-Centre to be completely powered by solar panels-
OSOYOOS TIMES-March 5, 2008-
By Chad IngramrnOsoyoos Times
The Osoyoos Desert Centre will soon be powered by the sun.
The federal government has announced it will provide $20,000 in funding for the purchase and installation of solar panels that will provide the centre with electricity.
Until now the centre has been powered by a generator.
Kelowna-Lake Country MP Ron Cannan made the announcement on behalf of Western Economic Diversification Minister Rona Ambrose at a March 1 ceremony at the centre, just north of Osoyoos.
This investment will help the Osoyoos Desert Society take its commitment to conservation and environmental education to the next level, Cannan told a small crowd of local residents, media and local politicians.
He said the centre was becoming a leader in green tourism.
Joanne Muirhead, the centre's executive director, said the solar panels would provide enough electricity to power the building and then some.
The office and computers will likely be moved here as well, said Muirhead, who is stepping down as centre director at the end of the month.
But, she said, that move may not happen for a couple of years. The desert centre's office is currently located in Osoyoos.
Osoyoos Desert Society President Roger Horton and Osoyoos Mayor John Slater also gave short speeches.
In his turn at the podium, Slater said the town would also be working on getting water hooked up to the site.
He told the crowd it was not only an important day for Osoyoos but for Oliver and the Regional District Okanagan-Similkameen as well, as many of the centre's volunteers live in those areas.
The Osoyoos Desert Society was formed in 1991 and is a non-profit conservation agency dedicated to the preservation of the South Okanagan's endangered plant and animal species.
The desert centre is located on a 28-hectare conservation area off of Hwy. 97 and hosts educational tours and seminars throughout the year.
