Students, researchers and industry in B.C.’s Northeast region will have new training and business opportunities thanks to an investment of $150,000 by the Government of Canada to build an alternative energy research and training centre at the Dawson Creek campus of Northern Lights College.

The specialized building, called Energy House, will provide training for students and trades people in the design, installation and maintenance of alternative energy systems. Expected to open in early 2008, it will also be a public display facility to demonstrate alternative energy to industry and the general public.

Jay Hill, Member of Parliament for Prince George–Peace River, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification.

“The Government of Canada is proud to support this project, which improves infrastructure and increases capacity for the growing renewable energy sector in British Columbia,” said MP Hill. “Energy House will be a leading-edge facility that will enable Northern Lights College to train more skilled workers and strengthen economic opportunities for the people of B.C.’s Northeast region.”

Energy House will serve as both a demonstration and technical training facility. The 3,500-square-foot building will be built using environmentally-friendly and energy-efficient materials and design. The federal government will contribute $150,000 of the estimated cost of $500,000.

“Energy House will be on the leading-edge of new environmental learning and knowledge,” said Jean Valgardson, President of Northern Lights College. “This facility will provide a training centre for alternative energy technologies and installations, and attract students from this region and all over Canada to our beautiful Dawson Creek campus.”

Western Economic Diversification Canada is a department of the Government of Canada that works in partnership with the provinces, industry associations and communities to stimulate and encourage diversification of the western economy, as well as to represent the interests of the West in national decision-making.

For additional information, contact:

Tom Wakefield
Communications Officer
Western Economic Diversification Canada
(604) 666-2445
cellular: (604) 218-4395

Howard Mayer
Dean, Industry and Contract Training
Northern Lights College
(250) 784-7505
hmayer@nlc.bc.ca