Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of Niagara Falls is seeking a federal grant to help build the city’s first “truly green” building project.
Earlier this year, the Greening and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) fund was announced to support retrofits, repairs and upgrades of existing and new publicly-accessible community buildings.
Niagara Falls could receive up to 80 per cent funding for small and medium sized retrofit projects less than $3 million in total eligible costs and 50 to 60 per cent for new build or large expansion projects ranging from $3 million to $25 million.
The estimated Chippawa arena project is a new build with a $19.6 million price tag and would be a “unique” recreation facility if green initiatives are included. The plan is to create:
- a multi-Use facility on the site of the Chippawa/Willoughby Arena
- to include an expanded library, more community space and accessibility enhancements
Staff has developed a detailed project submission that will support a rapidly growing area, and leverage federal funding. The grant will cover between 50% and 60% of total eligible costs, and the City and Library will share the remaining costs and all ineligible costs.
The MacBain Community Centre Lighting project was first recommended in an Energy Usage & Savings report in 2013. Due to budget restraints and higher priority projects, however, it did not receive funding.
Council’s goal is to achieve a net-zero design.
A staff report says a net zero design concept will produce enough energy on site to cover the overall building expenses, even after the large expansion. Features include:
- Solar power offset – solar panels will be installed on building roof to produce required energy to offset operating costs
- New thermal plant – this upgraded refrigeration plant is highly efficient and provides cooling required for the ice as well as cooling throughout the building while using waste heat from the process inside the building
- Advanced Ventilation Systems – uses heating and cooling from new building thermal plant to always provide optimal room conditions at minimal energy and operating costs
The estimated project cost at MacBain is $871,820 for replacing building lighting with more energy efficient LED lighting as well as window glazing to reduce strain on the HVAC equipment and keep the building at a more comfortable temperature.
Councillors supporting the projects say the city should adopt green-building policies requiring all new municipal buildings be constructed as a “net-zero building.”
“When we’re going to build municipal buildings, we’re not building them for the short term,” said councillor Victor Pietrangelo. “We’re expecting that they’re going to be there 50 years, plus. If we can just let our thoughts flow 50 years into the future, we can imagine that pretty much most government buildings should have a green initiative to them.”
Pietrangelo said he would support a policy requiring all new municipal buildings in Niagara Falls to be carbon net-zero facilities.
“Hopefully we can adopt those policies at some point. This is a very good start that shows at least we are thinking about it.”