The Community Energy Park microgrid project has broke ground in North Bay.

The idea is to provide power to both Memorial Gardens and the North Bay YMCA should a natural disaster occur.

North Bay Fire Chief Jason Whiteley says the idea is if there is a prolonged power outage they’ll have the ability to provide self sustained power and heat to both facilities.

“These two facilities with this microgrid will be able run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week off the grid.”

The cost of the project is 4.5 million dollars and North Bay Hydro officials say its scheduled to be complete by next fall.

President and COO of North Bay Hydro Todd Wilcox says this type of project is the first of its kind in the country and it’s being built by local business and workers.

“On an international scale to do a project of this scope and complexity it’s really great. To do it right here at these critical assets that really are part of our community it’s a wonderful project as these assets will become better, stronger and more resilient.”

Filed under: Jason Whiteley, micro grid, North Bay Hydro