NEWS RELEASE
FCM’s Green Municipal Fund supports the Halifax Regional Municipality’s Four-Pad Ice Arena Complex (The BMO Centre)
November 3, 2011, Halifax, N.S. - Lloyd Hines, Warden of the District of Guysborough, Nova Scotia, and member of FCM’s National Board of Directors and Gerald Keddy, Member of Parliament for South Shore - St. Margaret’s, today announced Green Municipal FundTM (GMF) loan and grant contributions for the Halifax Regional Municipality. The Regional Municipality put the $4.4 million in funding toward a new energy-efficient recreation facility with four ice surfaces.
“FCM’s Green Municipal Fund offers a range of resources and services that specifically address the sustainable community development needs of municipal governments,” said Vrbanovic. “The financing and knowledge provided by the Fund supports the development of communities that are more environmentally, socially and economically sustainable.”
“The Government of Canada is assisting municipalities across the country in achieving their goal of a cleaner and healthier environment for Canadians through the Green Municipal Fund,” said Mr. Keddy. “Today’s announcement is another example of how our government - in partnership with FCM - is helping Halifax build a greener future for our citizens.”
The Halifax Regional Municipality has built the first facility in Nova Scotia to offer four ice surfaces - including one with seating for 500 spectators. The 13,404 square-meter project is on target to exceed the expected LEED Silver targets and may meet the requirements of LEED Gold. This facility addresses the recreation needs of a growing community with many young families. In addition to the ice surfaces, the facility has have offices, a concession stand, change rooms and storage space.
The complex’s energy performance is expected to exceed the Model National Energy Code for Buildings by 40 percent, making this the most efficient four-pad rink in Canada. The facility will save an estimated 11,741 Gigajoules of energy each year.
In addition to hosting minor hockey programs, the complex accommodates typically female-dominated sports such as ringette and figure skating. One arena is designed to accommodate physically challenged groups playing sledge hockey. The complex also supports tourism by hosting sporting events.
An educational program will illustrate the sustainable features of the building and demonstrate sustainable construction practices to visitors.
HRM Mayor Peter Kelly welcomed news of the funding and thanked the FCM and federal government. “We are committed to building green facilities like the BMO Centre to make a difference today and leave a legacy for tomorrow,” Mayor Kelly said. “Over the past 5 years, HRM has invested almost $7 million in energy efficiency projects and initiatives. Partnering like this allow us to stretch our funds and make even bigger strides toward sustainability.”
The Government of Canada endowed the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) with $550 million to establish the Green Municipal FundÔ. The Fund supports partnerships and leveraging of both public and private-sector funding to reach higher standards of air, water and soil quality, and climate protection.
FCM has been the national voice of municipal governments since 1901. It fosters the development of sustainable communities to improve quality of life by promoting strong, effective, and accountable municipal government.
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For information:
Halifax Regional Municipality
Mayor Peter Kelly
Tel.: 902-490-4010
http://halifax.ca
FCM’s Green Municipal Fund
Maurice Gingues
Media Relations Officer
Green Municipal Fund
Federation of Canadian Municipalities
Tel.: 613-907-6399
Fax: 613-244-1515
E-mail: mgingues@fcm.ca
www.fcm.ca/gmf
Natural Resources Canada
Patricia Best
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa
613-996-2007
