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City of Brandon Shines a Light on Solar Power

The City of Brandon is excited to announce a new environmental initiative shining bright in Brandon’s East End. A solar light was installed at the city’s East End Dog Park, located along Victoria Avenue East, on October 21st. When fully charged, the light can operate 16 hours a day, up to four days without recharging. The light will operate on a pilot project basis while the city evaluates the viability of such solar-powered products.

 

The light’s installation has roots in an idea brought forward to Mayor Shari Decter Hirst earlier this year by Brandon high school student Adam Masters, who suggested the city could use solar lighting to save money and provide illumination to city properties not serviced through traditional means. After researching and costing out the idea, the city has decided to give Masters’ suggestion a try.

 

“We talk a lot about building a city for our children, and so it’s exciting to see the dreams of one of Brandon’s bright young minds shining,” Decter Hirst said. “I hope that Adam’s future includes Brandon as he is already making a wonderful contribution to our city.”

 

Masters, along with numerous dog park users and community volunteers like neighbourhood resident Alice Yerex, will help the city monitor the light over the course of the pilot project.

 

“It’s a great opportunity, working with volunteers and youth, to move ahead with environmental projects and the viability and the sustainability of the community,” says Tom Keep, Environmental Initiatives Manager with the City of Brandon. “Brandon is known for being environmentally friendly and we’re continuing down that path.”

 

The light’s infrastructure has been sourced from Solar Signals of Kingston, Ont., with its total supply and installation coming in at approximately $7,000. Following a winter monitoring period, the City of Brandon will determine if solar lighting is viable in other areas of the city, specifically those where traditional lighting methods are difficult or cost-prohibitive.

 

For more information, please contact:

 

Tom Keep

Environmental Initiatives Manager, City of Brandon

729-2171

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