A Guelph non-profit organization, Emerge Guelph Sustainability, is exploring the possibility of utilizing brownfield sites in the city for community-owned solar energy projects. The organization is collaborating with researchers from the University of Guelph to assess the potential for such projects at two specific locations: the former landfill lands on the east end and the International Malleable Iron Company (IMICO) site in The Ward neighborhood.
Executive director Evan Ferrari of Emerge Guelph likened the initiative to making lemonade out of lemons when faced with challenges like repurposing a landfill site. The goal is to address environmental issues such as climate change by installing solar panels on these sites to create community-owned renewable energy projects accessible to all residents.
Working alongside Derya Tarhan, an assistant professor at the University of Guelph, Ferrari is leading the initial phase of a long-term endeavor. Tarhan emphasized the economic benefits of community-owned renewable energy projects, citing increased local investments, job creation, and enhanced community engagement in energy production.
Brownfield sites, as defined by the Ontario government, are vacant or underutilized lands with historical contamination from industrial or commercial activities. These sites require extensive remediation to be suitable for alternative uses. The IMICO site, a former foundry property, and the landfill site in the east end present challenges due to their contaminated nature, but also offer opportunities for sustainable development through solar energy projects.
Although the proposal was well-received by the city council, the City of Guelph has not yet committed to the project. Estimated to cost $35 million initially, the project’s expenses may decrease over time as renewable energy technologies become more cost-effective. Emerge Guelph aims to engage the community in financing the project, allowing individuals to invest in and own a share of the solar energy initiative.
The organization anticipates further progress in the coming years, recognizing the complexities and obstacles involved in repurposing brownfield sites for sustainable energy solutions. Ferrari emphasized the importance of community involvement in finding solutions to environmental challenges and expressed optimism about the project’s potential impact in the city.