New green community infrastructure planned for Pickering

Ontario Construction News staff writer

About $17-million in federal funding will help build net-zero infrastructure projects in Pickering.

The city is planning a 44,000 sq. ft. recreation centre, a library and a community museum to be located beside the Pickering Museum Village. It will be the city’s first net-zero municipal building and will feature triple-glazed windows, solar panels, air source heat pumps and more insulation from the elements.

Funding for the Pickering Heritage and Community Centre project is conditional upon meeting Indigenous consultations obligations.

“Quality community and recreational infrastructure is vital to our community’s well-being and development. Our government’s funding will showcase our region’s proud history while providing residents with a place to hold community events and programming for years to come,” said Pickering-Uxbridge MP Jennifer O’Connell.

Additional funding will support green retrofits to the Redman House Program Centre. The work will include energy efficiency upgrades to both mechanical and electrical components of the existing facility, as well as accessibility improvements that include the replacement of the ramp and renovations to the washrooms. This project will allow the centre to continue to provide important visitor and volunteer services at the Pickering Museum Village.

“On behalf of the City of Pickering, its Members of Council, and residents, I sincerely thank the Government of Canada for investing $17M towards new, green community infrastructure in Pickering,” said Mayor Dave Ryan.

“Pickering is home to many significant heritage-based communities, facilities, and programs. This funding will help support exciting and meaningful projects, that will bring our community together, while showcasing Pickering’s historic roots in a sustainable and eco-friendly manner.”

Infrastructure Canada is providing $12.5 million through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program for the construction of the Pickering Heritage and Community Centre and an additional $516,560 through GICB for the Redman House Program Centre Green Retrofit project.

Canadian Heritage has already approved $4 million through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund for the Pickering Heritage and Community Centre.

Applicants with large retrofit projects to existing community buildings or new community building projects with total eligible costs ranging from $3 million to $25 million were accepted through a competitive intake process which closed on July 6, 2021.

A second intake is anticipated later in 2022, however, the date has not yet been determined. Details about the second intake will be published to the Infrastructure Canada – Green and Inclusive Community Buildings’ website as soon as they become available.

Applicants with small and medium retrofit projects to existing community buildings ranging in total eligible cost from $100,000 to $2,999,999 will be accepted and funded on a rolling intake basis.

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