PAVED Arts – PAVED stands for photography, audio, video, electronic and digital – is a community-based centre that provides artists and the general public access to media tools, workspaces, program support and much more. By working with Co-op Community Spaces and other partners, the not-for-profit organization was able to secure funding to install a 27-kilowatt solar panel array on its rooftop in October 2017.

“We’re able to take a leadership role,” explained PAVED Arts artistic director David Lariviere. “It raises consciousness around the environment and we’re proud to be one of the first buildings in Saskatoon’s Riversdale area to have a solar array. We were excited to find that there’s local support to make this kind of project happen.”

The solar array is expected to generate up to 50 per cent of the building’s electricity needs over the next 30 years, with the cost savings re-allocated into arts programming.

Community Spaces was the largest donor of the solar panel project, providing nearly $100,000 in funding. Since 2015, Co-op Community Spaces has helped to protect, beautify and improve spaces across Western Canada, donating $8.5 million to 116 projects.

“Co-op Community Spaces is all about creating or improving spaces that foster a sense of community and bring people together,” said Julie Gilbertson, Member & Community Relations Manager for Saskatoon Co-op. “The cost saving the solar array generates will allow for additional programs to be offered and more people to access the facility for classes, events and more. The long-term financial and environmental impact of the solar array will ensure PAVED Arts continues to have a positive impact in our community for years to come.”