MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –
Source: Government of Canada – MIL OSI Regional News in French
Press release
Calgary, Alberta, May 2, 2024 — Energy upgrades are coming to the South Fish Creek complex thanks to a joint investment of more than $1.2 million from the federal government, the YMCA of Calgary and the complex’s partners.
Announced by MP George Chahal and Shannon Doram, President and CEO of the YMCA of Calgary, this project will extend the life of the facility and improve energy efficiency. The South Fish Creek complex has served the needs of Calgarians for over twenty years. These renovations will extend the life of the facility, improve air quality and energy efficiency, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By replacing the systems that keep the complex running, the YMCA will be able to continue to provide important services and programs that meet the needs of children, youth, newcomers and residents of all ages and backgrounds.
The YMCA of Calgary will replace its current heating systems with more efficient models and upgrade air handling units. These upgrades are expected to generate cost savings that can be reallocated to meet the community’s future needs. The upgrades will allow the systems that help operate the complex to adapt to a changing environment, maintaining a comfortable atmosphere and improved air quality during the cold winter months and the scorching summer months.
The Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program aims to improve the places where Canadians work, learn, play, live and gather by reducing pollution and costs, while supporting thousands of good jobs. By making green and other improvements to existing public community buildings and constructing new buildings in underserved communities, the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program helps ensure the inclusivity, accessibility and longevity of community facilities, while helping Canada achieve its net-zero emissions targets by 2050.
Quotes
“The Shawnessy YMCA plays an important role in our community by preparing our children, youth, newcomer neighbours and people of all ages and backgrounds for success. The Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program encourages innovative and clean solutions to help Canada adapt to a greener, lower-carbon economy. With the funding announced today, the South Fish Creek complex will be able to continue to meet the needs of Calgarians for years to come.”
George Chahal, Member of Parliament for Calgary Skyview, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
“The Shawnessy YMCA is an important community hub that provides Calgary’s rapidly growing southwest quadrant with a place to play, grow and connect. The Government of Canada’s investment through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Program will enable the YMCA Calgary to be more energy efficient and help us deliver the programs and services that are essential to building vibrant communities for years to come. We are pleased to partner with the Government of Canada to address climate change and build community resilience.”
Shannon Doram, President and CEO of the YMCA of Calgary
“As the building owner of the South Fish Creek Recreation Centre, the City of Calgary is pleased with the energy efficiency upgrades made by the YMCA of Calgary. Not only will these upgrades ensure the facility will be available for future generations of Calgarians, they will also reduce the building’s carbon footprint. Addressing climate change is a strategic priority for the City of Calgary, and supporting our partners to reduce emissions is a key part of delivering on City Council’s commitment.”
Tim Mowrey, Manager, Recreation, Sports and Community Partners, City of Calgary
Quick Facts
The federal government is investing $979,800 in this project through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) Program, and the YMCA of Calgary is providing $244,950.
These improvements are expected to result in annual fuel savings of approximately 20.5% for the facility and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of 268 tonnes.
The Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program was created to support Canada’s Strengthened Climate Plan: A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy. It supports the first pillar of the Plan by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing energy efficiency, and by helping to build resilience to climate change.
The program provides $1.5 billion over five years for modernization, repair or improvement work that promotes the environment and accessibility.
At least 10% of the funds are allocated to projects for First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities, which includes Indigenous populations in urban centres.
The application period for the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program is now closed.
On December 18, 2023, the federal government launched the Prairie Green Economy Framework, which highlights the need for a collaborative, regional approach to sustainability, focused on strengthening the coordination of federal programs and initiatives with significant investments. The Framework is the first step in a journey that will bring together many stakeholders. PrairiesCan, the federal department responsible for diversifying Canada’s Prairie economy, has committed $100 million over three years to support projects aligned with priority areas identified by Prairie stakeholders to create a stronger, more sustainable and inclusive economy for the Prairie provinces and Canada.
Infrastructure Canada supports the Prairie Green Economy Framework to encourage greater collaboration on investment opportunities, leverage additional funding and attract new investment to the Prairies to better meet needs.
Related links
Contact persons
For further information (media only), please contact:
Micaal Ahmed Manager, CommunicationsOffice of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities343-598-3920micaal.ahmed@infc.gc.ca
Media Relations Infrastructure Canada613-960-9251Toll free: 1-877-250-7154Email: media-medias@infc.gc.caFollow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram And LinkedInWebsite: Infrastructure Canada
Dean Paddock Vice President, Community EngagementYMCA of CalgaryDean.Paddock@calgary.ymca.ca
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.