BRAMPTON, ON (September 6, 2023) – 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 upgrade the Susan Fennell Sportsplex. This project 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 is home to hockey arenas, a library, a fitness centre, a swimming pool, and a newly opened youth hub. The multi-purpose facility is widely used by residents and visitors seeking an active and healthy lifestyle.
As part of the City’s commitment to reduce the impacts of climate change and achieve the shared net zero goal by 2050, the City of 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.
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. The renovations are expected to begin in November and are anticipated to be completed in the fall of 2025. Susan Fennell Sportsplex will remain open during construction with some adjustments to the programming.
For more information about programs and schedules, please visit City of Brampton | Recreation | Susan Fennell Sportsplex (formerly South Fletcher’s Sportsplex).
Quotes
“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. 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.”
– Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton
“Susan Fennell Sportsplex has served as a staple of this community for many years. Now, these retrofits make this community centre more energy efficient while helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We are focused on creating a more sustainable and resilient community space for residents and visitors, so they enjoy the benefits of an active lifestyle for years to come.”
– Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor, Wards 1 and 5; Chair, Community Services, City of Brampton
“This investment to upgrade the Susan Fennell Sportsplex to be more energy efficient and to produce less greenhouse gas emissions is an exciting step in creating a healthy and more sustainable future for Bramptonians. Without the support of the Government of Canada and FCM, projects like this one could not happen, and we are grateful for these partnerships.”
– Paul Vicente, Regional Councillor, Wards 1 & 5; Chair, Public Works and Engineering, City of Brampton
“Investing in deep retrofits to reduce emissions and build more efficient infrastructure is a critical way we can fight climate change and support cleaner communities. These retrofits will result in significant cost savings for the municipality as well as providing a state-of-the-art net zero facility that residents and families can enjoy.”
– The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
“Canada’s ongoing transition to a net-zero economy requires collaboration. 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.”
– Sonia Sidhu, Member of Parliament for Brampton South
“Municipal facilities are important places where Canadians receive the services they need directly in their local communities, but they can also produce GHG emissions. More generally, municipalities have influence over half of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions. 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 for local governments and residents. Together, a greener and more affordable Canada is possible.”
-Scott Pearce, President, Federation of Canadian Municipalities
