With $1.5 million in funding from the Newfoundland and
Labrador Green Fund, the City of Mount Pearl will embark upon a number
of energy reduction and environmental initiatives for its Glacier Arena
expansion and Pearlgate Recreation Multiplex project. As a result of the
numerous energy efficient upgrades, the facilities will be assessed for
silver certification under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design (LEED) green building rating system.
"This project is truly a model for environmental
sustainability for recreational facilities in our province," said the
Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Environment and Conservation.
"Based on the proposed energy efficient solutions that will be
integrated into these facilities, there is an estimated greenhouse gas
savings of more than 2,700 tonnes — a very positive environmental
impact. I applaud the city for their green effort."
Several environmental and energy conscious initiatives
are proposed for this project. An Eco Chill refrigeration system will
help keep the ice surfaces frozen, while the waste heat will be captured
and sent to a storage tank where it will be used for hot water heating,
frost protection for the underpad under the ice surface, and in-bleacher
heating. A geothermal heat pump will be installed, as well as low flow
plumbing fixtures and motion activated faucets. A pool heat reclaim
system will also be added, enabling waste heat to be reused to reheat
pool water. Energy efficient lighting and a rainwater recovery system
will also be incorporated.
"The city wants to demonstrate our commitment to
environmental, economic and social stewardship and yield savings for our
taxpayers," said Randy Simms, Mayor of Mount Pearl. "We are committed to
providing healthy environments for our staff and visitors and contribute
to the city's goals of enhancing our environment."
The Glacier expansion and multiplex project consists
of an expansion to the Glacier Arena that will replace the aging
Smallwood Arena, and a Recreation Multiplex which includes an expansion
to the Reid Community Centre. The multiplex will consist of a 350 seat
multi-use theatre, expanded gymnasium area, a 12,000 square foot fitness
and wellness centre, a 25,000 square foot aquatics facility and a 3,500
square foot youth centre.
"The City of Mount Pearl adopted a recreational master
plan and conducted a feasibility study on the need for these
facilities," said the Honourable Dave Denine, MHA for Mount Pearl South.
"It was also recognized in the study that there was tremendous potential
for significant energy efficiencies, and these are the measures we are
announcing here today."
"There are many aspects of this project that will
result in positive environmental impacts, and I am pleased that the City
of Mount Pearl has an opportunity to showcase its green approach," said
Steve Kent, MHA for Mount Pearl North. "This is a great example of how
we can bring two very important topics together for the betterment of
our community — recreation and the environment."
A public awareness system called Windows on the World
(WOW) will serve as an interactive educational science tool for all
visitors to the new buildings. The system will include a kiosk at the
main entrance of the multiplex which will display actual data pertaining
to the facilities such as the geothermal heating system and Eco Chill
system. Visitors will be able to view the real time information and see
how efficiently the buildings are operating and learn about the need for
energy savings.
"It is clear from this project that the city is very
interested in achieving energy and greenhouse gas reductions, and
reducing the overall footprint of these facilities," said Paul Davis,
MHA for Topsail. "This project certainly will serve as an example for
other construction activities that want to demonstrate environmental
leadership."
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