February 20, 2012

Banff gets $4.4 million for rec centre expansion

BANFF, ALTA.

Money from the Green Municipal Fund will help finance a LEED project in Banff, Alta.

The Town of Banff is using $4.4 million in funding from the Green Municipal Fund loan and grant contributions towards a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certified expansion of its recreation centre.

The new recreation centre is expected to exceed the energy performance specifications of the Model National Energy Code for Buildings by 42.5 per cent.

This will generate an estimated energy saving of 6,328 gigajoules per year and save at least 37.3 per cent, or about $100,000, per year on operating costs.

Banff will use 90 per cent of the material salvaged from the old building in the construction of the new four-sheet curling rink and curling lounge area. Areas previously used for paved parking and buildings — including the new curling rink—are set farther back from Whiskey Creek.

The riparian zone habitat is being restored through the planting of native species and mitigation of soil contamination.

The Government of Canada endowed the Federation of Canadian Municipalities with $550 million to establish the Green Municipal Fund.

The fund supports partnerships and leveraging of both public and private-sector funding.

JOC NEWS SERVICE

Print | Comment