An integrated solar design is being added to the new operations centre, which was approved in the 2008 budget.

Including solar panels is going to add $1.4 million to the building's $18-million price tag, but the money will be recovered over the next 20 years in reduced energy and operating costs.

Money for the solar array will be taken out of the federal gas tax reserve fund.

Dave Meredith, the operations and environmental services director, told council's general government committee that adding solar power is a chance to show Ajax is leading the way.

"From a staff perspective, it's a real opportunity for the municipality that municipalities don't often get," Mr. Meredith stated on Thursday.

The operations centre will be built immediately south of the new fire hall and training centre, at the corner of Salem and Rossland roads.

The two buildings will be LEED (Leaders in Energy and Environmental Design) certified, which involves a series of environmental measures, such as a green roof, geothermal heating and cooling, rainwater collection and using solar power.

Having the buildings together will form a "campus" to showcase to other municipalities, Mr. Meredith stated.

About 6,000 square feet of solar panels will be installed and that will generate about 50 kilowatts of power, which is enough to supply enough hot water for a typical work day.

One feature is a solar panel shaped like a sail, keeping with the nautical theme for Ajax.

Wards 3 and 4 Regional Councillor Colleen Jordan said the solar design is "so exciting."

Ward 3 local Councillor Joanne Dies said the sail "to me is a functional piece of art."

Finance director Rob Ford said no other projects are being pushed aside to pay for the solar array.

Mayor Steve Parish questioned if the Town has approached Veridian Corporation about financial aid to help with the building.

"The Veridian board has a policy of dedicating a certain amount of its budget to green generation projects. Veridian has a commitment to get involved in its shareholder municipalities. There are options here," noted Mayor Parish, a member of the Veridian board.

Chief Administrative Officer Brian Skinner said there have been discussions, but nothing beyond that.

Construction on the new 55,000-sq.-ft. building will begin later this year and be completed in 2009.