SAUGEEN FIRST NATION COMMUNITY ENERGY PLAN FINAL REPORT DRAFT
NOVEMBER 6, 2017
4 Beechwood Crescent, Toronto, ON, M4K 2KB Telephone: 647-479-4104 FINAL REPORT DRAFT Saugeen First Nation
November 6, 2017
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Brad Ritchie Economic Development Manager Melissa Snowdon Project Coordinator for the community Victoria Serda Josh Mitchell (former Housing Director) Darlene Root Finance department – Ningwakwe Shirley John 60 members who participated in the community survey 8 members who participated in the walkthroughs Band employees who participated in the walkthroughs of the band buildings Youth Council Elder’s Council All those who attended the community meetings, and those who shared with us in person.
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Table of Contents ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ...... 2 Executive Summary ...... 5 1.0 WHAT IS A COMMUNITY ENERGY PLAN? ...... 6 1.1 THE IESO ABORIGINAL COMMUNITY ENERGY PLAN PROGRAM ...... 6 2.0 SAUGEEN FIRST NATION ...... 7 2.1 COMMUNITY PROFILE ...... 7 2.2 ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES ...... 8 2.3 EXISTING BUILDINGS AND INFRASTRUCTURE ...... 9 2.3.1 Houses ...... 9 2.3.2 Water Treatment and Wastewater ...... 10 2.3.3 Waste Management ...... 12 2.3.4 Electrical Grid Services ...... 12 2.4 EXISTING AND PLANNED ENERGY-RELATED ACTIVITIES ...... 17 2.4.1 Planned Building Construction and Maintenance ...... 17 2.4.2 Solar Photovoltaic ...... 18 2.4.3 Ground-Source Heat Pump Pilot Project ...... 19 2.4.4 Pashwood Townhouses ...... 20 2.4.5 EV Charging Station ...... 20 2.4.6 Hydro Power ...... 21 2.4.7 Joint Ownership of the Bruce-to-Milton Transmission Line ...... 22 2.4.8 Dufferin Wind Farm ...... 22 2.4.9 Bruce Nuclear Power’s Deep Geologic Repository Project ...... 23 2.4.10 Hydrogen Storage ...... 24 2.4.11 Cottages ...... 24 2.4.12 Energy Conservation and Efficiency Methods ...... 24 3.0 Community Engagement ...... 26 3.1 BUILDING CONDITIONS ...... 27 3.1.1 Housing ...... 27 3.1.2 Band Buildings ...... 28 4.0 Baseline Energy Profile and Costs (2016) ...... 29 4.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 29 4.2 ASSUMPTIONS ...... 29 4.2.1 Baseline Energy Profile (2016) ...... 31 4.2.2 Baseline Electrical and Thermal Energy Loads ...... 32 5.0 A VISION OF SAUGEEN’S ENERGY FUTURE ...... 34 5.1 PRIMARY GOALS AND PRIORITIES ...... 34 5.2 GUIDING PRINCIPLES ...... 35 5.3 SAUGEEN 2030 ...... 35
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6.0 AN ENERGY PLAN FOR SAUGEEN FIRST NATION ...... 37 6.1 OBJECTIVES ...... 37 6.1.1 Zero GHG ...... 37 6.1.2 Life-cycle costing and evaluation ...... 37 6.1.3 Governance ...... 37 6.1.4 Climate Change Adaptation ...... 37 6.1.5 Resilience ...... 38 6.2 STRATEGIES ...... 38 6.2.1 Energy Efficiency and Demand Management ...... 38 6.2.2 Renewable Energy Utilization ...... 39 6.2.3 Connected Micro-grid ...... 39 6.2.4 District Heating ...... 41 6.2.1 Integrating Utilities ...... 42 6.2.1 Sustainable Transportation ...... 43 6.2.1 Forest and Field Caretaking ...... 44 6.2.2 Preserving and Respecting the Waters ...... 45 6.2.3 Sourcing Locally ...... 45 6.3 MAJOR INITIATIVES ...... 46 6.3.1 Organizational Structure to Implement the Plan ...... 46 6.3.2 Energy Performance Standards for New Construction ...... 46 6.3.3 Building Retrofit and Renovations ...... 48 6.3.4 Community Utilities Infrastructure ...... 48 6.3.5 Village Services Centre ...... 49 6.3.6 Grid-connected Renewable Energy ...... 52 6.3.7 Transportation and Accessibility ...... 52 6.3.8 Sustainable Renewable Energy and Land Co-Management ...... 53 7.0 IMPLEMENTATION PROPOSITION-ODENAANSAN ...... 54
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Rivercourt on behalf of Saugeen First Nation, secured funding from the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) to prepare a community energy plan. The IESO established the ACEP " to help communities determine their local interests, needs, and opportunities for conservation and renewable energy development". The focus has been different for Saugeen, however, in that the objective is how to benefit community members and the environment with this plan as there is already significant engagement with renewable energy by the Chief and Council.
Based on extensive engagement of the community, site visits, analysis of energy use, and research of current conditions, this report provides a roadmap for the transformation of Saugeen’s infrastructure and buildings from a dependency on fossil fuels and electricity import to local, renewable energy resources with a net export of energy services. Saugeen seeks several benefits from this transformation: self-reliance, stewardship of the environment, reduced cost of living, improved quality of life, full employment, and resiliency. The plan lays out recommended actions to achieve this outcome.
An initial step is to structure and provide resources for the administration and governance to implement the plan. It is recommended that a Saugeen Utilities Corporation be established with community ownership and oversight. This body wound be responsible for the development and operation of energy infrastructure and related activities. By combining the water, transportation, and potentially other infrastructure services under one utility, coordination and co-benefits are facilitated.
A priority activity is to establish energy performance requirements for new construction and existing buildings. The development of local capacities to construct and retrofit highly efficient buildings will provide considerable local employment and opportunity of utilizing expertise to neighboring communities. A key strategy is to structure the electricity distribution as a micro grid so that local renewable generation and demand/supply response provide a shared asset to the grid as well as having the capability of islanding during power outages.
It is proposed that the village be served by a district heating and cooling system possibly integrated with the potable water supply. A central plant with biomass cogeneration and hybrid PVT coupled to geothermal storage will provide heat and power. The smaller clusters of housing will employ a shared annual storage, ground-source heat pump and electricity storage. Remote housing will be served with open-loop geothermal heat pumps. Other generation sources that may be deployed include an on-reserve wind turbine, Denny’s Dam hydraulic turbine, and distributed roof-top PV’s will provide electricity for local use and export revenues.
The recommendations also include measures to mitigate GHG emissions of transportation including shared electric vehicles and minivans, pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure, and bio-fuels. Other related measures include local food production and storage, a bio-digester for organic waste, and water management.
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1.0 WHAT IS A COMMUNITY ENERGY PLAN? An energy plan is a long-term community initiative that guides the community’s future energy activities to move towards a sustainable outcome. This is approached by examining current energy usages, costs, infrastructure, and resources then engaging the community in defining desired outcomes. Ultimate objectives are established that form the basis for developing strategies to provide energy services. These will address both demand and supply for existing and new buildings and infrastructure. The plan then sets out a series of activities that lead to the desired future.
1.1 THE IESO ABORIGINAL COMMUNITY ENERGY PLAN PROGRAM This Energy Plan is achieved through the funding and support of the Independent Electricity System Operator’s Aboriginal Community Energy Plan program (ACEP). The ACEP program was established to help communities determine their local interests, needs, and opportunities for conservation and renewable energy development. Further, through the ACEP program, community members are encouraged to become involved in the energy sector, and engaged in discussions about the energy use in their community.
Community Energy Plans produced through the ACEP program must include:
1. A benchmark of the community's current energy performance 2. An assessment of the community's current and future forecasted electricity needs 3. A determination of the community’s priorities related to electricity use and generation 4. An identification of actionable ways to meet energy needs and achieve goals within a clearly defined implementation plan.
Additional funding is available for a community to update an existing Energy Plan, as their needs and priorities shift over time (see Appendix B).
1.2 SAUGEEN’S APPROACH TO ENERGY PLANNING Saugeen First Nation’s Community Energy Plan aims to transition the community’s current dependency on fossil fuel and grid electricity to low-cost, environmentally beneficial, self- reliant, and resilient energy services. The principle focus is on buildings and infrastructure; however, transportation, food, and other needs requiring energy are also considered.
Saugeen’s Community Energy Plan has been developed using several approaches to involve the community throughout the process. Through dialogue and exploration of opportunities, a shared vision of a positive energy future has been achieved. This plan identifies technical requirements 6 4 Beechwood Crescent, Toronto, ON, M4K 2KB Telephone: 647-479-4104
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that support the vision and recommends management and financial means to undertake the transformation.
2.0 SAUGEEN FIRST NATION
2.1 COMMUNITY PROFILE The Great Lakes Basin has been Anishinaabe territory for millennia. In 1836, a territory for Saugeen Ojibway Nation, that covers 2 million acres was created through Treaty 45 ½ with the Crown, in response to encroaching colonial pressures. Saugeen and Nawash First Nation share the same traditional territories which include the land under the waters of Lake Huron to the international boundary and the land under the waters of Georgian Bay to the mid-point. Currently, there is an Aboriginal Title Claim court case in effect, filed in 2003, addressing inequities regarding various treaties with the Crown (i.e. 1836 Treaty 45 ½ and 1854 Treaty 72); this claim includes the land and waters of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay (see Figures 1 and 2).
Saugeen Ojibway Nation covers four land reserves and portions of Lake Huron. The land- reserves are Chief's Point 28, Saugeen 29, Saugeen Hunting Grounds 60A, and Saugeen & Cape Croker Fishing Island 1. Of the four, Saugeen 29 is considered the main reserve, while Saugeen & Cape Croker Fishing Island 1 is shared with the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation. The Saugeen community is mostly located in Saugeen 29 and this reserve is 3,815 hectares while Chief’s Point 28 and Saugeen & Cape Croker Fishing are 518 and 10 hectares respectively. The two closest towns to Saugeen are Southampton, 3 km southwest of Saugeen, and Owen Sound, approximately 30 km east of Saugeen. This energy plan will be specifically focused on the Saugeen Community in the Saugeen 29 area.
Figures 1 and 2 Saugeen Ojibway Nation's Traditional Territory 7 4 Beechwood Crescent, Toronto, ON, M4K 2KB Telephone: 647-479-4104
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Saugeen has jurisdiction over the waters around the Saugeen/Bruce Peninsula and the federal courts declared that the Ojibwa’s' right to fish commercially takes precedence over any other activity (under Section 35 of the Constitution; Jones-Nadijiwon decision of 1993). This is extremely important as fishing is an integral part of Saugeen’s culture, ceremonies, and way of life. Many members of the community still fish. Along with fishing, the community has stated throughout the many meetings with the team that the environment is a very important issue and its protection must always be considered.
The registered population of Saugeen as of May 2017 is 1500 with about 900 people living in the Saugeen community. The population is increasing by 12 new members per year. 42% of the population of Saugeen is under the age of 30 and unemployment is high. Employment is limited due to the Indian Act’s historical colonial policies and measures, lack of affordability, lack of a public transportation system, etc. The majority of full time jobs in the community are related to working for the band. Limited goods are available in the community and therefore travel outside of the community is required for acquiring various goods and services.
Leasing the cottages along the shores of Lake Huron is a major source of the band’s income. Tourism is also important to the community with development of a new website underway to help draw in more tourists and business.
2.2 ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES Saugeen has many services within the community. Understanding the services and how they work in the community assisted the development of the energy plan. Possible synergies between the services and energy conservation, efficiency measures and generation were used to create a wholistic solution in the energy plan. There is an array of services that are provided by the band administration, as seen in the list below:
• Education • Membership • Finance • Scroll • IT Tech – fiber-optic cable internet • Housing • Band Administrator • Executive Staff • Chief and Council • Economic Development • Lands and Leasing • G'Shawdagawin Day Care • Kabaeashawim Women's Shelter • Elders' Facility 8 4 Beechwood Crescent, Toronto, ON, M4K 2KB Telephone: 647-479-4104
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• Mino Bimaadsawin Health Centre • Employment and Training Centre • Library • Works Department • Fisheries Department • Waterworks • Water Project Manager
In addition to this list, Saugeen has street lighting, and mostly paved roads with a few graveled side roads on the reserve. There are school buses that take kids to school during the week. Understanding how these services interact with one another and how they presently support the community will assist in the holistic approach to looking at the energy plan.
2.3 EXISTING BUILDINGS AND INFRASTRUCTURE Important insight can be found, specifically with respect to energy, by examining the buildings and infrastructure of the community.
There are many different types of band buildings that service the community. Most of the buildings are located in the village. Only two, the library and road works building, are located north of the Pashwood community, outside the village limits.
As stated in a previous section, while the team visited in July, walk-throughs and high-level energy audits were performed on most of the band office buildings. These tours helped to offer awareness of the overall state of the band buildings. The band has allowed access to acquiring the monthly electrical and heating (propane or heating oil) for the band buildings. Preliminary analysis was completed to provide some initial insight to the energy consumption of the band buildings. Signed waivers for a few houses in the community were acquired to configure an aggregated monthly housing energy profile. Understanding the energy profile of the community can help determine the best solution for the community with respect to conservation and energy efficiency measures as well as generation. To better understand how to best serve the community, it is necessary to learn about the different buildings within the community as well as any future infrastructure plans or new buildings planned on being built. This insight was useful in the design of the energy plan.
2.3.1 HOUSES There are approximately 320 homes, including apartment buildings, in the community with most of them located in the village, the French Bay and Scotch Settlement. The remaining homes are scattered throughout the reserve. 25 of these homes are individual apartments and 8 of these 9 4 Beechwood Crescent, Toronto, ON, M4K 2KB Telephone: 647-479-4104
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homes are off-grid. Fifty percent (50%) of the population lives in the village. The village is thus the most densely populated area in the community.
At this point in time, detailed information of the house typology and characteristics of all of the homes on the reserve are being planned to be collected by the Housing Department within the next year. Information was shared at a community visit in May 2017 by the Housing Department. The oldest home on the reserve was built in the 1950’s. Various visual and technical characteristics of the buildings have changed 4-5 times over the years in order to comply with building code compliance changes. The Housing Department has 5-6 options of home plans for community members to choose from when they are approved for a home. Members have the option of paying for different architectural plans for their home. Since 2000, mainly 900 sq. ft. (approx.), homes have been built with primarily electric baseboard heaters as the primary heating source and contain HRVs. Some of the newer homes use propane or oil because it is cheaper than electric heat. Most of the homes that have oil as a heating source, use furnaces. Recently, more people are asking for wood stoves to be installed in their homes because of the high cost of hydro.
Approximately 4-5 homes are built per year and there are 100 people on the waiting list. Many of the residences have mold issues. As a result of mold issues and lack of maintenance, the band has had to do major renovations and sometimes have had to completely rebuild a number of homes. There is a need for education on how to maintain the homes and access to financing and education about financial management planning to afford long term home maintenance.
At this time, there are no planned change-out of appliances in the near future; 5-6 years ago, there was an Aboriginal Conservation program that replaced old fridges, however, community consultation may have improved the outcome of this program. One member mentioned that 10 years ago, OPG did a blower door test on 15-20 houses and applied spray foam and other air sealing techniques in the basements.
2.3.2 WATER TREATMENT AND WASTEWATER Most band buildings and houses are connected to a centralized potable water system delivered from the Saugeen Water Treatment Plant. The water comes from Southampton, but, because of this, the water can also be shut off if there is a fire in Port Elgin. There are still some houses however, that are on wells and some of the wells are not drinkable. Bottled water from the water treatment plant is driven to or picked up by community members with bad wells. The picture below shows the drinking water piping through the community.
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Figure 3 Drinking Water Pipelines Water treatment is an energy intensive service to provide and understanding the energy efficiency of the plant is important. Beyond benchmarking, the energy intensity of the plant to determine how the plant compares to others, looking at energy efficiency solutions which are integrated into the community’s energy use will help reduce the entire community’s energy consumption. For example, the water piped to each of the homes could be used as part of the heating and cooling system with the drinking water acting as the source. This example of integration, helps to reduce capital costs of a centralized heating and cooling system by reducing the need to add additional distribution piping to all the houses. The idea of a district energy system is explained in Section 6.2.4.
It is important to note that where the water lines were rebuilt, the roads were not reconstructed properly and are not level. Vehicles have to take precautions when driving along these roads. Any proposed reconstruction of roads that changes the water infrastructure, needs to ensure that the roads are rebuilt properly.
As for the wastewater, all houses are on an individual septic bed system. Due to the high-water table, there is some concern for the septic bed contaminating the water table over time. Further
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research is required to understand the situation and concern and to determine if a solution can be integrated into the energy plan.
2.3.3 WASTE MANAGEMENT The community has a dump and garbage is collected once a week. There is also recycling which is picked up biweekly. There is no green bin (compost) collection or program at this time. To the best of the team’s knowledge, hazardous waste does not have any special pick-up or treatment. The condition of the landfill is of great concern due to risks of methane emissions, that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change; as well as above ground and underground water contamination from landfill leakage.
Understanding how the waste is managed is important as there are lots of options to help reduce waste but to also use it as a possible source of energy. For example, the green waste could be used in a biogas cogeneration plant to produce both electricity and heat for the community. This example is discussed further in Section 5.3 and 6.25.
2.3.4 ELECTRICAL GRID SERVICES It is important to understand how Saugeen connects to the provincial electrical grid. Knowing the voltage and phase of power will help to determine the possible energy generation options within the community. Figure 2 gives a general overview of how electricity is transmitted and distributed in the Ontario grid system from the point of generation; as well as Hydro One’s role.
Figure 2 Hydro One’s Role in Transmission and Distribution of Electricity Saugeen is connected to the provincial electrical grid in a unique way. There are two hydro transmission lines that come into Saugeen and are presently not connected. One comes from the south of the community from Highway 21 and the other comes in from the north around the French Bay community. The two powerlines almost connect near the Pashwood community. 12 4 Beechwood Crescent, Toronto, ON, M4K 2KB Telephone: 647-479-4104
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There are 115 kilovolts (kV), 230 kV and 500 kV lines in the surrounding areas of Saugeen as part of the Southern Ontario electrical grid system (see Figures 4-7).
Hydro One supplies Saugeen FN with three hydro transmission lines. These lines are referred to as 8.32 kV (kilovolts) feeders (F) and are connected to two different Distribution Stations (DS). The three feeders are called:
• Sauble Beach DS F1: This feed is shared with customers in and around Sauble Beach. • Elsinore DS F1 • Elsinore DS F2
The Sauble Beach and the Elsinore distribution stations are fed from Hydro One’s 44kV Owen Sound Transformer Station (TS), M25 feeder. Southampton MS #3 is supplied by Hydro One’s 44 kV Douglas Transformer Station (TS) M1 feeder. Feeders that serve customers in Southhampton belong to Westario Power (Southampton MS #3).
These grid connections not only supply Saugeen with electricity. Since the distribution stations are located outside of the boundaries of Saugeen FN reserve, they serve other customers between the distribution station and Saugeen.
The distribution and transformer stations drop the distribution voltages into a lower voltage, a form, that is usable at the household level; high voltages supplied to a home would be a safety hazard. The locations and the voltage characteristics of the distribution and transformer stations are as follows (See Table 1 and Figures 4-7):
Table 1 Location of Distribution and Transformer Stations
Distribution/ Transformer Voltages (kV) Location Station (DS/TS) On Sauble Falls Parkway just south of Sauble Beach DS 44 / 8.32 Main Street On Elsinore Road just north of Elsinore DS 44 / 8.32 Highway 21 Douglas Point TS 230 / 44 Bruce Power complex Owen Sound TS 230 / 44 Owen Sound
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Figure 3 Hydro One Networks Inc. Transmission System Map of Southern Ontario The voltage characteristics of the three lines that feed Saugeen are:
1. Sauble Beach DS: 8.32 kV 2. Elsinore DS: 8.32 kV 3. Douglas Point TS M1: 44 kV
According to the guidelines for the capacities of the lines: the 8.32 kV feeder is loaded to 3 MVA (Mega Volt Ampere) and the 44 kV subtransmission feeder is loaded to 25 MVA. These capacities, or loading limits, can be higher or lower depending on the conditions of the local system. In order to ensure HONI can satisfy future growth in electrical usage, potential new loads are assessed on a case by case basis and existing loading is reviewed periodically.
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LIST OF DEFINITIONS
DS Distribution Station (44 kV / 8.32 kV in this case)
F1 Feeder #1 and F2 = Feeder #2: Each feeder stems from the Distribution Station. Depending on local electrical needs and the capacity of the transformer, generally, there are two to four feeders per distribution station.
F Class Feeder Distribution feeder emanating from a Hydro One Distribution Station or HVDS
F1 Feeder #1 and F2 = Feeder #2: Each feeder stems from the Distribution Station. Depending on local electrical needs and the capacity of the itransformer, generally, there are two to four feeders per distribution station.
HVDS High Voltage Distribution Station: the distribution station connected directly to Hydro One’s transmission system (115kV system) which steps down transmission voltage to distribution voltage for distribution to the end use customer.)
M Class Feeder Distribution feeder emanating from a Hydro One Transformer Station
TS Transformer Station
The following maps show the distribution lines supplying Saugeen, that are 44 kV and below:
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Figure 4 Saugeen First Nation’s connection to the Ontario Power Grid
Figure 5 Southwest Region of Saugeen FN
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Figure 6 North Region of Saugeen FN
2.4 EXISTING AND PLANNED ENERGY-RELATED ACTIVITIES
There are a number of renewable energy-related initiatives, such as solar and wind power, that have been discussed and explored in Saugeen. Community members have expressed the importance of being able to operate off the grid, especially during power outages. Connecting renewable energy generation into a community energy system would enable Saugeen to operate off grid. The following current renewable energy-related activities give numerous opportunities to expand renewable energy development options for the community and thus provides an optimal environment for the community energy plan.
2.4.1 PLANNED BUILDING CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE The need for more housing, that is energy and water efficient, and suited to the local climate, is a primary concern in Saugeen. In the past, approximately five homes were built each year. There is a significant and ongoing interest in building new housing.
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There are two new buildings that are planning to be built in Saugeen at the time of this report; a 6-plex (in construction) and an administration building (starting construction in 2018). There are discussions in the community of building a new arena in the next 10 years, yet, energy efficient architecture and construction, appropriate water and sewage infrastructure, and finances, would be needed to support the long-term operation of this building.
There has been significant ground work completed in the planning of an education and technical training center in Saugeen. This provides a very good framework for providing the training of community members with skills relevant to the recommendations of the energy plan.
There are a number of noteworthy efforts on the part of the Housing Department to increase local employment, through the creation of a Saugeen community building, training and construction process with local architectural, engineering, construction and maintenance crews. Ongoing educational and skills training are helping to build the capacity of the community to design, build and maintain the community’s own buildings while minimizing the use of band funding to employ companies outside of the community to do so. To support and increase the capacity of these activities, funding and access to training is critical for long term success (see Appendix B).
Given that home inspectors from Ontario Technical Services Corp (First Nations) do not assess the attics and crawlspaces, there is an opportunity for capacity to be built through training of local members to create a Saugeen home inspection and maintenance team, and a Saugeen home inspection plan and guidelines. The Housing Department has been training a home maintenance team in areas such as HRV maintenance to provide regular HRV maintenance services for the community. The development of home maintenance educational toolkits for community members needs capacity and funding in order to do this (see Appendix B). The Housing Department continues to take the initiative to build capacity by offering skills training on a continual basis and creating a home maintenance management plan for the community.
Presently, there is not a strategic plan in regards to the planned buildings, nor community specific building standards in place, beyond the building code. A strategic plan for housing, infrastructure, retrofits and new builds would allow for the co-coordination of long-term financial planning to support these efforts. A community-specific building standard, as described in the energy plan, would require the design and construction of future building projects to abide by these guidelines.
2.4.2 SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels are already found in the community since 2012, as seen in the picture below, and is well received in the community. Saugeen, at the time of this report, owns 12 MicroFit installations sized at 10 kW (kilowatts) that are located in the community. These applications for these solar projects were submitted by Federal Energy Wind and Solar Solutions
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Inc. to the Ontario Power Authority’s Micro Feed-in-Tariff program. Solar PV follows peak summer air conditioning loads. As discussed earlier in this section, technologies which follow the energy loads of the community are a more ideal technology to use in the community. In order for the Pashwood Townhouses to become net-zero, a 10 KW solar PV installation is planning to be installed with Ontario Power Authority’s Micro Feed-In-Tariff Program. To determine the exact role of solar PV in the community, determining the solar potential and where the solar PV could be installed will need to be completed.
Figure 7 SOLAR PANELS ON THE ROOF OF THE WATER WORKS BUILDING
2.4.3 GROUND-SOURCE HEAT PUMP PILOT PROJECT Currently, a proposal is being prepared for a Ground-Source Heat Pump pilot project in Saugeen by Skypower and Carlsun Energy Solutions Inc. This project would involve converting 20-25 homes to a ground-source heat pump system and monitoring. The electricity consumption and the peak demand of each home will be monitored after the conversion takes place. By converting a home that is heated by electricity, to a home that is heated with a ground-source heat pump system, the electrical consumption for heating is estimated to be reduced by up to 75%. The timeline of this pilot project, the selection criteria of these homes and other details, are being determined. Funding is being sourced through the IESO’s pilot funding budget which would provide significant subsidies for residents. If approved, the pilot program would be administered by HONI and their subcontractors, (i.e. Carlsun Energy Solutions Inc.).
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2.4.4 PASHWOOD TOWNHOUSES In 2009/10, with funding primarily from the Canadian Economic Action Plan, a sustainable housing pilot project was built. The Pashwood Townhouses were built in only 4 months, housing 8, 3-bedroom units. This was a low-rise energy-efficient build that created short-term local employment and long-term skills training. Some of the energy efficient techniques used were: 11inch stud walls, triple-glazed Low-E argon windows, solar thermal systems for pre- heating water and indoor air, ICF foundation, HRVs and drain water heat recovery, solar-heated floors, and an airtight building envelope. This multi-unit building achieved a HERS rating of 50 and an EnerGuide rating of 87.
There have been high heating costs, sagging floors, inability to close doors, high heat during the summer, stress cracks in several floors, when the windows are open there is no cross-flow. Because of the orientation of the building, the units are not able to take advantage of the natural breezes that come from Lake Huron. Some of the successes and challenges of this development are discussed further in Kyser’s report, “Sustainable Aboriginal Housing in Canada”. 1
Figure 8 Pashwood Townhouses
2.4.5 EV CHARGING STATION As part of an on-going effort of Saugeen to address climate change by lowering greenhouse gas emissions and encouraging people to use less fossil fuels (i.e. gas and diesel), an Electric Vehicle (EV) Station was installed in Saugeen. Saugeen First Nation Band Council, Bruce Power and Plug’n Drive collaborated to help build upon the EV Charging Station network to encourage the practicality of using electric vehicles. The EV Charging Station is in operation at the Saugeen Gas Bar on French Bay Road in the Saugeen village. The EV Charging Station is a Level 2
1 Kyser, Johann. (December 2011). Sustainable Aboriginal Housing in Canada: A Case Study Report. Retrieved from file:///Users/peta-gaye/Downloads/17-Sustainable-Aboriginal-Housing-in-Canada_2011%20(3).pdf
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station where a car can be fully charged from empty in 8-10 hours. Nearby Level 2 EV Charging Stations are located in downtown Southampton, Wiarton and Port Elgin. Currently, the Ministry of Transportation is offering the Electric Vehicle Incentive Program to increase the affordability of owning an electric vehicle (See Appendix B). The EV Charging Station can help support a potential local electrical vehicle fleet to support a low-carbon and low-cost local transportation system for Saugeen (See Section 6.2.6)
Figure 9 EV Charging Station
2.4.6 HYDRO POWER The flow of the Saugeen River was analyzed in a 2005 report and it determined that Denny’s Dam has the potential to produce 6.2 Gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity per year. This is approximately all of the electrical consumption of the community’s current use2. There are some logistics which would need to be sorted out since the dam is under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) and presently there are plans to renovate the dam.
At this time, there is no consideration of any hydro development project. Any consideration would require further study; in respect of ancestral burial sites and other important cultural areas, an archaeological assessment according to traditional Anishinaabe protocols and SON’s Archeological Standards and Guidelines is of utmost importance.
2 Ontario Waterpower Association. Evaluation and Assessment of Ontario’s Water Power Potential: Final Report. October 2005
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Figure 10 Denny's Dam
2.4.7 JOINT OWNERSHIP OF THE BRUCE-TO-MILTON TRANSMISSION LINE In 2012, the Bruce to Milton line was completed as part of Hydro One’s plans to provide the needed infrastructure for several large-scale wind and solar energy farms and two idle nuclear generating units at Bruce Power that may be returned to service. The 500 kV Bruce-to-Milton Transmission line is jointly owned by the SON and Hydro One. The SON owns 34% of the line. “Approximately 75% of the 180-kilometre Bruce-to-Milton line passes through traditional SON territory and falls under an 1836 treaty.” In entering this partnership, the SON financed $75 million by obtaining loans. After the loan is paid, in approximately 25 years, the SON will receive 34% of the revenue, which will then be shared by Saugeen First Nations and the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation. During the payback period, the SON will earn profit that is above the loan pay back. Each community are to decide the details as to how this new revenue is to be used in their community. This partnership is a result of a 2010 energy agreement between the SON and the Ministry of Energy was made possible by SON’s continued efforts in ensuring that “all major projects carried out in our Territory are done in a way that is safe, protective of our Rights and interests and allow for our fair participation in the benefits”.
2.4.8 DUFFERIN WIND FARM In Shelburne, the Dufferin Wind Farm is currently under construction by Longyuan Canada. The wind farm involves the use of 6000 acres and 49 wind turbines: 18 are GE 2.75 MW wind turbines (85m hub height), and 31 are GE 1.6 MW wind turbines (80m hub height). 1% of the 6000 acres of the land is actually being used by the turbines and access roads. The generated capacity of the wind farm is 91.4 MW which is projected to supply enough electricity for 22,500
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to 30,000 households annually, depending on wind speed patterns. This farm also involves the construction of 47 km of transmission lines (45 km above ground and 5 km underground) with a voltage of 230 kV.
Longyuan Canada is a subsidiary of the China Longyuan Power Group Corporation Limited. SON finalized an agreement in 2014 where Dufferin Wind Farm agreed to make a community compensation payment in exchange for the duty to consult. The payment is planning to be used for culture, youth and elder programs and tree planting programs where black ash trees will be planted in the communities of SON. The agreement includes employment opportunities for the SON communities.
Figure 11 Dufferin Wind Farm wind turbine and transmission line Figure 12 Dufferin Wind Farm during construction
2.4.9 BRUCE NUCLEAR POWER’S DEEP GEOLOGIC REPOSITORY PROJECT
The prospect of the deep geologic repository (DGR) project of Bruce Nuclear Power is currently in negotiation with the SON. The SON has successfully stopped the progress of the DGR’s environmental assessment process until the SON has made an informed decision on if they will support the project. The Minister of Environment and Climate Change has asked for more information about the process, based on Anishnaabekiing, Anishnaabe Inwewin, Anishnaabe Naaknigewin (Our Territory, Our Voice, Our Decisions), SON’s community-driven decision- making process. In 2016, the SON also succeeded in preventing a DGR for Canada’s high-level waste to be stored in the SON’s territory without the SON’s consent.
A critical concern of community members is the extent of the potential acute and chronic effects of low and intermediate level nuclear waste deposited 1.2 km away from the lake and in close proximity to Saugeen, Cape and surrounding communities; this includes the underground water systems and microscopic, plant, animal and human life. In an Anishinaabe sense and knowing 23 4 Beechwood Crescent, Toronto, ON, M4K 2KB Telephone: 647-479-4104
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(traditional ecological knowledge- a form of an Indigenous environmental and scientific assessment), any radioactive leakage from the DGR can potentially harm the health and wellbeing of the earth, water, air, plant and animal life, and traditional ways, economies and livelihoods involved with fishing, gathering and hunting for many generations.
2.4.10 HYDROGEN STORAGE There is consideration of using stored hydrogen for excess energy generation on the grid and hydrogen buses.
2.4.11 COTTAGES Although the Sauble Beach cottages are not included in this report, there may be potential for future retrofits and economic opportunities.
2.4.12 ENERGY CONSERVATION AND EFFICIENCY METHODS In addition to the community wide renewable energy initiatives, community members practice a wide range of conservation methods in their own homes. According to the community survey (See Appendix E), community members presently engage in the following conservation and efficiency methods include:
• Using heavy blankets over the windows and by the doorways during the summer to help reduce the heat coming into the home; • Covering open vents connected to the crawlspace and the ground floor with blankets to prevent air leakage and cool air from coming into the home during the winter • Closing the crawlspace air vents during the winter • Air-sealing, rigid and foam insulation and vapour barrier in the crawlspace walls and headers • Eliminating drafts around windows and doors through air-sealing and using thermal blankets • Insulating outlets located on walls facing outside; insulating hot water tanks and pipes • Closing doors to rarely used rooms to reduce heating and cooling • Converting to LED and other energy efficient light bulbs, including those with sensors • Turning the lights off when not in the room • Unplug electronics when not in use • Upgrade to energy efficient appliances • Using Time-of-use electricity pricing 24 4 Beechwood Crescent, Toronto, ON, M4K 2KB Telephone: 647-479-4104
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• Choosing not to own a washer or dryer; hanging clothes to dry • Reminding others to be aware of conserving • Using natural light through windows • Turning the heat off in the spring and summer; opening windows and using fans • Using thermal curtains to keep heat/cold out; this reduces the work load on air conditioners to cool the air and on heating systems to warm the air • Regularly changing furnace filter • Cleaning the HRV filter and unit every year; keeping the HRV on all year (unless windows are open in the summer) to ensure fresh air is being supplied inside the home • Set-back thermostats • Using minimal heating and/or minimal cooling • Downgrading to a smaller hot water tank • Heating with wood, and other renewable energy sources
Since the buildings are the main energy consumer in the community, targeting conservation and energy efficiency measures related to buildings would be a primary focus of reducing loads. Sections 6.3.2 and 6.3.3 describe some of the strategies that can be adopted to reduce the energy use of buildings in the community.
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3.0 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
In May 2016, the team made its introduction to the community and began the initial engagement of what Saugeen would want with regards to the long-term energy goals of the community. The team returned to Saugeen in July 2016 to meet with key individuals and to complete the walk- throughs of the band buildings. This second visit provided a greater understanding of some of the long-term goals and desires of the community.
Figure 13 Community Meeting in the REC Center In August 2016, some of the team organized field trips to neighbouring area homes to see the different styles of houses; to better understand what could be done in Saugeen. Half of the planned trips were completed with an intention of completing the second set of trips in the next couple of months. Along with the field trips, education seminars were held in early September to provide a base level of understanding of the various technologies and concepts which could be implemented in Saugeen. Three discussion groups: Elders, band staff and youth, were held on the first day to receive feedback on the presentation and concepts. On the second day, two community presentations were held at lunch and at dinner to provide as many options as possible for community members to be a part of the education seminar and to provide feedback on the technologies and concepts.
In January 2017, an Interim Report was provided that looked at different options that were being explored and evaluated for the community. The feedback from the four visits with the community have been incorporated in this report.
An online community survey was posted from April to May 2017, to gather information about the types of energy used to heat and cool homes, energy saving activities and the community’s ideas of what they want to see in the energy plan. 60 community members filled out the survey.
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The team visited Saugeen in May 2017 to meet with key individuals, build relationships and conduct walkthroughs of 8 homes (see Appendix F). These activities provided a better understanding of specific factors affecting energy demand. The team also learned of a newly formed Elder’s Council and visited with the contact person of the council, as well as several elders.
The final report draft will be presented to the Elder’s Council, Youth Council and a general community meeting, to listen and incorporate the community’s comments into the final report.
3.1 BUILDING CONDITIONS
3.1.1 HOUSING According to the walkthrough audits completed in May 2017, the years that the homes were built ranged from 1952 to 2009; with a floor area of 800 – 1200 sq ft. This walkthrough audit was used as part of the various information gathering activities undertaken for the Community Energy Plan. This type of walkthrough audit is described as an account of the vintage and floor area of the home, age of major appliances, heat source(s), and general observances of comfort, air quality, building envelope conditions and the HVAC system. It was not prescriptive, nor in the scope of this plan to give specific recommendations (see Appendix F).
Some of the team observations include:
• The building envelope of most of the homes were in good condition; insulations levels in the walls, attics and crawlspaces ranged from very good to inadequate insulation. Those that have well insulated attics, walls and crawlspaces found that it didn’t take long for the house to heat up and it retained the heat for a long time. • Hydro bills are very high; most of the homes were heated by electric baseboards • Air leakage around most attic hatches; majority had no insulation • All windows had double glazing, vinyl frames and air infill. • Drafts present around some windows and doors where there are cracks/gaps; some homes did not have any observable drafts • Most of the hot water tanks were insulated • Cold ground floors where there was air leakage and uninsulated crawlspaces • The building orientation (the direction the building faces) affects the ability of a home to take advantage of the natural direction of cross breezes that have the potential to cool a home in the summer; some houses were oriented in a way where they could not benefit from the cross breezes and had to rely on fans and A/C units to cool their homes • Some air diffusers were not opened fully to allow maximum air flow. Some had their HRV turned off; when this occurs, air inside seems “stale/stuffy”. The instructions for the HRV controls are not clear. The instructions describe the HRV as a “dehumidistat”: 27 4 Beechwood Crescent, Toronto, ON, M4K 2KB Telephone: 647-479-4104
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in the summer it is recommended that it’s turned off, and set between 30 and 40% in the winter. HRVs are not only for the control of moisture levels, it supplies the home with fresh air and exhausts stale air. This is particularly important in a home that is well sealed and air tight. When the HRV is not turned on, fresh air only enters the home through open windows, doors and any drafts. • Heating with wood was found to be more economical than electric • Age of appliances ranged from one to 10 years old
3.1.2 BAND BUILDINGS The following general observations are from several band building walkthroughs in July 2016:
• Single pane windows • Air leakage around doors and windows • Oversized HVAC systems • HVAC equipment needing repair • Modifying operating scheduling of HVAC systems • Energy inefficient lighting • Ventilation and air flow problems • Roofs needing repair/replacement • Space conditioning problems • Inoperable thermostats • Water damage • cold floors; rooms that are too hot or too cold • open crawlspace vents • difficult to turn on manual generator
The observations from the walkthroughs clearly indicate that here is a need for comprehensive building condition and energy audits of band buildings and homes.
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4.0 BASELINE ENERGY PROFILE AND COSTS (2016)
4.1 INTRODUCTION An energy plan can establish a baseline energy consumption by examining the current and historical energy consumption of the community. The baseline energy estimates include all electrical energy, propane, heating oil, and residential wood fuel. It does not include any consumption of residential heating oil or propane (understood to be minimal), or any diesel or gasoline for commercial or personal transportation use. Using this baseline, energy conservation and generation strategies can be created.
4.2 ASSUMPTIONS Below are the following assumptions for the energy intensities were sourced from:
• Seeing that Owen Sound and Markham have the same degree days, NRCan’s Ontario average degree days data was used. • NRCan Ontario Intensities (kWh/m2 per year) data for residential and commercial buildings for 2012 were used. The data is divided into various end-uses; space heating and other consumption were outlined accordingly for the baseline analysis. This average is naturally biased for the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) which has the large majority of houses and buildings. • Saugeen’s Economic Development Office verified that there are presently 296 detached houses and 25 apartments. • Residential average floor area used was 91m2. • Saugeen houses use a mix of fuels for space heating: electricity from Hydro One, propane, oil and locally-sourced wood. • The adjusted fuel source mix ratio (electricity, oil, propane, wood) was extrapolated from the ACEP community survey for Saugeen. • Electricity cost per kWh was derived from the Ontario Energy Board. • Standard industry fuel efficiency ratings were used for oil, propane and hardwood.
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The following energy intensities were derived for the Saugeen residential and office space sectors:
Table 2 Current Saugeen Residential and Office Space Energy Intensity
Houses Offices End Use Intensity Percentage Intensity Percentage (kWh/m2) Space Heating 153.80 58% 165.10 66% Other Water Heating 54.9 21% 27.02 11% Appliances 27.5 10% Lighting 11.0 4% 36.05 14% Space Cooling 16.5 6% 20.94 8% Total 263.70 100% 249.10 100%
Space heating is the largest consumer of energy for band and residential buildings, followed by lighting for band buildings and water heating for residential buildings. This data highlights areas that are opportunities to apply energy conservation strategies.
Current Saugeen Band Current Saugeen Residential Buildings Energy Intensity Energy Intensity Space Space Cooling Cooling Lighting 8% 6% 4% Appliance Lighting s 14% 10%
Water Heating 11% Space Water Space Heating Heating Heating 66% 21% 58%
Figure 14 and Figure 15 Energy Intensity of Saugeen Band and Residential Buildings
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4.2.1 BASELINE ENERGY PROFILE (2016) For the houses existing in 2012, with an average floor area of 91 m2, an average total intensity of 264 kWh/m2 per year was used. Out of all residential and commercial buildings in the community, residential buildings account for 70% of total annual energy use. The annual energy profile is based on the following energy costs by fuel type:
• Electricity cost - $0.095/kWh, according to the Ontario Energy Board, out of the three Time-of-Use (TOU) rates, the mid-peak or average rate was selected at 100% efficiency. • Wood cost - $0.067/ekWh, based on $250/full(bush) cord equivalent for hardwood, in stoves with 60% efficiency • Propane cost - $0.087/ekWh, consumed at 80% efficiency • Oil cost - $ 0.10/kWh, consumed at 60% efficiency
The Time-of-Use rates for electricity have been dramatically reduced from last year. According to the past two years, the off-, mid- and on-peak prices were as follows: • In 2016: $0.087, $0.132 and $0.18/kWh • In 2017: $0.065, $0.095 and $0.132/kWh Due to the fluctuation in prices historically, next year’s prices cannot be assumed and are thus unknown.
The table below shows that the community as a whole is paying approximately $ 1,500,000 per year for its energy for 2016:
Table 3 2016 Baseline Annual Energy Profile
Non- Space Oil Wood Propane Cooling Hot Water thermal Heating Heating Heating Heating Total Electricity Electricity Electricity Electricity Load Load Load
kWh kWh kWh kWh eKWh ekWh ekWh ekWh
Residential 1,120,533 472,943 1,593,791 2,195,881 570,929 307,423 1,317,528 7,579,028 Commercial - Office Space 546,605 483,778 312,092 399,413 343,952 0 1,163,713 3,249,553 Subtotal 1,667,138 956,721 1,905,883 2,595,294 914,881 307,423 2,481,241 10,828,581 Total 7,125,036 Cost Per Year $676,878 $54,893 $12,358 $753,669 $1,497,799 $158,378 $518,500
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The baseline energy profile of Saugeen shows that residential space heating is the largest consumer of electricity, followed by electricity used to provide hot water. For commercial buildings, propane use for heating is the highest out of all fuel types.
Saugeen Baseline Energy Profile (2016) kWh 8,000,000 7,000,000 6,000,000 5,000,000 4,000,000 3,000,000 2,000,000 1,000,000 0 Residen al Commercial - Office Space
Non-thermal Electricity Cooling Electricity Hot Water Electricity Space Hea ng Electricity
Oil Hea ng Load Wood Hea ng Load Propane Hea ng Load
Figure 16 Saugeen Baseline Energy Profile (2016)
4.2.2 BASELINE ELECTRICAL AND THERMAL ENERGY LOADS
For purposes of setting future targets and undertaking electrical and thermal (or heating) supply planning, the loads for the thermal functions need to be known. Assuming that electric heating consumption is occurring at 100% efficiency, the following electrical and heating (thermal) loads were derived from the Baseline Energy Profile, developed above. Note that space cooling is tracked as an electric load, assumed to have an average efficiency of 200% (COP=2), i.e. cooling load delivered is twice the electrical consumption.
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Table 4 Current Electrical and Thermal Loads
Heat Loads
Electrical Oil Hot Space Wood Space Propane Loads* Heating Total Water Heating Heating Heating
(ekWh) (kWh) (kWh) (kWh) (ekWh) (ekWh) (ekWh) Residential 1,593,476 1,593,791 2,195,881 307,423 1,317,528 570,929 7,579,028 Commercial
Office space 1,030,383 312,092 399,413 307,423 1,163,713 343,952 3,556,976 Total 2,623,859 1,905,883 2,595,294 307,423 2,481,241 914,881 10,828,581 *includes space cooling electricity
In regards to meeting projected energy demands for the Saugeen and taking into account the foreseeable growth in housing and facilities; if the energy reduction strategies of new construction and retrofits are achieved, this will positively result in a lower community energy demand than Saugeen’s current energy demand.
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5.0 A VISION OF SAUGEEN’S ENERGY FUTURE
The purpose of the energy plan is to provide a pathway for achieving an ultimate outcome that meets the aspirations of the community with available opportunities. Establishing a vision of what is possible provides guidance to the steps to be taken. Harvesting and managing energy is central to the well-being of a community. Shelter, transportation, food, water, and supporting services require energy which is currently provided by primarily fossil fuel and electricity imports. For a sustainable and prosperous future, ways need to be developed to provide Saugeen’s energy needs that rely entirely on renewable resources and maximize economic benefits.
5.1 PRIMARY GOALS AND PRIORITIES
Based on the community’s participation and assessment of current conditions, the major goals for the plan to achieve are as follows:
• Self-reliance Energy requirements are met by resources governed and managed by Saugeen. • Caretaking The land, air, waters, and ecology are protected from harm. • Reduced cost of living Basic needs are affordable and equitable. • Quality of living Health, comfort, and fulfillment are met. • Employment Everyone is enabled to support the local economy. • Cultural identity Goals are achieved through community means and traditions. • Resilience Resources are sustained through adversities.
The transformation process will entail integration with community planning activities such as housing for a growing population, building repair and maintenance, additional facilities, infrastructure, and economic development. It is a priority that these activities are undertaken in conjunction with build-out of the energy plan as retrofitting later will be a considerable cost.
The implementation plan of the energy plan should set out an ordering of activities such that energy supply and demand are in balance. For example, energy efficiency improvements will reduce the size and cost of energy supply infrastructure.
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Priority of activities may change in response to exigencies such as funding opportunities (see Section B) or emerging technologies. The Energy Plan must be flexible and updated, a living document that can be changed over time. The goals and vision should remain as guidance for changing activities.
5.2 GUIDING PRINCIPLES
• Holistic Approach systems within systems, human ecology • Passive Simplicity effortlessly wielding earth, sun, wind, and fire • Life-cycle Assessment cradle-to-cradle, energy return on investment • Resilience through Diversity multi-source energy supply, system redundancy • Reciprocity mutual benefit amongst people and with the land • Integration coherence, synergy
5.3 SAUGEEN 2030
By 2030, Saugeen First Nation is no longer dependent on purchasing electricity, fossil fuels, and water. Most members are able to live and work on reserve. Much of the food and commodities are produced and shared locally. Health, education, and social services are community-run and Anishinaabe-centred. Energy self-reliance has engendered prosperity and pride in and for the community.
The treaties are engaged in respectful processes that are conducted as they were intended to and as a result, a large part of the traditional territories have been returned; establishing respectful relations between Saugeen and the surrounding communities.
The 2017 Sustainable Energy Plan provided a series of activities along with an organizational structure that would ultimately achieve a transformation of the community’s energy requirements being provided by local renewable energy resources. The creation of an integrated utility, owned and operated by Saugeen, has managed the infrastructure work and continues to operate and maintain the energy and water systems.
Over the first few years, all the homes and buildings underwent a coordinated deep retrofit that greatly reduced their energy requirements, brought them up to good repair, and improved comfort and air quality. All new construction adopted very high levels of energy efficiency and passive design. The component manufacturing and installation contracting is in demand from neighbouring communities, providing income to Saugeen.
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The village buildings are heated and cooled with piped water from central thermal energy plants. These use a combination of earth storage, solar heating, heat pumps, and discharged heat from biofuel generators. The underground piping uses an accessible utility trench that also carries water, wastewater, and electricity distribution. Interruptions of power, water, or heating no longer occur.
Saugeen’s electricity is provided by several sources including photovoltaic panels, run-of-river hydropower, wind turbines, and biofuel generators. With an optimum mix to match electricity demand, only a small amount of battery storage is needed to operate off-grid. Usually, Saugeen’s microgrid remains connected to the main grid so that exporting power off reserve when prices are high keeps electricity prices low for the community.
The utility centres provide wastewater and organic waste treatment facilities that generate biogas while recovering the nutrients for crop fertilization. These operations are within a greenhouse that provides horticulture and aquaculture produce. There is no longer a garbage dump and the groundwater has returned to safe drinking. Packaging and household goods are reduced, reused, or recycled.
Most people get around on foot or bicycle and some use electric mopeds/wheelchairs since most everything needed is available close by and accessible. The Food Exchange is where families share their harvests, preserves, and catches. Electric vehicles, charged during periods of excess power, are shared for taking longer trips as well as bus rides.
Learning is a community-wide activity where skills and wisdom are developed and passed on to the next generation. The young are engaged in the life of a community that sustains itself and its land base. All planning activities are guided and centered in the Anishinaabemowin-the language, culture and Anishinaabe ways of knowing.
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6.0 AN ENERGY PLAN FOR SAUGEEN FIRST NATION
This section lays out specific objectives, strategic planning, recommended initiatives, and schedule of build-out. 6.1 OBJECTIVES The following objectives will help guide and assess strategies to meet the goals outlined in Section 5.1.
6.1.1 ZERO GHG The whole world is challenged to quickly reverse the build-up of greenhouses gasses in the atmosphere. This will entail transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources over the next 3 decades. Methane emissions, much of which comes from natural gas supply, must be reduced more quickly. This will entail avoiding natural gas usage including importing electricity during periods when natural gas generation is deployed. Further reductions can be achieved by exporting power during these periods. Methane release from organic waste decomposition can be curtailed by diverting these wastes to facilities that avoid emissions. Carbon dioxide can be removed from the atmosphere through photosynthesis by plants and trees and stored as soil, biochar, and wood products.
6.1.2 LIFE-CYCLE COSTING AND EVALUATION Determination of the optimum energy strategies requires consideration of not only the initial capital required but their life-cycle operating, maintenance, and replacement costs. In addition to costs, the life-cycle energy and GHG emissions should also be evaluated.
6.1.3 GOVERNANCE To ensure that the aspirations and interests of the people are met, the ownership and management of development and operations can be structured to ensure self-governance with appropriate participation of the community. This may entail processes of open communication, sharing, participation of elders, and other means of adapting traditional forms of government.
6.1.4 CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION The consequences of global warming bring challenges to resilience and stewardship. Extreme weather events, periods of drought and flooding, and changes to ecosystems should be anticipated and means developed to reduce impacts. For instance, forest fire protection with fire- breaks, storm water management, structural improvements design for increased wind and snow loads, buried power lines to avoid ice-storm outages, and autonomous, renewable energy supply will reduce the threats.
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6.1.5 RESILIENCE Infrastructure and buildings should be designed to last and be maintainable with local resources. This will entail both selection of materials and systems as well as training and employment of community operations staff.
6.2 STRATEGIES
6.2.1 ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND DEMAND MANAGEMENT The least-cost way to meet energy needs is to reduce demand up to the point that it is cheaper to produce energy than to reduce energy. All of Saugeen’s existing buildings can be retrofitted to substantially reduce loads while, at the same time, greatly improve their condition and the indoor environment. All new construction can employ passive design and best engineering practices to reduce loads by 50 to 90 % compared to building code minimum standards and conventional architecture.
Lighting, appliances, and other energy consuming equipment can be selected and replaced with best-available technology. For example, high performance LED light fixtures with occupancy and daylight control produces better quality of lighting using a quarter as much energy as standard fluorescent lamps.
The cost of electricity from the grid depends largely on the grid resources needed to reliably meet the demand. For Ontario’s grid, there is often more renewable power available than is needed to meet the demand and is unfortunately wasted. During very hot and very cold weather, the demand for electricity peaks and results in large line losses, again wasting electricity supply. If increasing adoption of electric vehicles and heat pumps add to peak demand, there will be more line losses and eventually a need to install more power lines. There are many building loads that could be turned off and on to better match the available grid capacity. For example, electric vehicle charging and air conditioning can be activated on the basis of available zero- emissions capacity of wind and hydro and during off-peak hours.
The financial returns for energy efficiency and demand management are not only based on reduced usage but on Ontario programs that provide compensation through local electric distributors and other channels. Of particular importance are the emerging funds under the Climate Action Plan. It is essential to note that the reduction of GHG emissions by Saugeen is best achieved by eliminating fossil fuel heating and avoiding electricity demand from the grid when natural gas generation is deployed.
For Saugeen to be able to provide all its own energy needs, the reduction and timing of loads results in lower costs for its energy supply infrastructure. Through energy-demand management,
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excess generation can be supplied into the grid when most needed, thus increasing the financial return on these investments.
6.2.2 RENEWABLE ENERGY UTILIZATION Saugeen is rich in renewable energy resources. Solar radiation can be converted to heat and electricity, sufficient to meet annual energy needs on rooftops alone although sunlight is less available during the heating season. The region is one of the best locations for wind energy as is evident by the number of wind farms. Offshore wind resources have not been exploited but are in the order of the output from Bruce Nuclear. Biomass is also plentiful. The forest and wetlands have sufficient potential to sustainably harvest all Saugeen’s energy on 1 % of the land area. Crop, livestock, and kitchen waste is convertible to methane (same as natural gas) and fertilizer using anaerobic digesters. Hydraulic power is also amply available. Denny’s Dam has the potential to generate 6.2 Gown annually, sufficient itself to meet Saugeen’s needs. Its availability is dependent on time-of-year, rainfall, fish migration.
By appropriately selecting and combining these resources, it is possible to provide renewable energy year-round most affordably. Solar serves summer loads, wind is best in the other seasons, biomass can be stored and used as needed and waterpower provides a regulated supply. An energy supply system could be devised to meet just the needs for Saugeen but there is opportunity to export large amounts of green power to the grid and at times when the prices for generation yield a high return on investment.
6.2.3 CONNECTED MICRO-GRID With the emergence of the Smart Grid, the ability to regulate distributed resources to match supply and demand has opened the doors for customers to participate in the electricity market. The concept of a micro-grid is an aggregation of local resources such as PV systems, demand response, and batteries that help distribution utilities manage their system. For example, if there are loads such as heat pumps that can be turned off for short periods when electricity demand is high, this will reduce losses through the wires as well as avoiding the higher cost of power. Charging of an electric vehicle can be scheduled to correspond with available renewable energy and even supply to the grid when fossil fuel generators are activated. A mix of renewable energy resources help to manage the matching of supply and demand at lower costs.
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Figure 17 Micro-Grid Communities, not connected to the transmission system, are necessarily micro-grids. It is possible to configure Saugeen as a micro-grid that is able to operate both independently and connected with Hydro One if the power lines coming into the reserve are able to be disconnected as needed and Saugeen provides electricity through a local distribution network. This is called islanding, and the switch-over can be automated so that during system power outages, Saugeen is not impacted. A pilot is underway through the Ontario local distribution company, Veridian Connections Inc. https://www.opusonesolutions.com/uncategorized/veridian-rolls-innovative- microgrid-project-2/ The Village site lends itself to such a proposition with a single point of connection to the grid that could be metered and the downstream connections would be sub- metered. Other portions of the reserve receive power from other grid connections and are thus not as readily adapted to this micro-grid model.
Ontario has, for some time, allowed Hydro customers to generate renewable energy on their property and subtract the electricity generated from electricity consumed, known as net metering. If, over the course of a year, the site-generated energy exceeds the usage, the billed amount of electricity is zero. This has limited the participation to individual buildings and their capacity to install renewable generation, primarily solar. The Province is considering new regulations for community-shared net metering of distributed generators and electricity storage. This will enable shared ownership of local green energy generation to reduce or eliminate electricity charges for everyone in the community.
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Figure 18 Community Solar and Virtual Net Metering Depending on the final outcome, it may be possible to establish a virtual microgrid by which customers may remain serviced by Hydro One but be aggregated in terms of net metering. The investment costs are recovered by avoided electricity charges. By including energy storage, the microgrid can store renewable energy, such as using batteries or tanks of hot water, when electricity prices are low and sell electricity to the grid when prices are high. The recently announced exemption of delivery fees for First Nations combined with virtual net metering opens up the possibility of no electricity payments to Hydro One. The determination of charges to individual electricity users to recover capital costs of energy storage, demand management, conservation retrofits, and renewable generators would fall to Saugeen administration.
6.2.4 DISTRICT HEATING District energy systems are very common in Europe and many North American cities and university campuses. Applications comparable to Saugeen include Ouje Bougoumou’s wood- fired system and the Drake’s Landing, Alberta solar heating system.
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Figure 19 Central Wood-fired Cree Community Figure 20 Central Solar/Ground Storage Heating, Alberta The Village has sufficient density to employ a district energy system providing hot water to each building for space and water heating. The water can be heated by various means including biomass, solar, and ground-source heat pump. Solar and biomass can provide combined heat and power that utilizes heat that is otherwise wasted. Thermal energy can be stored so that heating requirements can be met independent of electricity generation.
Scotch Settlement and French Bay clusters could use smaller versions of district heating and cooling. The more scattered households would require independent solutions such as ground- source heat pumps and wood heating.
6.2.1 INTEGRATING UTILITIES The community benefits from several shared services including potable water, fire hydrants, electricity, household waste management, roads and walkways, and internet access. Other functions such as fuel delivery and wastewater treatment are managed individually. Integrating their infrastructure opens up opportunities of meeting the energy plan objectives more effectively.
Utility trenching can accommodate several utilities together, such as water supply, district thermal piping, electricity cables, fiber optics, and wastewater. By placing them under sidewalks or pathways in channels with removable tops, repairs and additions are facilitated. Overhead power lines are eliminated thus reducing vulnerability to extreme weather events. There is a need to improve wastewater treatment to protect ground water which likely would entail installing sewer piping. Trenching costs are thus shared amongst the utilities. A potable cold- water supply and return can provide summer cooling and provide a redundant supply during water main repair and maintenance. Similarly, a potable hot water with the same return line can deliver both service hot water and space heating.
An integrated utilities centre that connects into the buried infrastructure enables other synergies (see Appendix A). Heating and cooling sources provide space and water heating and space cooling energy from solar and biomass co-generators (providing heat and electricity) and heat 42 4 Beechwood Crescent, Toronto, ON, M4K 2KB Telephone: 647-479-4104
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pumps, with thermal storage. The cogenerated electricity connects to the electricity distribution system. Electricity storage could also be located here and use could be made of the waste heat from charging and discharging. Organic waste can be processed in this facility to produce and store biogas for use in cogeneration. If the facility is housed in a greenhouse, wastewater can be treated and purified using aquaculture and used for irrigation of horticulture production. Solar heating and PV generation can be integrated into the greenhouse.
Figure 21Biogas Cycle Bio-waste is often land-filled resulting in methane emissions to the atmosphere. The majority of household waste can be converted to energy and fertilizer. The capital cost is often recovered by avoided landfill charges and nutrient management requirements so that the beneficial products are free.
6.2.1 SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION The first strategy is to reduce the need to travel and shipping goods. Instead, most of the community’s needs would be met within walking and cycling distances. Employment, schools, food shopping, etc. are available on the reserve, saving time, cost, and energy. An electric van could provide local bussing for various needs such as school children, winter conditions, and seniors. Shared vehicle use could provide similar service but with greater flexibility. These would be recharged at stations equipped to receive power at off-peak times. For longer distance transportation and heavy-duty equipment, a biodiesel-supplemented filling station could be provided. 43 4 Beechwood Crescent, Toronto, ON, M4K 2KB Telephone: 647-479-4104
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Figure 25 Biodiesel Station and an Electric Vehicle
6.2.1 FOREST AND FIELD CARETAKING Agriculture and forestry activities provide not only valuable, sustainable resources but sources of biomass that can be converted into fuels. The biomass can be harvested directly for energy use or from waste organic materials.
Tree clearing to create meadows and act as fire breaks has a long tradition with First Nations peoples. These openings create habitat for game and increase biodiversity. Small-scale logging can provide construction lumber with slash and sawmill waste supplying a fuel source. Fast growing trees such as willow may be planted and coppiced to provide a readily harvestable, continuing source of energy (see http://www.esf.edu/willow/). Community members with deep knowledge of the local ecosystem should be able to select the best species, location, and harvesting of trees.
Some community members mentioned the need for a Sustainable Reforestation plan as part of the forest management plan. Where an existing database of indigenous species of hardwoods is used or a new one created that the community updates. Local seasonal jobs can be created to ensure a sufficient supply of wood available that has dried for at least one year. This plan would also require a facility to house the wood as well as an updated management plan that can potentially provide for the whole community. Currently, the band provides elders with cords of wood every winter.
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Woody biomass can be converted to fuel through gasification using pyrolysis (heating without oxygen). The residue is charcoal, known as biochar, that when added to the soil, improves fertility and water retention. For millennia, numerous indigenous nations utilized this method, knowing that it mutually benefits the land, people, plant and animal life; western research has recently found that this method stores CO2 out of the atmosphere.
Crops and livestock could provide local food supplies. The non-edible plant material and animal waste can be converted to biogas and fertilizer using anaerobic digesters. The biogas can be used directly for power and heat generation. This is common practice throughout northern Europe and there are programs in Ontario that support application of this technology.
Greenhouse horticulture and aquaculture can be used to treat wastewater in addition to continuous food production. By locating generators using bio-fuels adjacent to greenhouses, waste heat can be utilized directly in the winter.
In combination with biochar, returning nutrients to fields and woodlands helps to maintain healthy soils and clean waters while replacing imported artificial fertilizer. Life-cycle management of the land in this manner, greatly reduces greenhouse gasses including methane and nitrous oxide.
6.2.2 PRESERVING AND RESPECTING THE WATERS The foregoing strategies are interlinked with water caretaking and protecting. The integrated utility approach offers the opportunity to manage water resources better. Wastewater treatment will help to restore the quality` of the aquifer with the prospect of replacing the current supply from Southampton. Nutrient management and waste diversion from landfill will further protect groundwater resources. Water conservation measures can be integrated into retrofit activities. Pumping power can be scheduled to off-peak hours and operated during power outages. Hydropower may be developed that is compatible with fishery preservation objectives.
6.2.3 SOURCING LOCALLY Self-reliance in energy and water can be extended to include other community goods and services. Local food growing and processing, health and education services, timber harvesting, construction, manufacture, etc. contributes to local employment, lower transportation costs, and reduced imports. These benefits, in turn, improve community resilience and well-being.
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6.3 MAJOR INITIATIVES
6.3.1 ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE TO IMPLEMENT THE PLAN The implementation of the Saugeen Community Energy Plan requires substantial management and financial resources. It is recommended that Council assign a director and team to establish a Saugeen Utilities (SU) corporation which would be responsible for implementing the plan’s undertakings and ongoing operations and maintenance. Rather than a separate community utility for energy, this entity would provide all infrastructure services including water, transportation, communications, and waste management thereby ensuring coordination and efficiencies of integration. There will be a need for expanding training and knowledge for these positions.
SU should be structured to reinforce Anishinaabe self-governance and operate to the benefit of the Saugeen community. It should also be empowered to enter into financial and development partnerships as well as receive government funding support to proceed with capital, operations, and maintenance activities to meet the objectives of the SCEP (see Section B). It should also have the authority to set charges for services to community members and receive income from off-reserve customers such as HONI and electric vehicle charging.
As a microgrid utility that is capable of operating with or without connection to the main grid, SU will be able to manage supply and demand in such a way as to maximize revenues for services and power sales, and contribute to greenhouse gas reductions across Ontario. The community benefits from lower energy costs, energy security, and local employment.
6.3.2 ENERGY PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION New construction and major renovations represents the most cost-effective opportunity for implementing the Community Energy Plan strategies. The development of energy performance standards is an immediate priority for directing design and construction activities. It should not be the case that new construction deserves retrofitting to meet community energy objectives. Future development decisions such as land use planning should be subject to sustainable energy considerations as well.
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Passive House Standard provides a basis for a Saugeen FN requirement for all new construction. By minimizing space heating, capital cost savings on thermal energy supply are realized.
Figure 22 Energy Consumption Comparison Additional mandatory standards should include provisions for appliances, solar energy utilization, and district energy connection where feasible. Other Anishinaabe Building Code provisions should take into consideration: durability, local sourcing, electric vehicle charging, and green materials (non-toxic, low embodied energy).
The location of new facilities and housing should consider utility infrastructure availability as well as ease of access to other services. Land-use mapping and planned development should encompass building siting as well as infrastructure. Building orientation for access to winter sun should be taken into consideration.
When project budgets are constrained but energy performance standards are to be met, a good option is to procure as a design-build contract. If the procurement is through the band, then community representation on a design committee may improve outcomes. An integrated design process that involves design refinement through iterative evaluations of cost and performance should be used.
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6.3.3 BUILDING RETROFIT AND RENOVATIONS The current building stock, (according to Statistics Canada/NRCan published energy intensities) consumes on average, about 4 times more energy than current best practice (i.e. Passive House specifications for energy intensity). To achieve substantial reductions, known as deep retrofit, the building envelope as well as mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems require upgrading. On their own, such changes would be expensive with respect to savings but often, they may replace or fix failing components; so, piggy-backing retrofitting onto renovation and repairs is the best approach. For example, when windows need replacement, it costs little more to install a high efficiency upgrade.
Prefabrication and standardization of retrofit assemblies such as insulated panelized reskinning, will help control cost and quality, due to less site work and more controlled environment manufacture. This is an economic development opportunity which is described in Initiative 6.3.8. It is necessary to plan and manage a multi-year retrofit undertaking. A proper audit of each building that assesses current conditions, models energy demand, examines energy purchase data, and prescribes measures. One such protocol, using the Energuide Rating System, has been developed for federal funding assistance. The audits could also include recommendations for incremental upgrades that combine renovations, repairs, replacements and any corrections, with energy retrofits so as to save time, costs and replication of work.
To facilitate local skills training and local employment, Certified Auditor Training could be provided to community members, who could apprentice under an experienced auditor with building science training. Based on findings and common conditions such as vented crawl spaces, retrofit measures can be developed. The most cost-effective solutions can then be ordered, pre-fabricated and installed en masse. Saugeen may choose to work towards developing a local Building Condition and Energy Audit team and create their own building condition and energy audit guidelines/standards.
Space heating, cooling, and DHW measures will depend on the availability of district energy infrastructure. For dispersed buildings, the best option may be to use heat pumps connected to an open loop of recirculated groundwater. In order to minimize disruption, all of the retrofit measures should be done together. Scheduling could be based on various criteria such as most in need, critical repairs, availability of district energy and common characteristics.
6.3.4 COMMUNITY UTILITIES INFRASTRUCTURE The village is suited for expanded and upgraded infrastructure. The cost of trenching can be shared amongst electricity, water, wastewater, heating, cooling, and communications (See Appendix A). Access for repairs can be facilitated by using a trench utilidor with removable slabs that can double as sidewalks. A utilidor is a passageway that provides shared space for multiple services such as water, electricity, and district heating.
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Figure 23 Utilidor The cabling and piping connects a central utilities facility to each building. Above ground electricity distribution is susceptible to weather damage but replacing the wires and poles with buried conduit connected directly to a village power source will mitigate power outages. With ownership of the distribution system, the electrical system can be operated as a grid-connected micro-utility capable of islanding with automatic disconnect from the grid during power failures. A district heating and cooling system will supply and return for both hot and cold water generated at a central plant. It is possible to integrate with potable hot and cold delivery but may be worthwhile to retain existing potable water distribution.
A vacuum sewer system will transfer septic tank effluent to a central treatment facility, described in Section 6.3.5. This will prevent contamination of groundwater and avoid tile-field maintenance. A smaller version of this approach can be applied to clusters on other parts of the reserve.
6.3.5 VILLAGE SERVICES CENTRE A facility should be built that incorporates several utility and community services in one place. These include district heating and cooling supply, electricity generation, and storage, wastewater treatment, combined with compatible services including electric vehicle charging, recreation, education, and marketplace.
The provision of hot and chilled water for all buildings in the Village should use geothermal seasonal storage with the primary heat source being solar thermal and heat pump operated in hours when grid power has excess renewable energy available. A wood gasifier supplying a co-
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generator provides back-up heating and power on demand. Summer cooling demand uses the heat pump and discharges heat into geothermal storage. The borehole field is configured as a core that is maintained at temperatures exceeding 50°C with 2 concentric rings, the outermost kept below 10°C by the heat pump for direct cooling and the inner ring receiving heat rejection from the heat pump. By operating the heat pump only when the grid has surplus capacity, heating and cooling is supplied entirely by renewable energy.
Micro-grid electricity supply consists of photovoltaic generation on the rooftop using combined PV/T panels that provide electricity and hot water.
Figure 24 Geo-Exchange System The wood-fuel co-generator provides electricity on demand to maintain battery storage capacity. The battery storage is sized to ensure sufficient capacity to meet the Village’s demand during power outages and kept charged by the PV/T and wood-fueled generator. When connected to the grid, the batteries and excess generation are able to be dispatched to the grid during periods when additional generation is required and at high prices. The batteries may be charged when the system would otherwise curtail wind and hydro-power.
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Figure 25 Solar Collectors The facility could also house an ecological wastewater treatment plant. The effluent diverted from tile fields is first processed through enclosed tanks followed by open tanks in a greenhouse containing plants and aquatic life, some of which are harvestable. The effluent may be safely infiltrated into the ground or used for irrigation.
A building sized for the solar collectors is large enough to house other community functions. Its location is ideally central to the village to minimize piping infrastructure so is convenient for social functions such as a food market, school, recreation, community gatherings, and shared electric vehicle charging. It may also serve as an emergency shelter. Waste heat from the energy operations can offset the buildings heating load.
For housing clusters such as the Scotch Settlement, a lesser version may be employed. For example, a smaller borehole geo-exchange system could supply the housing units with recirculated ground-temperature water to operate individual heat pumps. The existing potable water distribution could be equipped with return water line to serve the distribution requirements. Seasonal geo-storage, solar, biomass, 2,000 m2 PV/T rooftop, school or factory or sports, greenhouse to south, tilted to south, north lighting+vehicle access, paved parking solar collector, food market, vehicle share+fast charge + bus, offices, (Bear Claw), redox battery, etc. (See Appendix A).
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6.3.6 GRID-CONNECTED RENEWABLE ENERGY Saugeen Utility Services could develop larger scale renewable energy projects that are tied into high voltage lines. Depending on the power purchasing agreement available, these generation assets may provide revenues that can be used to offset utility operating and maintenance costs, keeping energy rates lower.
By developing low-impact renewable energy projects in the region, SFN can support the transition of Ontario away from fossil and nuclear fuel dependency to a fully sustainable future. A combination of renewable energy sources better serves the variations in daily and seasonal demand.
Projects include run-of-river hydro, on- and offshore large-scale wind, biomass harvesting and conversion to fuels, solar farms, and large-scale energy storage. Such projects will require extensive evaluation and approvals process.
Through Saugeen Ojibway Nation’s treaty and ancestral rights and the Duty-to-Consult provision, SFN can exercise authority over energy projects that impact the water and lands. Additional controls include SON Archeological Standards and Guidelines and the present Aboriginal title claim to land and water. Evaluation, approval, and partnership in developing the potential of the region can ensure that environmental impacts are mitigated and contribute to the welfare of the community.
6.3.7 TRANSPORTATION AND ACCESSIBILITY Reduction of the need for vehicular transportation should be the priority as this will save operating costs, maintenance, and resources The Village would benefit from improved walking and cycling pathways. By bringing more services, employment, and goods supply onto the reserve, people will be less dependent on cars, trucks, and busses.
For circumstances that require a vehicle, SFN can develop a local public transit using electric vans. An electric car sharing enterprise would eliminate the need for car ownership and lower costs for participants. As suggested previously, a Village Service Centre would be an ideal location for a transportation hub with fast charging capacity. With smart vehicle-to-grid interface, the batteries are charged and discharged based on grid needs thus reducing electricity costs. Electric vehicles last longer, are easier to repair, require no oil changes, and provide opportunity for training mechanics from the community.
Trucks and mobile construction vehicles may remain dependent on fuels for some time. Bio fuels can be produced from a variety of sources that can then be supplied for these applications and retailed. Biodiesel is readily processed from crops such as hemp by oil extraction with the remaining fibers used for other products. Green ‘natural gas’ is produced from agricultural and household waste using methane digesters which produce high quality soil fertilizer and divert waste from landfill where they leak methane to the atmosphere. Gasoline can also be produced
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from woody waste and low-input crops like switchgrass using thermal and catalytic processes. (see http://anellotech.com/technol)
6.3.8 SUSTAINABLE RENEWABLE ENERGY AND LAND CO-MANAGEMENT In order to ensure that the water, soils, air, and ecology of SFN’s land base are maintained in good health it is essential that the community’s needs are met in a sustainable and restorative fashion. The principles of planning for seven generations and reciprocity with nature apply to the development of self-reliance in resources. Some resources such as materials, food, and energy will be imported. There should be sufficient capacity to export resources in kind and sustainably. Saugeen’s Community Energy Plan is informed by this perspective. Since renewable energy resources abound, Saugeen will be able to exchange valuable energy services for imported products and services. The whole economy will need to transition to using sustainable materials and energy. Saugeen may assist in this process through purchasing policies. For example, local organic food can be brought to a Saugeen market and waste can be eliminated by reuse and recycling.
Traditionally, throughout Turtle Island and still practiced in communities such as Nehiyaw (Cree) territories in northern Alberta, clearings in forests were created to reduce spread of wildfires and provide habitat for game. This strategy could be applied to provide lumber and fuel sustainably while improving hunting. The lumber can provide much of the building materials for construction and retrofit.
The processing of wood waste to fuel, using pyrolysis, produces a by-product, called biochar. The processing of food and animal waste to methane, using anaerobic digestion, produces compost. These materials, when added to soil, improve fertility and store carbon out of the atmosphere.
Protection of water including the Saugeen River, Lake Huron, and groundwater is an important factor in the deployment of the energy plan. Water supply and treatment requires a large amount of energy. Water conservation and reuse should be incorporated into building standards. For example, rainwater harvesting can be used for wash water and greywater for irrigation. Water pumping can be scheduled for off-peak hours using the elevated reservoir to maintain pressure. Waterpower development on the Saugeen River should be compatible with protection of the fishery. Under the direction of SON Archeology Standards and Guidelines, any development needs to follow the protocols outlined here before any development occurs. Development should respect and adhere to the treaties as understood by and at the discretion of the community. Inclusion of wastewater into an integrated utility system will help to restore groundwater quality. Diversion of waste leachate from landfill will help protect the aquifer. Environmental impact assessment of all projects should be undertaken.
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7.0 IMPLEMENTATION PROPOSITION-ODENAANSAN
To overcome the weakness of many plans, that of lack of implementation, Rivercourt has engaged in a concurrent process with the typical ACEP activities, that of exploring how the plan could be implemented through a unified utility approach which we call Odenaansan ("village or little place where my heart is"). This concept was presented to Chief and Council on July 25, 2016 and a BCR was unanimously passed to explore and develop this idea. The Odenaansan unified utility approach is community controlled, indigenous approach to managing food, energy, housing and water. By taking an integrated approach, one achieves better outcomes, both technically and economically. The Odenaansan concept is built around the goals and values expressed by the community, the elders and Chief and Council namely:
• Independence and self sufficiency • Economic strength including reduced energy costs • Environmental Caretaking • Resilience in the face of increasing Climate Chaos
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Odenaansan achieves all of these while also dramatically reducing the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) created as a result of the community. The recognition by the entire world of the need to not only stop putting carbon into the atmosphere but to actually remove some has created significant opportunities for transformational change. The consequence of this it that there are significant resources available to Saugeen which weren’t available even when we started the ACEP The kind of changes required to achieve this “Post Carbon Economy” are in alignment with the values and aspirations of Saugeen.
There is an opportunity for Saugeen, through the unified utility approach, to be a model for the First Nations programs being developed by the Ontario Government to fulfill the Climate Change Action Plan. There have been several conversations with the Innovation Branch of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change in which senior staff within the Ministry suggested this.
There is an opportunity for Saugeen to assume a leadership role in the Climate Change conversation and in so doing, garner tremendous support for its efforts.
The technical and financial aspects of the implementation of this plan and in fact in addressing all of Climate Change are understood. The challenge is the "social engineering" required or what leading thinkers are referring to as transformation. This requires in innovation in decision making to ensure far greater involvement of the citizenry of all nations. Traditionally Anishinaabe culture engaged the entirety of the population. It was an organic natural process which worked for millennia and provides an excellent example of sustainable culture. There is something called biomimicry which Wikipedia defines as "Biomimetics or biomimicry is the imitation of the models, systems, and elements of nature for the purpose of solving complex human problems". Anishinaabe culture was a "natural society" and using it as a model for the emergent necessary post-carbon culture can be called "social biomimicry".
The clan system is a sophisticated social system of functionality including decision making. In considering how to organize Odenaansan we have looked to the clan system for clues. There are existing organic clusters of the community that exist around shared activities, whether it be ball, or hockey or culture or working in the same department. We know that if we ask the right questions the community are "experts" on themselves and can guide the process of understanding where those clusters are.
One of the lessons learned from our engagement process is that there is "meeting fatigue" on the part of community members and it is challenging to get people to come out to meetings. By using these organic clusters information can be more efficiently distributed to people and social media can be used to, in a user-friendly way, get input on the issues. This will ensure much deeper community engagement than through the standard "community meeting” process. It is believed that in each cluster there will be someone who is suited/called to be, the messenger.
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The messengers should be incentivized to fulfill that role. Alongside the community process is the critical importance of coordinating with the related band functions. There are three strands of the braid of Odenaansan needing to be explored simultaneously.
They are:
1. Organizational 2. Technical 3. Economic
The implementation of “Odenaansan” would be the catalyst for Saugeen in becoming not only a leader in addressing climate change for Saugeen but through doing that, achieve the goals and values expressed by the community. This would represent economical and stable energy costs and significant economic developments.
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