Skidegate Hosts Pilot Program for Heat Pump Operations and Maintenance Training

Participants from Kitasoo Xai’xais joined trainees from five other coastal communities.

In September, participants from six communities (Skidegate, Old Massett, Heiltsuk, Kwikwasut’inuxw Haxwa’mis, Metlakatla and Kitasoo Xai’xais) took part in a three-day pilot training program for Heat Pump Operations and Maintenance, held at the Skidegate Community Hall on Haida Gwaii.

Trainees included staff from housing, public works, operations and maintenance departments, as well as local contractors and tradespeople.

The training was delivered through a collaboration between CFN’s Indigenous Climate Action Network (ICAN), the British Columbia Institute of Technology and Coastal Heat Pumps, with on-the-ground support from Garrett Russ, Climate Action Coordinator for the Skidegate Band Council.

Over the course of three days, participants learned the fundamentals of residential heat pump theory and operation, ducted and ductless system functions, essential preventative maintenance, and troubleshooting common issues. They also had a chance to look at ongoing maintenance for existing heat pump installations in community buildings.

The ICAN team would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Garrett and the entire community of Skidegate for welcoming us and hosting this first-of-its-kind training in their territory.

Clockwise from top left: discussing the fundamentals of heat pump operation; Tyler Perri, from Coastal Heat Pumps, explains how a ducted system works; learning how to disassemble wall-head units; completing a maintenance checklist for a ductless system; trainees inspect a mock-up of a ducted unit. Images: Shakya Sur, Climate Action Facilitator.

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