Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, and FCM president Scott Pearce recently announced a $5 million federal investment for retrofits to the Fountain Park Recreation Centre in St. Albert, Alberta. This investment will be made through the Green Municipal Fund’s (GMF) Community Buildings Retrofit initiative.
This announcement comes as a result of federal and municipal leaders working together to build communities that are sustainable, affordable and healthy for Canadians. This is a reason why community-building retrofit projects are getting federal support from the Government of Canada and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM).
The retrofits are expected to modernize the building, which is 45 years old and has not seen a major renovation since 1999.
By using a range of retrofits such as high-efficiency boilers, upgrading the lighting system, installing more efficient windows and replacing air handling units, the building’s utility costs are anticipated to decrease by more than $98,000 each year. Energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions are expected to be reduced by 30 per cent and 42 per cent, respectively.
“Energy efficiency retrofits are creating sustainable jobs, reducing energy bills and contributing to the fight against climate change. The Government of Canada is pleased to support residents in St. Albert, Alberta, with a $5-million investment for the Fountain Park Recreation Centre, which will reduce energy consumption by 30 percent and emissions by nearly half. Congratulations to all of those involved in this important local development,” said Wilkinson.
The retrofits are being funded by the Green Municipal Fund, administered by FCM, through a federal endowment by the Government of Canada.
GMF has helped local governments switch to sustainable practices faster for more than 20 years. Its mix of funding, resources and training provides municipalities with the required tools to build resilience and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“Fighting climate change requires all levels of government to work together to invest in renewable technologies, reduce energy costs and create sustainable jobs. Today, in partnership with FCM, this federal investment to retrofit the Fountain Park Recreation Centre will continue to serve the residents of St. Albert by reducing costs and emissions and by providing access to recreation activities for years to come,” said Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages of Canada.
The Community Buildings Retrofit initiative is designed to scale up energy-efficiency and lower emissions across Canada and is part of a $950 million federal investment in FCM’s Green Municipal Fund.
