Community initiatives that cut pollution, reduce greenhouse gases and support efficient local infrastructure help keep the air clean and are a critical part of the strategy for a cleaner Canada. They also help build strong and healthy communities. This is why the Government of Canada, and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) are investing in smart, and sustainable, solutions across the country.
Today, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, and FCM President Scott Pearce announced $10 million for retrofits to the Susan Fennell Sportsplex in Brampton, Ontario, through the Green Municipal Fund's (GMF) Community Buildings Retrofit (CBR) initiative.
The retrofits are expected to transform the nearly 30-year-old multi-purpose sportsplex into a state-of-the-art zero-carbon facility. The project will electrify the facility's gas-powered equipment, including boilers and ice resurfacers, install a geothermal system, as well as upgrade the ice rink refrigeration plants, air handling units, heat pumps, lighting, and other systems.
Through a combination of energy efficiency upgrades, renewable energy measures and carbon offers, the city aims both to reduce this facility's carbon footprint and create a model for other recreational facilities as part of its long-term goal towards Zero Carbon transition.
The upgrades are expected to reduce operating costs and carbon emissions by 91% annually, with the remaining 9% savings achieved through carbon offsets. The reductions equal about 550 cars taken off the road for one year, or 30,000 trees grown for 10 years.
These retrofits are funded by the Green Municipal Fund, administered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, through an endowment by the Government of Canada. For over 20 years, GMF has helped local governments switch to sustainable practices faster. Its unique mix of funding, resources and training gives municipalities the tools they need to build resilience and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The Community Buildings Retrofit initiative is part of a $950 million federal investment in FCM's Green Municipal Fund and is designed to scale up energy-efficiency and lower emissions across Canada.
