CleanBC Communities funding of $2.5 million awarded for HVAC integration project at TMC

For Immediate Release

CleanBC Communities funding of $2.5 million awarded for HVAC integration project at Trail Memorial Centre

TRAIL, BC – The City of Trail is pleased to announce the receipt of a significant grant in the amount of $2.5 million for an HVAC integration project at the Trail Memorial Centre. The grant has been generously provided by the CleanBC Communities Fund (CCF), as part of the federal government's Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP).

The project will replace and upgrade the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems within the Trail Memorial Centre by integrating the HVAC with the building’s boiler and refrigeration systems, resulting in major reductions of the complex’s electrical and natural gas consumption, as well as greenhouse gas emissions.

"We are thrilled to receive this substantial grant from the CleanBC Communities Fund," said City of Trail Mayor, Collen Jones. "This funding will allow us to implement modern HVAC integration solutions, resulting in significant energy savings and a greener future for this important community amenity. With the current HVAC system nearing the end of its useful life within the next three years, we are grateful for the provincial and federal government’s support.”

“Trail is a great example of how our communities can bring people together and make B.C. a stronger province. Improvements to spaces, such as the Trail Memorial Centre, help protect our environment and community. My ministry is ensuring that community spaces are sustainable and enjoyable for years to come.” Anne Kang, Minister of Municipal Affairs

“More energy efficient public infrastructure ensures that local community members have access to a safe place to get out of the heat or to be inside during the cold while also reducing our electrical and natural gas consumption.”  said George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. "We are proud to support the Trail Memorial Centre through the CleanBC Communities Fund; improving and upgrading public buildings reduces overall emissions and helps protect against the impacts of changing climate. This funding ensures that community members and the local Junior A hockey team can play and visit with friends with cleaner air, and better heating and air conditioning.”

“Hockey is at the heart of many Canadians – mine included – which is why I’m pleased to announce this project. By improving the energy efficiency of the Trail Memorial Centre, this recreational facility can continue to serve as a community hub for residents of all ages. In small towns across Canada, this is where Canadians form lasting memories – from building some of our first friendships to becoming sports enthusiasts or even future professional athletes.”  The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

“Recreation centres play an important role in the health of communities by providing access to vital services and activities, fostering social inclusion and improving the quality of life for residents. Our government’s investment to upgrade the Trail Memorial Centre will make a significant difference in the lives of members of the community. Canada’s infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creates jobs across the country, and builds cleaner, more inclusive communities.”  John Aldag, Member of Parliament for Cloverdale—Langley City

The grant funding will be used in combination with the City’s contribution of $941,000 to implement several key components of the HVAC integration project outlined in a recent energy report, funded in part by FortisBC in the amount of $19,800. If all measures described in the study are implemented, the natural gas savings are estimated to be 6,064 Gj, electrical savings to be 284,605 kWh, and cost savings to be $19,504 per year. The natural gas savings will result in an annual greenhouse gas emissions reduction of 301 tonnes of carbon dioxide, which is equivalent to removing 65 gasoline vehicles from the road. FortisBC has offered the City $47,340 as an incentive to proceed with implementation, and CleanBC will provide funding up to $134,299. This investment will make the Trail Memorial Centre one of the most energy-efficient arenas in North America, and demonstrate the critical role that partnerships between all three levels of government and utility companies play in reducing our environmental impacts.

About the City of Trail
The City of Trail, situated on the Columbia River in the West Kootenay region of southern British Columbia, is a unique and culturally rich town that provides excellence in leadership in the delivery of municipal services to ensure community progress, livability, and sustainability while enhancing the quality of life for all our citizens. Through quality municipal services and being responsive to the needs of residents of all ages, the City strives to create and support a community where residents are proud to live, work and play.

About the Trail Memorial Centre
The Trail Memorial Centre, home to the Trail Smoke Eaters Junior A hockey team, is the cornerstone of Trail. Equipped with a regulation-sized ice surface, a second ice surface, 8 dressing rooms, a large gymnasium, racquetball and squash courts, several meeting rooms, a large-scale commercial kitchen facility, and the Hockey Hall of Memories, the Trail Memorial Centre has been home to numerous hockey players and athletes that have gone on to national and international fame. The facility has hosted many major exhibition hockey games featuring both the Canadian Men’s and Women’s National Teams.

About the CleanBC Communities Fund (CCF) and Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP)

The CleanBC Communities Fund (CCF) is a crucial initiative aimed at supporting sustainable projects that align with the province's CleanBC climate and energy goals. The fund provides financial assistance to local governments, Indigenous communities, and other eligible organizations for projects that promote energy efficiency, clean transportation, and renewable energy solutions. The Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP), an integral part of the federal government's commitment to creating sustainable and resilient communities, provides funding to support infrastructure projects across the country. By investing in innovative projects like the HVAC integration initiative, the government aims to stimulate economic growth, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve the quality of life for Canadians.

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