CAN: Quebec makes $5 million available for energy efficient greenhouse project

The waste-to-energy plant and northern commercial greenhouse pilot project, announced as part of the Government of Québec's 2017-2018 Economic Plan, will be established in Kuujjuaq. A sum of $5 million, spread over three years, will serve to design and build a thermal waste-to-energy processing system then a commercial greenhouse heated with such system.

Pierre Arcand, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Minister responsible for the Plan Nord and Minister responsible for the Côte-Nord region, and Geoffrey Kelley, Minister responsible for Native Affairs, made the announcement this week in Kuujjuaq.

The pilot project, coordinated by the Société du Plan Nord (SPN), will be completed with the collaboration of community stakeholders, RECYC-QUÉBEC, and other ministries and governmental organizations working in waste management and greenhouse production. The SPN and its partners will first put in place a system to transform waste materials into thermal energy. The heat produced will serve to heat the hydroponic greenhouse that will be built, as well as several other existing buildings.

This initiative responds at once to the real needs of the community and the Plan Nord's priorities for action. These innovative facilities will ensure access to nutritious fresh fruits and vegetables for Kuujjuaq residents. They will also enable the community to increase its use of renewable energy. There is no doubt that it is an original and cost-effective solution to the open-air burning of waste materials.

Based on the results obtained, this promising pilot project could be implemented elsewhere in Nunavik and on the Plan Nord's territory.

"I am pleased to confirm, here, in Kuujjuaq, the development of a project with great potential which could benefit all the inhabitants of the Plan Nord's territory. This unique sustainable development concept hits two targets with one shot: the local community will have excellent-quality fruits and vegetables, while also recovering waste. It is without a doubt a novel way of producing fresh food while improving waste management", said Pierre Arcand, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Minister responsible for the Plan Nord and Minister responsible for the Côte-Nord region

"I'm very excited by this initiative that comes as excellent news for the Inuit community of Kuujjuaq. In fact, this pilot project has the potential to have a real impact on the quality of life of all of Nunavik's communities, where the price of food is particularly high. This original solution will promote local food production and will greatly facilitate the supply of fresh food in Nunavik", added Geoffrey Kelley, Minister responsible for Native Affairs.

"The project announced today is a great opportunity for the communities of Nunavik. It is a reflection of Quebec's vision for the Plan Nord, which is to showcase the diversified potential of the territory for the benefit of the population. I hope that the waste-to-energy plant and commercial greenhouse pilot project will eventually benefit all Inuit communities who have the same type of need", Luc Blanchette, Minister of Forests, Wildlife and Parks and Minister responsible for the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region and the Nord-du-Québec region commented.

"I am pleased to see our government get involved in this pilot project that will benefit the community of Kuujjuaq. It responds to the concrete needs of its inhabitants concerning waste and food management, while meeting the priorities of the Plan Nord", Jean Boucher, MNA for Ungava and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Forests, Wildlife and Parks, concluded.

About the Plan Nord

The goal of the Plan Nord is to develop the mining, forestry, energy, social, cultural and tourism potential of Québec north of the 49th parallel. It will create jobs and wealth for northern communities and for Québec as a whole, in a way that ensures respect for northern populations and the environment. By harmonizing the economic, social and environmental aspects on which the Plan Nord is based, the Québec government hopes to make it a reference in the area of responsible and sustainable northern development and a beacon project for Québec society. The implementation of the Plan Nord is under the responsibility of the Société du Plan Nord.