Though it’s been in near-full operation since late 2020, a project in Lac-Mégantic to test the benefits of tying multiple buildings to local electricity generation is getting an official blessing from federal minister Marie-Claude Bibeau. (The Logic)

Talking point: Micro-grid experiments are underway across the country, meant to build resilience and cut costs. Hydro-Québec led the effort to put green energy at the core of reconstructing the centre of Lac-Mégantic, which in 2013 was devastated by the explosion of a runaway train carrying oil. The roof of a new sports centre is covered in solar panels; other buildings have smaller solar installations and energy-control devices. The system has a 700-kWh battery and can power city hall, as well as police and fire stations if the provincial grid goes out. Hydro-Québec spokesman Cendrix Bouchard told The Logic a shelter in a public square, whose solar panels will feed a car-charging station, is the last incomplete element.