Burnaby’s Bonsor Recreation Complex is now a lot more dependent on the sun.
On Nov. 29, the federal government announced that Bonsor will receive more than $270,000 to retrofit its solar hot water system from the Gas Tax Fund.
“This solar project will significantly reduce energy costs and consumption, making a valuable and innovative contribution to meet Burnaby’s sustainability goals,” said Mayor Derek Corrigan, in a media release.
The project is expected to help reduce the city’s energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Corrigan said the city will save $14,000 a year thanks to the new system.
“It is essential that we find more ways to protect our environment; using renewable sources of energy for our city’s infrastructure is another step in the right direction,” said Burnaby-North MLA Richard Lee, in a media release. “Retrofitting Bonsor Recreation centre with a solar hot water system not only reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, it contributes towards Burnaby’s sustainability goals and helps create a healthier environment for British Columbians, both now and in the future.”
The new solar hot water heating system at Bonsor will generate renewable solar energy to heat both the pool and its domestic hot water system. The federal Gas Tax Fund money has covered the full project cost.
“Our government is proud to support this innovative renewable energy project that will help Burnaby save on heating costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said MP Nina Grewal in a media release. “We understand the importance of supporting environmentally friendly initiatives that create jobs, strengthen the local economy and improve our environment.”
The Gas Tax Fund is meant to provide long-term funding for municipalities across the country to build and revitalize local infrastructure. The Canadian government provides about $250 million annually for municipal infrastructure projects across B.C. The Lower Mainland has received almost $800 million from the fund to date.
As for Burnaby, Corrigan said it fits in with the city’s green goal.
“The City of Burnaby is committed to sustainability,” he added. “Currently, we are developing an environmental sustainability strategy that will see hundreds of citizens further sharpen the city’s environmental focus.”
