Funding and operation of Drake Landing, as of May 2005
By May 2005 Drake Landing in Okotoks had its money and its operator lined up: three levels of public funding, ATCO Gas as construction manager and system operator, and a target heating bill close to what natural gas cost.
Event date: 2005-05-12
Where the money came from
Ottawa had committed $2 million. Alberta added $635,000, and a national municipal federation was the largest single donor at $2.9 million. Together with industry support, this let the houses go on sale at the price of an ordinary new home, estimated at about $220,000 with lot and GST for a house of 1,600 to 1,800 square feet.
The arrangement mattered because the solar equipment was far more expensive than a gas furnace. Without several funders sharing the cost, the pilot could not have been offered to ordinary buyers at all. Homes in the same size range sold in an adjoining development were the benchmark for the price.
Who would run it
ATCO Gas managed construction and was to be responsible for operating the system. For the first four years a non-profit company was expected to run it. Builder Sterling Homes and developer United Communities delivered the houses. The roles are summarized on the partners page.
The system's central plant was the Energy Centre. See the Energy Centre page for the building itself.
What owners would pay and get
Heating was expected to cost around $60 a month, comparable to natural gas, but without exposure to gas price rises. The homes also included low-flush toilets, low-flow showerheads and Energy Star appliances, with drought-tolerant landscaping and rain barrels used elsewhere in the same developer's Okotoks neighbourhoods. Six more solar show homes had just started construction for a July opening.
Why Okotoks
The town was picked partly for its record on sustainability. Solar panels already heated its swimming pool and recycling centre, and it had won two provincial environmental awards. See awards.
Looking back from 2026, the operating arrangements did not last. Maintenance problems grew from about 2020, and decommissioning started in 2024. For current ownership of the Energy Centre, check with the Town of Okotoks or ATCO.
Quick answers
Who funded Drake Landing?
Funding came from the federal government ($2 million), Alberta ($635,000) and a national municipal federation ($2.9 million), plus industry support.
Who operated the Drake Landing heating system?
ATCO Gas managed construction and was responsible for operating the system, with a non-profit company expected to run it for the first four years.