SIDNEY, BC – Elizabeth May, MP for Saanich–Gulf Islands and Leader of the Green Party of Canada, is urging Salt Spring residents as well as those from the wider region, to chip in to support the installation of solar panels on the roof of Gulf Islands Secondary School (GISS).
"This exciting project will allow the GISS gym roof to generate 20 kilowatts of electricity, with energy savings used to provide student scholarships for the next 30 years. I have decided to give a 60th birthday present to myself by buying one of the required 78 panels," said Elizabeth May. May's 60th birthday is coming up June 9th, and on June 7th she will be at the GISS graduation ceremony to present the Green Party of Saanich–Gulf Islands annual Scholarship for Engaged Citizenship to one of the graduates.
The federal Green riding association is also jumping on board and has decided to purchase two panels. "We know there is matching money available until July 1. With a goal of $60,000 to pay for the solar array, we wanted to make it a priority," said riding association executive Tom Mitchell.
The project is jointly supported by School District 64 and the Salt Spring Community Energy Group. The solar array will help meet energy conservation goals as well as provide for electric vehicle charging stations at the school. With a real-time monitoring system planned there are opportunities to incorporate this project into the curriculum. Everyone will be able to view and monitor the live data over the web.
-30-
Contact:
Nicholas Gall
Communications Coordinator
Green Party of Canada
(613) 614 4916
nicholas.gall@greenparty.ca