Pincher Creek town council, at its July 22 meeting, allocated funds to repaint a portion of the exterior of Lebel Mansion to support a solar panel installation project.

In March, council approved a solar array project at the Lebel for a total cost up to $19,000, to be funded from grants, according to council documents. 

It was discovered that changes to the Alberta Building Code specifically relating to solar installations would require some maintenance and structural repairs for the Lebel to be eligible.

“The recommendation was made to install the panels on the elevator tower as it would remove the need for structural upgrades, and not interfere with the grounds or any historical aspects of the building,” read a May report by recreation manager Adam Grose.

Though vertical panels are considered less efficient, the suggested placement means lessened engineering design costs, and long-term energy savings with simpler structural upgrades.

The installation is projected to reduce energy costs at Lebel Mansion by $300 to $700 per year, with minimal maintenance requirements.

According to the May report, it also gave the town the opportunity to share information about renewable energy and the energy transition.

In a May 1 committee of the whole meeting, council directed administration to “explore the condition of the paint on the elevator tower before the solar panel installation and bring back painting cost options to council if required.”

After working with engineers to investigate this, administration has found that the elevator tower needs to be repainted. This is also supported by a 2021 Stephenson Engineering lifecycle report, which recommended addressing the exterior paint within the next five years.

Administration discussed the proposal and colour preferences with the Allied Arts Council, which was supportive of repainting and opted for it to remain white.

According to council documents, administration received only one quotation to repaint — $25,000 plus GST.

In the July 22 regular meeting, council decided to go ahead with this project, voting unanimously to allocate the funds.

Coun. Sahra Nodge noted that it just makes sense for the painting to precede the solar installation.

“This is a necessary maintenance piece that needs to happen,” she said.

The $25,000 to repaint the exterior of the elevator tower will come out of the town’s Culture Reserve 74-00-00-4760, which has approximately $91,000.

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