Perth solar net-metering could help the town cut energy costs and boost sustainability
PERTH — The town could one day power its own operations with sunshine through a Perth solar net-metering system.
At its Oct. 7 meeting, the town’s committee of the whole heard a presentation from Don MacKenzie and Tony Hendriks on solar net-metering in Perth, a system that feeds surplus energy into the grid and draws from it when needed.
The town currently spends more than $600,000 a year on electricity, a figure expected to rise sharply over the next decade. The water and wastewater treatment plants, pool, and arena are among Perth’s biggest energy users, making Perth solar net-metering an increasingly attractive option.
“We expect consumption to increase as heat pumps and electric vehicles become more common in town, and the cost of power will continue to rise,” MacKenzie told the committee.
A 500-kW ground-mounted solar array at the wastewater lagoon could offset the facility’s 130,000 kWh annual demand — a move that could pave the way for Perth solar net-metering. Pending new regulations, energy generated at one site could eventually power another, for example, solar panels at Darou Farm supplying electricity to Town Hall.
Coun. Isabel Anne McRae said “the iron is hot right now,” referring to numerous funding opportunities available for such projects. The committee responded positively and asked staff to prepare a feasibility report for a future meeting on Perth solar net-metering options.
Perth applies for federal Tourism Sprint Program grant
Perth’s tourism team has applied to the new Canada Tourism Sprint Program (TSP), a competitive cost-sharing grant designed to fund short-term projects that spark innovation and attract investment.
The town hopes to test revenue-generating ideas to expand its marketing reach and better package local experiences for visitors.
“The shoulder seasons present both a challenge and an opportunity,” said Cathy McNally, director of Community Services, in her report to committee. “We want to find creative ways to draw people to Perth year-round.”
After submitting an initial Expression of Interest, staff had only days to complete the full application before the Oct. 1 deadline. Perth council has since given its formal support as the town awaits the funding decision.
Jumpstart grant helps expand school swim program
The Perth & District Indoor Pool is making swim lessons more accessible for local students thanks to Canadian Tire Jumpstart funding secured earlier this year.
By offering lessons through schools, all children, regardless of income or background, can learn water-safety skills in a supportive setting with certified instructors.
Staff asked for approval to submit another Jumpstart application and to continue applying as new funding sessions open. The grants help cover transportation and registration fees, removing barriers that often prevent kids from learning to swim.
Pic-a-Pizza gets three-year contract extension
Perth council has approved a three-year extension for Miro and Zorica Krsmanovic to continue operating the canteens at the Community Centre and Conlon Farm Chalet.
“They’ve done an excellent job, providing a good variety of snack foods,” said McNally in her report to committee.
This is a continuation of the original agreement, which included an optional three-year renewal if both parties agreed.
Palmer and Associates to take on pool cleaning duties
Palmer and Associates will add the Perth & District Indoor Pool to its municipal cleaning contract after submitting the lowest bid in the town’s recent RFP process.
Until now, pool staff handled cleaning duties, but the Manager of Aquatic Services said outsourcing will improve efficiency and free up staff to focus on teaching, lifeguarding, and program delivery.
The local company’s familiarity with municipal facilities was also noted as an asset.
Town to merge property and planning committees
The committee of the whole has directed the Director of Development Services to draft new Terms of Reference to combine the Property Standards Committee and Committee of Adjustment.
With the Planning Advisory Committee now disbanded, the move will streamline responsibilities, letting the same group handle both planning variances and property standards appeals.
Staff will present the new Terms of Reference at an upcoming meeting.
Perth renews insurance with rare price drop
For the first time in years, Perth’s municipal insurance premium has gone down, by nearly nine per cent.
The town renewed its policy with Halpenny Insurance Brokers Ltd. and Marsh Canada Ltd., which dropped its quote from a 6 per cent increase to a final premium of $320,091 after negotiations.
A competing quote from Intact Public Entities came in close but didn’t match Marsh’s coverage. Staff said the price drop likely reflects a softening insurance market.
The new policy, effective Sept. 24, 2025, maintains the same coverage and keeps a long-standing relationship intact, while saving taxpayers about $30,000.
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