Markham, Enbridge, York University Explore Solar Water Heating Program
Rooftop panels to provide solar water heating for residents

MARKHAM, ON – Markham today announced at the 2009 Smog Summit its proposed plan to work with Enbridge Gas Distribution and York University on an innovative partnership that will see up to 500 homes equipped with rooftop solar thermal systems. Residents participating in the pilot program will use solar collectors, panels that resemble roof-top skylights, to harness the sun’s energy. The solar panels provide a clean and cost effective way to reduce water heating costs up to 60 per cent.

“Markham is moving aggressively on a number conservation and renewable energy programs at our facilities and through pilot programs for residents,” said Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “Our new economic development plan - Markham 2020 - identifies attracting green industries and technologies as an important step to enhancing Markham’s economy. This pilot program is another in a series of steps we have taken to affirm our commitment to the Green Energy Act and a greener economy.”

Markham has already installed renewable energy technology at some of its facilities. In 2008, a solar thermal heating system was installed for the swimming pool at the Milliken Mills Community Centre, and Markham will soon complete a 10 kilowatt grid-tied, solar technology system at its Civic Centre offices, taking advantage of the new Feed-In-Tariff incentive under the Green Energy Act.
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Councillor Erin Shapero, Chair of Markham’s Environment and Sustainability Committee, remarked, “Achieving a greener economy requires leadership and commitment, but more importantly a fundamental transformation in how we view the value of our resources and the quality of life. Markham is prepared to take these actions and demonstrate the long term social, environmental and economic benefits of going green.”

Markham’s proposed partnership with Enbridge and York University also involves Bullfrog Power and EnerWorks, Canada’s only CSA approved vendor of rooftop solar systems. Bullfrog Power secured funding support for the pilot project from Natural Resources Canada. With the addition of provincial and
federal rebates and incentives for programs of this nature, the end cost to homeowners will be less than 50 per cent of the retail cost. Markham’s Energy Conservation Office (MECO) will lead the project for Markham, and work with the project partners to provide important benchmarking data for other municipalities.