A hockey arena retrofit is planned for members of Bearspaw First Nation in Alberta. The federal government is investing more than $1.4 million into the Eden Valley Arena to boost energy efficiency.
Funds will support upgrades to the building envelope, electrical and HVAC systems as well as the arena ice while creating local jobs. Once completed, these improvements are expected to reduce the facility’s energy consumption by an estimated 46.7 per cent and greenhouse gas emissions by 133 tonnes annually.
Constructed in 1995, the Eden Valley Arena is in need of many energy upgrades to reduce the maintenance and utility costs for its ongoing operations, as it uses more energy than needed.
The retrofit will save costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, allowing the community to accommodate more programs and their growing needs.
“Eden Valley has had a rich history of winter sports participation including hockey,” said Chief Darcy Dixon of Bearspaw First Nation. “This arena has been very central to our community for many years and has brought our community and the communities around us together in sport.
“This Arena has been vital part of our community; it has hosted many other events for our people including Powwows, Funerals, Dances, and Community meetings. This building will be getting a new life with these Monies and will become much more economical for our nation to operate.”
Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko
