The City of Orillia was unsuccessful in securing a federal grant for green retrofits at Brian Orser Arena, but it still plans to install the climate-friendly features as part of extensive upgrades to the aging Gill Street facility.
The city had applied for a $6-million grant from the federal government’s Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program, requesting the money over a three-year period, but recently learned it was unsuccessful in its bid for a portion of the $1.5-billion fund.
In last week’s council information package, city staff stated GICB is a “highly sought-after and … very competitive program,” and that the city had persistently sought feedback from GICB representatives to enhance the competitiveness of its application.
“While it is unfortunate the city was not successful at the GICB application, these green retrofit features will remain as part of the capital project as planned as they were included in 2024 Brian Orser Arena renovation capital budget approval and were not contingent upon receiving this grant,” said Tyler Hunt, the city’s superintendent of property and assets.
City council approved $12.4 million in upgrades to Brian Orser Arena as part of the 2024 budget, and the project includes the following retrofits to improve accessibility and align with the city’s climate change action plan:
- New LED lighting and new building automation system to ensure efficient building operations;
- Electrical system upgrade;
- Conversion from propane to electric ice resurfacer;
- Insulation of roof and walls in non-rink areas;
- Insulation of roof and walls in rink areas;
- New high-efficiency mechanical/refrigeration equipment and upgrades supporting a multi-purpose room, change rooms and refrigeration system; and
- Layout improvements to meet accessibility requirements throughout the facility.
Due to high uptake, GICB applications have been closed.
“City staff are not currently aware of any applicable funding programs at this time; however, we are always monitoring for new grant and funding opportunities,” Hunt said.
