The Susan Fennell Sportsplex in Brampton is to be transformed into an energy efficient facility with eco-friendly upgrades that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 91 per cent when completed in 2025.
The City of Brampton, along with Natural Resources Canada and Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), has announced a $10 million investment through the Green Municipal Fund’s (GMF) Community Buildings Retrofit (CBR) initiative to make the sportsplex more sustainable.
“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 for everyone to enjoy,” said 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.”
Built in 1996, Susan Fennell Sportsplex is home to hockey arenas, a library, a fitness centre, a swimming pool, and a newly opened youth hub. Renovations are expected to begin in November and completed in the fall of 2025. The multi-purpose facility will remain open during construction with some adjustments to the programing.
As part of its commitment to reduce the impacts of climate change and achieve the shared net zero goal by 2050, Brampton is undertaking several retrofit projects that will reduce the amount of GHG emissions and energy consumed at the facility. These retrofits include 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, lighting, and many other systems.
Officials say this project will serve as an example, allowing the City to examine how these upgrades can benefit other community centres in Brampton and influence across the province and country.
The retrofit upgrades are anticipated to reduce annual GHG emissions at this facility by 91 per cent. This is equivalent to removing 550 cars off roads in a year or growing 30,000 trees for 10 years.
“Canada’s ongoing transition to a net-zero economy requires collaboration,” said Brampton South MP Sonia Sidhu. “By working hand-in-hand with our partners, we are building sustainable communities and investing in the next generation. In Brampton, through our significant investments in energy-efficient public infrastructure, we’re laying foundations for the long-term sustainability of our city.”
