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K’ómoks I-Hos Gallery goes green with new solar panels

The 28 panel solar array will generate 75 per cent of the gallery’s energy use
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Nelson Roofing & Sheet Metal Ltd. presented a cheque to cover the costs of upgrading 80 lightbulbs to high efficiency LEDs in the I-Hos Gallery. Back: Cory Turchenek, Scott Dwinnell, Dave King, Bruce Scheltgen, Bill Brown (estimator with Nelson Roofing); Front: Jennifer Knox, administrative assistance with KEDC; Tatyana Smith, Nelson Roofing, Bruce Billie, board member KEDC board of directors. Photo by Jolene Rudisuela

At the end of March, you may have noticed all the activity at the I-Hos Gallery on Comox Road.

K’ómoks Economic Development Corporation partnered with Viridian Energy Co-operative and Nelson Roofing to bring Solar energy to the I-Hos Gallery to reduce the Nation’s carbon footprint by 50 per cent in the next 15 years.

“Solar energy has always been of interest to K’ómoks First Nation as we follow the mandate of our Nation’s Comprehensive Community Plan to have our members move forward with our neighbours, exercising our rights and title while respecting our historical connections to our lands and resources, and to one another,” stated Chief Nicole Rempel.

The 28 panel, 8.54kw solar array, will generate 75 per cent of the electricity used at the I-Hos Gallery. Currently, the I-Hos Gallery uses the same amount of electricity as the average home thanks to an existing energy efficient heat pump and energy conscious staff.

To make the I-Hos Gallery even more efficient, Nelson Roofing has sponsored the upgrading of 80 lightbulbs in the I-Hos gallery to high efficiency LED bulbs.

“Nelson Roofing and Sheet Metal Ltd is proud to play its part in bringing this technology to the community, offering a variety of roof systems that support energy - efficient buildings,” said Tatyana Smith with Nelson Roofing

This important upgrade will further reduce the electricity use of the I-Hos gallery with the result that the new array will generate a higher percentage of the electricity used annually. The I-Hos Gallery has made a huge step toward becoming net zero.

“This project represents the combination of modern technology and K’ómoks traditional values coming together to sustain K’ómoks into the future,” said Bruce Billie, member of KEDC Board of Directors.

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Solar panels were recently installed on the roof of I-Hos Gallery. Photo by Jolene Rudisuela