Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Government of Canada and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) are contributing $9.3 million ($1.2 million in grants and $8.2 million in loans) through the Green Municipal Fund to build a new net-zero fire station in the City of Peterborough.
The specialized design team includes architectural, mechanical, electrical, landscape and civil members with several fire hall and emergency services projects in their portfolios as well as LEED certified buildings at various levels. The project team includes:
- Lett Architects Inc.
- Fluent Group – Energy and Carbon Consultant and Sustainability Consultant
- AMR Engineering Ltd. – Lead Structural Engineer
- Durham Energy Specialist Ltd. – Mechanical and Electrical Design
- Engage Engineering – Civil Design
- Basterfield and Associates – Landscape Design
Currently under construction, the new station will replace Fire Station 2 at Carnegie Road, which is more than 50 years old.
JCB Construction Canada broke ground about a year ago and is expected to complete the project by fall 2024.
“Today marks a pivotal moment as NRCan and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) announce a $9.3 million investment through the Green Municipal Fund for the construction of a state-of-the-art, net-zero fire station in Peterborough,” said Whitby MP Ryan Turnbull, MP.
“This transformative project, set to replace the aging Fire Station 2, will incorporate renewable energy, mass timber construction and water-saving technologies, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and substantial operational-cost savings of $24,270 per year for the city.”
Designed to utilize renewable energy and achieve net-zero emissions, the building will pursue certification through the Canada Green Building Council, installing automated control systems, ground source heat pumps, solar panels on the rooftop and a heat-recovery system.
It will be constructed from mass timber instead of concrete, steel or aluminum to achieve a lower carbon footprint. It will also include water saving features and be resituated to reduce flood risk and meet operational standards. The green design is expected to save the city an estimated $24,270 per year in operational costs.
“The new Fire Station #2 will be the City’s first building that is designed, built, and certified as a Zero Carbon,” said Peterborough Mayor Jeff Leal. “Building for both performance and design categories.
“This key investment in the City of Peterborough Fire Services will enhance community safety by reducing emergency response times, while also protecting our environment by producing zero emissions.”
The Green Municipal Fund (GMF), administered by the FCM, is funded through an endowment by the Government of Canada. GMF helps local governments switch to sustainable practices faster. Its unique mix of funding, resources and training gives municipalities the tools they need to build resiliency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“Municipalities influence half of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions with public buildings as large contributors,” said Scott Pearce, FCM president. “That’s why it is so important that they lead on and participate in local initiatives to lower greenhouse gas emissions.
“Today’s announcement of support for the City of Peterborough and its fire station initiative is further proof of that. Together, we are moving towards a more sustainable future.”