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Hundreds of fascinated spectators welcomed the solar cars as they visited London, Toronto, Kingston, Ottawa and Montréal on their 4-day competition. The four participating teams: McGill University, University of Ottawa, Queen's University and University of Western Ontario, were excited to have the opportunity to drive along Canadian routes and display their cars, innovations and ingenuity to Canadian public. The highly successful, first-ever Canadian Solar Discovery Challenge started on Saturday, June 22 from the University of Western Ontario's campus, London.
On Day 1, local school kids and MPP Diane Cunningham waved the start flag as the cars left for the CN Tower, Toronto. The weather was great for Western's SunStang which was the first and only car to successfully drive the route for Day 1. They were followed by the other teams who experienced some mechanical and electrical difficulties, which is expected on the first day.
Day 2 of the Challenge was terrific. The sun shone the entire day, allowing all four cars to finish early in Kingston. The town crier was on-hand to give an authentic, 18th century welcome.
On Day 3, the cars were all off in the morning on-route to Ottawa, except McGill who unfortunately had a problem with their solar array. Lots of media and spectators were waiting to catch the cars driving to Parliament Hill.
Public enjoyed the interesting exhibits and funky sounds of Ottawa's Junkyard Symphony. MP Ian Murray and Alcan's Andrew deSchulthess gave an official welcome.
left to right: Ralos II (University of Ottawa), Northern Sun (McGill University),
SunStang (University of Western Ontario), and Dawn Treader (Queen's University).
As the cars started Day 4 from Parliament Hill, lots of people crowded the sidewalks to see the cars drive off towards Montréal.
The Challenge finale took place at the Old Port. The four cars were also joined by the École de technologie supérieure solar car as they all paraded down the Old Port to King Edward Pier. Special Alcan guest, Don MacMillan, VP & GM - Automotive, flagged the cars in and officially welcomed the participants.
Awards were presented at the finale. Winners include:
The hosts of the event, the Solar Energy Society of Canada Inc. (SESCI), were happy with the popularity of the Technology Fair, the series of solar technology and environmental exhibits, that travelled with the solar cars. The 1997 Canadian Solar Discovery Challenge plans to take place during the last weekend in May with both Canadian and American teams, as they gear up for Sunrayce '97. Special thanks to all of the teams, sponsors, volunteers and supporters!
Although not a race, the time trials provided the teams with valuable vehicle testing and strategic development. The 900-km route started in London, with stops in Waterloo, Toronto, Kingston, Ottawa, and finish in Montréal.
For the first time in Canada, the event showcased leading-edge designs and technologies, environmental and engineering education, and Canadian university teams. Discovery Challenge '96 aimed to inform and educate the Canadian public about solar and renewable energy and related technologies, promoting the involvement of universities and students in technical research and development, specifically of solar-powered cars, and provided an international showcase for Canadian Science and Technology.
As the Canadian Solar Discovery Challenge develops in future years, the field trials may expand to include American teams, as well as more Canadian teams. Subsequent events are tentatively scheduled for 1997, 1999 and 2001.
Learn more about solar cars and view photos of some of those entered in the challenge.
The Canadian Solar Discovery Technology Fairs provided an opportunity to meet the teams and view the cars more closely and to visit a series of exhibits and demonstrations by various companies, groups and government departments promoting public awareness and action in renewable energy. The exhibits were held in Toronto, Kingston, Ottawa and Montréal.
For more information, contact Alexandra McKirdy or Jennifer McPherson,
Solar Energy Society of Canada Inc.
e-mail: sesci@sympatico.ca
http://www.newenergy.org/newenergy/csdc.html
Last update: 18 December 1996
URL:http://www.newenergy.org/newenergy/csdc_96.html