The City of Owen Sound successfully obtained a $400,000 Community Building Fund grant from the Government of Ontario and the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
The capital grant will help pay for upgrades to more earth-friendly equipment at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre.
Bruce-Grey Owen Sound MPP Bill Walker said the investment will help improve the quality and safety of the ice for users, as well as the cost efficiency of operating this critical infrastructure facility while ensuring access for people of all ages.
“From seasoned hockey players to kids lacing up their skates for the first time, the Arena is at the heart of winter in Canada. This project will mean a better experience for the thousands of skaters who hit the ice each year, and lower utility costs and a smaller carbon footprint for our city,” said Owen Sound Mayor Ian Boddy.
The grant will help the City replace the Centre’s ice making equipment which includes a new compressor and condenser, and making needed upgrades to improve the building’s cooling system so that it operates with more energy efficiency. The replacement of these key components of the refrigeration system are a key part of the City’s overall approach to asset management. It is expected to increase the overall energy efficiency of the plant by 10-15% even with increased capacity, and will vastly improve the quality of ice at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre. The timely investment in lifecycle replacement for these capital assets will not only extend the operation of the refrigeration system but also significantly improve the energy efficiency of the building.
Work will begin on the project in June of 2022 and will be scheduled to not impact users.