More Energy-Efficiency Accolades for Rotary Place City Receives $24,910 from Union Gas

The City of Orillia has once again been recognized for its energy efficiency efforts at Rotary Place. Today, it received a rebate of nearly $25,000 from Union Gas Limited.

Since it opened in 2010, Rotary Place has used high-efficiency natural gas technology to help reduce its environmental footprint. The energy saved at the complex is enough to heat 125 homes for an entire year.

Also, the facility uses up to 47 per cent less energy than a conventional sportsplex thanks to its high-efficiency mechanical system and innovative building design. Part of this design includes heat recovery from the ice making process. This recovered heat is used to pre-heat ice resurfacing water and ventilation air, and heat change rooms and stands.

“Just like you do at home, the City strives to reduce energy consumption to not only help the environment but save money,” said Dan Cousins, Manager of Facilities in the Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture. “Rotary Place is a good example of a facility that promotes healthy, active living and environmental stewardship.”

The Union Gas incentive is part of the company’s EnerSmart program. Since the program was introduced in 1997, Union Gas has helped its customers reduce their natural gas consumption by about 5.6 billion cubic metres of natural gas – or the equivalent of heating over 2 million homes for a year.

“Through the Union Gas EnerSmart program, we help municipal partners make smart investments in energy efficient equipment and technologies,” said Gerald Laforest, commercial industrial account manager for Union Gas northeast district. “These investments will not only help Orillia reduce energy consumption and operating costs, but also help the environment.”

This is not the first time the City has received financial rewards for Rotary Place. In 2011, the City received $103,000 through the Ontario Power Authority’s High Performance New Construction Grant program. The program provided financial incentives for new construction that provided significant electricity savings.

All the money received has or will be applied to help offset capital costs of Rotary Place.