The retrofit of four community facilities on Vancouver Island will improve energy efficiency and building accessibility, after a combined investment of nearly $5.2 million from the federal and local governments.
Announced by the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, these projects will support critical infrastructure upgrades that will lower energy costs and reduce environmental footprints, but also create more pleasant interior environments for residents to learn, explore, and play together in our communities.
In the District of Saanich, the Cedar Hill Recreation Centre is undergoing a series of upgrades to the HVAC system, lighting, and building envelope. Once completed, the improvements to the Cedar River Community Centre are expected to reduce the facility's energy consumption by up to 40% and greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 80 tonnes annually. Serving also as an Emergency Operations Centre for the community new automatic door openers and renovated reception counters will also ensure improved accessibility.
Meanwhile, in Port Hardy's Tsulquate Reserve, the retrofit of Wakas Hall in the Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw Nation is currently underway, which includes installing solar panels and upgrading LED lighting, HVAC, insulation, faucets, and accessibility features, such as washrooms, stair lifts, and warning signage.
In Lake Cowichan, the Ts'uubaa-asatx Nation Community Centre is adding solar panels and storage batteries to save energy and reduce their environmental footprint. Similarly, the Chilton Arena in the Regional District of Mount Waddington is also adding solar panels and retrofitting a battery storage system.
These investments were made through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program, which helps ensure community facilities are inclusive, accessible, and have a long service life, while also helping Canada move towards its net-zero objectives by 2050.
