The federal government has announced it will invest more than $2.3 million into energy and accessibility improvements to the Canada Games Complex in Thunder Bay.

Patty Hajdu, the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, announced the funding on July 22. The project announced is being funded through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program’s continuous intake for small and medium retrofit projects. Those range in total eligible cost from $100,000 to $3 million.

"The upgrades to the Canada Games Complex will provide Thunder Bay residents with a more modern and accessible space where they can learn, stay active and connect with each other. Projects like this reduce pollution, make our air cleaner, and help to build a brighter future for everyone," the minister said.

Built in 1980 to host Canada's 1981 Summer Games, the complex now services as a multi-purpose facility in the community and provides programming for children and youth.

The rehabilitation project calls for upgrades to the boiler plant, digital control system, and change rooms, which will help reduce energy use and emissions, improve accessibility, and make the facility more comfortable for residents. These improvements will reduce the facility's energy consumption by 23 percent and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 270 tonnes annually.

"This funding allows the city to advance council-endorsed priorities which include energy management, accessibility, and our infrastructure deficit,” said Thunder Bay Mayor Bill Mauro.  “The Canada Games Complex serves as an accessible, inclusive area for children, youth and families for recreational opportunities in our community. Continued investment in this critical facility ensures the continued enjoyment by our community and region will continue for years to come.”

The GICB program provides $1.5 billion over five years towards green and accessible retrofits, repairs or upgrades of existing public community buildings and the construction of new publicly accessible community buildings that serve high-needs, underserved communities across Canada.

Applicants with large retrofit projects to existing community buildings or new community building projects with total eligible costs ranging from $3 million to $25 million were accepted through a competitive intake process which closed on July 6, 2021. A second intake is anticipated later in 2022, however, the date has not yet been determined. Details about the second intake will be published to the Infrastructure Canada – Green and Inclusive Community Buildings' website as soon as they become available.

Applicants with small and medium retrofit projects to existing community buildings ranging in total eligible cost from $100,000 to $2,999,999 will be accepted and funded on a rolling intake basis.