Eclipsall has announced that the new $10.8 million dollar Manitoulin Hotel and Conference Centre scheduled to open next month on Manitoulin Island in Northeastern Ontario, will feature an array of solar PV panels manufactured by Eclipsall.

Developed and owned by the Great Lakes Anishnawbek Hospitality Group, Inc., a consortium of six area First Nations communities, along with the Great Spirit Circle Trail Inc., the hotel features 58 guest rooms, restaurant and a conference facility for up to 350 people.

The new complex is located in the community of Little Current on 2.25 acres of scenic waterfront overlooking the eastern end of the North Channel of Ontario's Lake Huron, the largest fresh water lake in the world.

Kevin Eshkawkogan, Chief Executive Officer of the Great Spirit Circle Trail Inc. and Great Spirit Circle Trail Touring Company, is overseeing the construction of the new hotel complex. "Incorporating solar energy into the project was an important consideration and with Eclipsall we found a quality product that will help us achieve our renewable energy goals for the project."

Les Lyster, CEO of Eclipsall said: "We feel proud and privileged to be working with the Great Lakes Anishnawbek Hospitality Group on this new and important tourism development. It's a cornerstone to their tourism and economic development efforts and also strategically important for Eclipsall as it will be the first in a series for First Nations communities."

In May of this year, Eclipsall and the Sagamok First Nation community announced the signing of a joint venture agreement whereby Eclipsall will work directly with Sagamok Anishnawbek to identify the development and implementation of solar energy projects within the Sagamok Anishnawbek community and other First Nations communities.

Facilitating solar energy projects is a key component of the Sagamok Development Corporation business plan. The overall objectives of the agreement are to create jobs, implement training in solar PV operations and technology that First Nations Communities can use to develop and implement their alternative energy strategies. Together, Eclipsall and the Sagamok Anishnawbek expect to become expert in the development and implementation of solar PV projects within First Nations communities.

Manitoulin Island is the largest freshwater island in the world and traditional home of the Sagamok "Anishnawbek" First Nations comprised of the Ojibwe, Odawa and Pottawatomi people.