A project that will help reduce soil erosion, keep storm water out of the sewer system and provide a constant supply of water to wetlands will receive funding in the amount of $40,000 from the Newfoundland and Labrador Green Fund. The funding will be used to implement a drainage swale at the new multi-purpose health, fitness and recreation facility currently under construction in St. John's.

"We are pleased to provide this additional funding to make the new facility as environmentally sustainable as possible," said the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Environment and Conservation. "Implementing a drainage swale demonstrates the importance of adaptation, energy efficiency and good environmental practices. This project is truly another example of environmental sustainability for recreational facilities in our province."

Last year, the Green Fund provided $400,000 in funding to the YMCA-YWCA for energy efficiency upgrades including the installation of a ground source heat pump at the new facility. The project is expected to reduce energy consumption by 400,000 kWh/year, which is equal to 300 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per year.

"A commitment to environmental responsibility is important to the Y in the development of our new facility," said Jason Brown, President and CEO, YMCA-YWCA of Northeast Avalon. "We are grateful to receive funding support for the Ches Penney Family Y for the drainage swale and ground source heating.　 This partnership is important to us as we work harder to build the best possible facility to serve individuals and families throughout the region."

The YMCA-YWCA is building a health, fitness and recreation facility at the corner of Ridge Road and Higgins Line in Pippy Park, St. John's. The facility will use accessibility features, including a daycare, community space and administrative offices. It is expected to open late spring of 2011 and service up to 65,000 users by the end of 2014.

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