About the project
The City of Courtenay is completing energy upgrades at the Lewis Centre, Native Sons Hall and the Fire Hall. The work will replace end of life equipment, improve energy efficiency, reduce natural gas consumption and fulfill the City’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Why this project is needed
Natural gas use in buildings is the greatest source of greenhouse gas emissions in City operations. The Corporate Facilities Energy Management Plan, identifies specific upgrades needed to reduce gas use, and meet 2030 reduction targets. The plan aligns the timing of proposed upgrades with the lifespan of the equipment, so only end of life equipment is replaced.
By investing in community buildings, the City improves reliability of operations and ensures these facilities are well equipped to serve the community into the future.
What is planned at each facility
Lewis Centre: The building is heated through a hot water distribution system, which must run in the summer to provide hot water. The domestic hot water system will be separated from the building’s heating system, allowing the heating system to be shut down during the summer months.
Native Sons Hall: The boiler heating plant will be upgraded to a high-efficiency, lower-temperature system. The project will also insulate exposed heating pipes, improve attic insulation and install an electric domestic hot water heater.
Courtenay Fire Hall: End-of-life rooftop heating, ventilation and air-conditioning units will be replaced with dual-fuel units that prioritize electric heating and use natural gas as a backup during power outages or extreme weather.