Onion Lake Cree Nation – Clean & Affordable Energy

Onion Lake Cree Nation – Clean & Affordable Energy

Location: Onion Lake Cree Nation, Alberta and Saskatchewan
Project type: Rooftop solar energy, energy cost reduction, training and employment
Outcomes purchaser: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)
Project value: $1.28 million
Status: In progress

Community challenge

The Nation is working to reduce high household energy costs, increase energy independence, and expand employment and training opportunities for members—especially youth and those on fixed incomes.

Project summary

This initiative will install rooftop solar systems on 123 homes through a Community-Driven Outcomes Contract (CDOC). The project is being delivered in partnership with Ridgeline Solar Ltd., an Alberta-based solar company with deep experience working with Indigenous communities.

Funding includes:

• $523,693 in upfront working capital from Raven Outcomes, representing 40.9 per cent of total project costs
• $757,680 in federal support through Natural Resources Canada’s Greener Homes Grant

This CDOC is the first of its kind to bridge Greener Homes Grant funding with private investment using an outcomes-based finance model. It provides a replicable blueprint for similar community-scale energy projects across the country.

Anticipated outcomes

This project is expected to deliver a range of environmental, financial and social benefits, including:

• 123 homes equipped with rooftop solar
• Estimated $1.16 million in long-term energy savings for the community
• Reduced greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to more than 680 tonnes of CO₂ offset across 25 years
• Training for at least four community members, with on-the-job experience and improved long-term employability
• Reduced reliance on social assistance, supporting economic mobility
• Stronger community readiness for future sustainability projects

Why it matters

Onion Lake Cree Nation identified rooftop solar as a strategic priority to reduce household costs and build local capacity. Raven Outcomes’ investment helps make this possible, enabling the Nation to access capital tied directly to community outcomes. Verified results—such as reduced utility bills and new jobs—trigger repayment to Raven Outcomes by CMHC.

The initiative is grounded in principles of reconciliation, self-determination and Indigenous-led investment. It reflects Raven’s growing portfolio of outcomes-based finance projects that are community-defined, transparently measured and ready to scale.

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