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The Government of Canada is advancing the development of clean technologies through a $20,000 investment to harness solar power for the Osoyoos Desert Centre.

The funding will help the Osoyoos Desert Society to purchase and install solar equipment designed to provide the Osoyoos Desert Centre with a source of year-round power. The Centre is dedicated to becoming a leader in the growth green energy and tourism.

Western Economic Diversification Canada’s investment in the project supports its rural diversification priority by expanding the tourism industry in the region.

The funding was announced today by Ron Cannan, Member of Parliament for Kelowna-Lake Country, 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.

“As a result of this funding, the Osoyoos Desert Centre will soon be powered by solar generated electricity,” said MP Cannan. “This investment will help the Osoyoos Desert Society take its commitment to conservation and environmental education to the next level.”

 “The installation of a solar power system will help us showcase the power of the sun – something we have a lot of here in the South Okanagan,” said Joanne Muirhead, Executive Director, Osoyoos Desert Society.  “This project will serve as a positive example of today’s technology and use of renewable energy sources in ecotourism.”

Formed in 1991, the Osoyoos Desert Society is a non-profit organization committed to preserving the endangered antelope-brush ecosystem in British Columbia’s South Okanagan.  Also known as "Canada's Only Desert", the area is of international importance and hosts one of the largest concentrations of rare species and species-at-risk in Canada.  In addition to its growing role as a tourism destination, the Osoyoos Desert Centre helps to foster research and education on this unique habitat.

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:

Jean Collins
Communications Officer
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Cell: (306) 227-3925

Joanne Muirhead
Executive Director
Osoyoos Desert Society
Toll-Free Number:  1 877 899-0897