Feds fund Junction East feasibility study
Plans to build a net-zero library and art gallery in the City of Greater Sudbury got a boost from the federal government recently.
Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson and Federation of Canadian Municipalities President Taneen Rudyk announced a $61,800-investment through FCM's Green Municipal Fund for a feasibility study to support the development of the Junction East project.
Our government is pleased to support sustainable infrastructure in communities across Canada,” said Wilkinson. “Today's investment is an important step in the development of a net-zero art gallery and library in the City of Greater Sudbury. This is a great example of community-driven innovation and climate action."
The 104,000-square foot building is expected to open in 2024 and will include the city’s new central library, The Art Gallery of Sudbury and potential future partners such as Sudbury Theatre Centre and Sudbury Multicultural and Folk Arts Association.
The now-completed feasibility study evaluated the environmental and financial performance of various green building technologies, including district energy, ground-source heat pumps, rooftop solar photovoltaics, building automation systems, high building envelope performance and rainwater harvesting.
The study investigated various green building certifications and estimated embodied greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to assist the architectural team in selecting low-impact and environmentally preferable materials and products.
The Green Municipal Fund, administered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, is funded through an endowment by the Government of Canada. GMF helps local governments switch to sustainable practices faster. Its unique mix of funding, resources and training gives municipalities the tools they need to build resiliency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
"Local governments own sixty percent of the country's infrastructure,” said Rudyk. “With support from the Green Municipal Fund, municipalities of all sizes are implementing smart sustainable solutions to improve their infrastructure. Just like the City of Greater Sudbury, which has taken the necessary steps to ensure the optimum approach for energy performance of the Junction East project. "
The federal government has committed to reducing Canada's total GHG emissions by 40-45 percent below 2005 levels by 2030, and to reaching net-zero by 2050. The buildings sector is the third largest source of emissions in Canada and is key to meeting public-policy objectives.