Solar Power Shines at the Sault Ste. Marie Métis Heritage Centre

The sun is shining on the Sault Ste. Marie Métis Heritage Centre! A new solar installation is helping power the site — a bright step forward in the Métis Nation of Ontario’s commitment to a cleaner, more sustainable future.

As part of the broader MNO Solar Panel Program, this initiative brings clean, renewable energy not only to citizens’ homes but also to MNO-owned buildings in every region where installation is possible.

The Historic Sault Ste. Marie Metis Council, the owner/operators of the Sault Ste. Marie Metis Heritage Centre welcomed the investment from the MNO when it was offered. “our most enduring value as a people is our love and care for our mother earth, the solar project helps us to care for her. We have fought hard to have our rights recognized, but with rights come responsibilities – by reducing our energy usage for our community centre we put our “money where our mouth is”  Said Steve Gjos, President of the Historic Sault Ste. Marie Metis Council.

The new 8kW grid-tied solar system, installed on the Centre’s roof, is designed to offset nearly all of the site’s electrical use. Using a process known as net metering, the system returns unused electricity — produced during sunny periods — back to the provincial grid. Later, when energy use exceeds production (for example, at night), the Centre draws power back from the grid.

This two-way exchange allows the Centre to avoid costly battery systems while ensuring a steady, reliable power supply. It also reflects the MNO’s continued role as stewards of the land, helping to create a cleaner, greener Ontario.

“These solar projects are an important investment in our Nation’s future,” said Jacques Picotte, PCMNO Region 3 Councillor and Provincial Secretary of Environment, Emergency Preparedness & Climate Change. “By harnessing renewable energy, we’re not only reducing our environmental impact but also showing our citizens and partners that the Métis Nation of Ontario is serious about taking action on climate change.”

“The Historic Sault Ste. Marie Metis Council have worked hard for many years to develop the Heritage Centre, a first of its kind in Ontario. This is an important next step – the building that holds our stories, now also embodies our values – of conservation and care for the enrionment that gave birth to our people. I want to thank Secretary Picotte and his team for this investment in the Region, and the Sault Council for the wisdom in seeing the value of this important step.” Said Mitch Case, Regional Councillor for the Huron-Superior Regional Metis Community.