Construction is underway on energy efficient upgrades to the Abbotsford Recreation Centre (ARC)
As part of the part of the Heat Recovery and Optimization (HeRO) project, this initiative aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while enhancing air quality, sustainability and patron experience of this staple community facility.
The ARC HeRO project involves retrofitting the facility’s existing HVAC system to connect all heating systems throughout the building. This retrofit will capture waste heat from the aquatic centre and arena and redistribute to other areas that require heating, thereby decreasing energy use and reducing carbon pollution.
These improvements are projected to reduce the facility’s energy consumption by an estimated 40 per cent and greenhouse gas emissions by 70 per cent. In addition to optimizing energy use, these upgrades will provide better ventilation and more consistent temperatures in the pool area.
Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. ARC will remain open and operational throughout the construction period.
In addition to heat optimization and energy efficiency upgrades, this project also includes accessibility improvements to the wheelchair pool lifts, which were completed in fall 2023. These enhancements ensure that individuals with mobility challenges can navigate spaces independently and safely.
This ARC HeRO project is funded in part by a more than $4.45 million investment by the Government of Canada, through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program, and a $4.2 million investment by the Province of BC, through the Growing Communities Fund.
“Abbotsford Recreation Centre is an extremely popular and well-used facility, contributing significantly to the health and livability of our community. These upgrades through the ARC HeRO project will not only help us to significantly reduce our carbon footprint but will also create a more comfortable experience for residents at our community’s largest recreation facility,” said Mayor Ross Siemens.
