In October 2017, we took a big step toward long-term energy savings and sustainability by placing solar panels on our rooftop. This 27-kilowatt solar array is expected to generate as much as 50% of our electricity needs over the next 30 years. The addition of solar panels not only makes the building more energy independent, but also improves the building’s thermal insulation and uses energy efficient cooling systems to dramatically decrease the carbon footprint. The cost savings from these initiatives will be re-invested into public programming and local artists.
Project Background:
In 2005, PAVED Arts and AKA Artist-Run jointly purchased and extensively renovated the former Toon’s
Kitchen restaurant in the Riversdale neighborhood. The board and membership of PAVED Arts initiated a fundraising campaign in 2016 to renew our shared building for the 21st century. Since gaining ownership of the 9000 sq/ft building, we have collaboratively worked with AKA artist-run to provide a valuable accessible space that provides opportunities to many community groups.
This major capital improvement was made possible with help from the following local, regional and national project partners:
Co-op Community Spaces
Co-op Community Spaces has been developed to help protect, beautify and improve spaces across
Western Canada. Since 2015, Co-op has contributed $4.5 million to over 60 projects that improve the
places Canadians meet, play, learn and share.
Canada Cultural Spaces Fund
The Government of Canada’s Canada Cultural Spaces Fund supports the improvement of physical
conditions for artistic creativity and innovation through the improvement, renovation and construction of
arts and heritage facilities, as well as the acquisition of specialized equipment. By supporting
improvements to our country’s cultural spaces, the fund increases access for Canadians to performing
arts, visual arts, media arts, museum collections and heritage displays.
Community Initiatives Fund
The Community Initiatives Fund invests in the quality of life of Saskatchewan residents by offering grants
for community projects that help support community development, inclusion, leadership and vitality.
About PAVED Arts & AKA Artist-run
Bullfrog Power
Bullfrog Power is Canada’s leading green energy provider. “Through our Bullfrog Builds Renewable Accelerator program, Bullfrog Power provides critical financing to support the development phases of new renewable energy projects across Canada,” says Sean Magee, director, Bullfrog Builds.
MiEnergy
MiEnergy is the largest residential alternative energy company in Saskatchewan with over 1000 systems up and running. They supply residential and commercial clients with leading edge Solar and Geothermal Heating and Cooling systems. MiEnergy provides turnkey sales, installation and service for all of its products.
Contractors
Our contractors emboldened our vision by providing incredible support. Thank you to Joshua Erickson and the Integrated Design team, Superior Spray Foam, Charter Mechanical, PWA Welding, and the entire team at miEnergy for your hard work and expertise.
PAVED Arts and AKA are grateful to the Canada Council for the Arts, Saskatchewan Arts Board,
SaskCulture and Sask Lotteries for their continuous support.
For more information about this project:
• Call at 306-652-5502 ext 3
• Email communications @ pavedarts. ca
