Good news keeps rolling in for Dresden Raceway officials, with a new solar panel array installed at the facility.
Just a week after renewing horse racing for another five years, construction crews have finished installing 896 solar panels on the track's six horse barns. The array, constructed and operated by Belleville's Stratchona Solar, generates enough electricity to power 34 homes.
Dresden Agricultural Society President Lucille Laprise says the company first approached raceway officials five years ago.
"They were looking for a place, and we had the barns," explains Laprise. "It has southern exposure with no shade, so we aren't restricted. They thought it was a great place and we thought it was a great idea."
Laprise adds the panels also modernize the 140-year-old racetrack.
"I strongly feel the innovative use of an existing structure to secure the preservation of our great racing tradition is something our raceway's founders would be proud of as well," says Laprise.
She wouldn't disclose how much money the raceway is receiving for hosting the solar array.