Public infrastructure decisions shape a small town’s operating costs and its capacity to serve residents. Energy projects offer concrete examples of how municipalities and partners can connect capital investment with long-term economic resilience.
Smoky Lake: municipal solar
MCCAC documents Smoky Lake’s 2021 installation of a 168.96 kW ground-mounted solar system and a $143,616 rebate. The project illustrates how a municipality can combine external funding with local capital to produce electricity for public operations. Its relevance extends beyond the equipment: it connects operating cost management with a visible community investment.
Métis Crossing: partnership at a larger scale
The Salay Prayzaan project brought together the Métis Nation of Alberta, the Town of Smoky Lake and Smoky Lake County. MCCAC awarded $3.9 million through the Municipal Community Generation Challenge. Its completed-project report records completion in 2024 and a 2025 Emerald Award. My involvement was during the Smoky Lake partnership and funding phase; completion came after my tenure.
Two Hills: investing in an existing community facility
MCCAC reports that the Two Hills arena solar installation was completed in 2026, with 336.96 kW of capacity and estimated annual electricity savings of $94,009. My Two Hills CAO service ran from 2023 to May 2026. These published savings are estimates, not a guarantee of future performance or a statement that every project milestone occurred before my departure.
Evaluate the full business case
Municipalities should examine capital costs, available grants, maintenance, equipment life, production assumptions and future electricity prices. Assess procurement and financing alongside the technical design. A sound proposal explains both the expected benefits and the conditions that could change them.
Connect infrastructure with community goals
A project becomes more useful when it supports a wider purpose: reliable facilities, manageable service costs or stronger relationships among partners. The lesson from these examples is to combine technical planning with clear responsibilities and a realistic financial case. The results belong to the councils, staff, community partners and funders whose combined work makes delivery possible.
Sources and further reading
MCCAC · Smoky Lake municipal solar