Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of Brampton will use $10 million from the Green Municipal Fund’s (GMF) Community Buildings Retrofit (CBR) program to renovate the Susan Fennell Sportsplex. Construction is expected to begin in November and are anticipated to be completed in the fall of 2025.
Upgrades will reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at the facility to support the City of Brampton in meeting its net zero commitments.
Built in 1996, Susan Fennell Sportsplex includes hockey rinks, a library, fitness centre, swimming pool and new youth hub.
“The energy transition is underway in communities across Canada, and the City of Brampton is committed to doing its part to create a cleaner, more sustainable future,” said Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown. “With a $2.5 million grant, $7.5 million loan and partnership with Natural Resources Canada and FCM, we are transforming Susan Fennell Sportsplex into a green, energy-efficient community space.
“This project is another step toward meeting our net-zero goals while ensuring this facility is prepared to serve Bramptonians for generations to come.”
The City of Brampton has started several retrofit projects to reduce GHG emissions and energy consumed at the complex, including:
- electrifying all the facility’s gas-powered equipment such as the boilers and ice resurfacers
- installing a geothermal system
- upgrading the ice rink refrigeration plants, air handling units, heat pumps and lighting
Retrofit upgrades are expected to reduce annual GHG emissions at this facility by 91 per cent.
“Municipalities have influence over half of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions,” said Scott Pearce, president, Federation of Canadian Municipalities. “That’s why it’s so crucial that FCM’s Green Municipal Fund and the Government of Canada support projects like the retrofitting upgrades to the Susan Fennell Sportsplex.
“Only with all levels of government onboard will Canada achieve its net-zero goal by 2050 while also cutting costs.”