By Aaron Mahoney (@Mahones93 on Twitter)

Provincial government announces new retrofit plan for municipal rec centres

Mar 14, 2019 | 11:58 AM

EDMONTON, AB – The Government of Alberta is providing $9 million under the Climate Leadership Plan to help municipalities cut energy costs and emissions by upgrading their recreation facilities with energy-efficient technology. 

The Recreation Energy Conservation Program will provide up to $750,000 per municipality, and all municipalities in Alberta are eligible to participate.

Environment Minister Shannon Phillips says whether it’s for hockey practice or swim class, nothing is more Albertan than taking a trip to the community centre. 

“By helping facilities make energy-efficiency upgrades, municipalities will save money and reduce their emissions, and people will notice the changes when they visit with their families. This program will have a big impact in communities across Alberta,” Phillips added.

In addition to buying energy-efficient technology, municipalities can use the funding for scoping audits and engineering studies. 

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A variety of municipally owned facilities qualify for funding, including arenas, rinks, aquatic centres, community recreation centres and multiplexes.

Lethbridge Mayor Chris Spearman explains that as a city, they’re always looking for ways to be more energy-efficient in community facilities. 

“With the announcement of this provincial funding program, it will allow us to seek those opportunities to do things in a greener and less financially cumbersome way.”

The Municipal Climate Change Action Centre is a partnership between the Government of Alberta, the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association and the Rural Municipalities of Alberta. 

It’s responsible for funding, technical assistance and education to municipalities to address climate change and will administer the Recreation Energy Conservation Program.