Jesse Gill/CHAT News

By Jesse Gill

SOLAR POWER

Solar panels installed at Hill Pool in Medicine Hat set to reduce energy costs

Oct 8, 2025 | 7:31 AM

The City of Medicine Hat installed a small solar array on the new shade structure at Hill Pool, set to cover about 20 per cent of the facilities annual electrical consumption.

The project received support from an Alberta government grant and was delivered through the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre’s Municipal Electricity Generation Program.

During the shutdown of Hill Pool from fall 2024 to spring 2025, upgrades included improvements to change room facilities, a new accessible washroom, crack repairs, painting, mechanical enhancements, and a new shade structure above the bleachers on deck.

Solar panels installed at Hill Pool. Jesse Gill/CHAT News

The city said in a new release that the shade structure was engineered so that solar panels can easily attach to the top side.

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“We were already planning the Hill Pool project when the MCCAC announced the grant, so it was a timely opportunity to add solar to our existing scope of work,” said Kevin Schaaf, superintendent of facility project management with the City of Medicine Hat.

“The shade structure was then engineered to withstand the additional weight of the solar panels,” he added.

“The electricity generated will help us offset year-long utility costs even when the building is closed for the season.”

The 24 solar panels are expected to generate 12,423 kilowatt-hours of electricity.

The city said the grant provided $7,560, approximately 20 per cent of the installation cost.