Centre Wellington Energy Innovations (CWEI) is planning a research facility near the Fergus industrial park.
On Nov. 27, Centre Wellington councillors heard the pitch from Bill Oliphant of CWEI.
Township CAO Andy Goldie noted Oliphant has made several presentations to council, including the idea of creating a research facility to showcase pilot projects being developed by CWEI for future market sales.
The proposed location on Gartshore Street is near the municipal snow dump area north of Gregson Court in north Fergus.
Staff told council they are comfortable the small parcel of land being proposed for lease to CWEI will not impact snow dumping operations.
Goldie said the lease would allow the facility to be moved should the township have a buyer for the property, but that’s not something he sees happening in the short term.
Oliphant said the research facility would include a small building and various energy equipment to power the building, including solar and battery storage.
He noted CWEI partnered with Back Country Huts from British Columbia to construct a small building on the site and CWEI will equip the building with solar panels and batteries to power it.
The two-storey pre-fabricated structure will be 743 square feet in size, with a 600ft2 base.
Oliphant explained there would be no permanent staff in the building.
The research site would be used to showcase alternate energy forms to potential purchasers and conduct ongoing product development and research.
The project includes the use of solar panels, a small generator and batteries to develop off-grid capabilities.
A heat pump system will also be part of the package.
“We are trying to develop an energy model which will work anywhere in the world,” said Oliphant.
He indicated this approach is the first of its kind in Canada.
Using a preliminary site layout, Oliphant said this would represent a tiny two-storey home.
The upstairs would include desks for researchers while the main floor would include a large table for meetings or presentations, Oliphant said.
He added the site and building could be used for education such as bringing in students to demonstrate the potential of off-grid living.
Oliphant noted the building is unique in shape and form to accommodate the solar panels, which will attract attention from the road.
Councillor Fred Morris mentioned the Tiny Houses program aimed at having smaller houses to accommodate seniors.
Oliphant suggested more self-sufficient or off-grid homes will be a future trend.
“We want to create an operating model to keep costs down. We are pushing to create an energy independent building,” he said.
He also suggested there is potential for small commercial buildings, such as for startup companies with locations with lower rent and energy costs.
Oliphant said the building itself would be useful in marketing the technology.
“We’re going to use commercially available products to demonstrate what can be done,” he said.
Council authorized the township to enter a lease arrangement with CWEI for the temporary use of township property located on Gartshore Street.
All costs associated with the design, construction and maintenance of the research facility will be paid for by CWEI.
The lease between the township and CWEI would be for five years with a renewal of another five years. The lease price is a nominal fee of $2.
Staff will work with CWEI to ensure the site is developed to meet regulations and township requirements.
