena Metlege Diab, minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, in the release. “By reducing fossil fuel use by more than half, the sustainable micro-grid demonstrates how innovation can thrive even in remote locations.

“This project is a model for how we can achieve our climate goals while safeguarding the natural and cultural heritage that defines our province and country.”

The Sable Island National Park reserve was established as Canada’s 43^rd national park in 2013. It is one of the country’s farthest offshore islands.

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