Light the Path Solar Initiative: Bringing Renewable Energy to Upper Hammonds Plains

Grant award: $10,000

For nearly two years, the play area at the Upper Hammonds Plains Community Centre remained without lights. Community members reported that “since the lights failed, Nova Scotia Power has promised to replace the bulb, but no action was taken” which meant the play area was useless for evening activities. Light the Path Solar Initiative used this as an opportunity to change the narrative by installing solar-powered lights, ensuring a long-term, sustainable solution for this community space.

The project, led by Randy Headley on behalf of the Delmore “Buddy” Daye Learning Institute (DBDLI) and funded by HCi3, brought light back to the play area and created opportunities for community-based practical education on renewable energy. The project aimed to demonstrate the benefits of solar energy while reinforcing the importance of community-driven solutions.

Solar panel installed at Upper Hammonds Plains Community Centre

Initially, Randy expected the project to move quickly, given his longstanding relationship with Upper Hammonds Plains. However, the realities of community-driven work quickly emerged. “Someone once reminded me that if this were easy, everyone would have applied for grants,” Randy said, reflecting on the complexities involved. He recognized early on that aligning the project’s timeline with the community’s pace was vital. Although existing relationships were advantageous, maintaining trust and moving at the community’s speed became key lessons in the project’s progression.

Randy was also committed to sourcing skilled labour from within the community. Randy first looked for carpenters and tradespeople in Upper Hammonds Plains before expanding his search to other African Nova Scotian communities.

Despite these obstacles, installing new solar lighting is already having a visible impact. The lights provide consistent illumination, allowing youth to play basketball in the evenings safely and making the space more accessible to the broader community. Residents have also taken ownership of the space, clearing snow and ice from the court—something that had not happened when the area was unusable.

Beyond lighting, the initiative has sparked new conversations about sustainability and energy efficiency in the community. Instead of focusing on abstract climate discussions, the project connected renewable energy to the community’s everyday concerns—affordability, accessibility, and long-term benefits.

Looking ahead, Randy hopes to expand this model to other African Nova Scotian communities, demonstrating that locally led renewable energy projects are possible and beneficial. With 52 such communities across Nova Scotia, he sees an opportunity to scale similar initiatives, making renewable energy a practical and accessible solution for more people.

The Light the Path Solar Initiative is more than a lighting project—it exemplifies how renewable energy can serve communities directly. By involving residents in the decision-making process and long-term stewardship of the space, the initiative reinforces the importance of sustainable, community-led solutions beyond temporary fixes.