The Sherbrooke Community League in Edmonton is set to benefit from an energy-efficient retrofitting following a federal investment.
Canada is pouring more than $800,000 into the League, a treasured nonprofit hall for local residents.
“The Sherbrooke Community League has long been a gathering place for residents in Edmonton’s north-central neighbourhoods,” explains Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience.
The building, constructed in 1956, will see much-needed upgrades funded through Canada’s Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program.
The GICB program was created to support “Canada’s Strengthened Climate Plan: A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy.”
“Our government is proud to support this project, which will create a more sustainable, accessible, and resilient community space, while ensuring the league can continue serving Edmonton families for years to come,” Olszewsk remarked.
The retrofit project aims to increase energy efficiency and expand accessibility to the facility, according to a statement.
Energy improvements include better insulation through an extensive building envelope upgrade, replacement of natural gas with new electric heating and cooling systems, a new heat pump for water, and installation of solar elements.
“For generations, our building has been a place where neighbours connect, children play, families celebrate, volunteers serve, and residents come together during times of need,” says Catherine Jevic, President of the Sherbrooke Community League. “This investment through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program in our community hall is an investment in the people who gather here every day.”
“These upgrades will help ensure our facility remains welcoming, accessible, energy efficient, and resilient for decades to come,” remarked Jevic. “The planned improvements will reduce operating costs, lessen our environmental impact, and strengthen our ability to serve as a reliable gathering place and emergency shelter when our community needs it most.”
The GICB program launched in 2021 with $1.5B over five years; Budget 2024 added an additional $500M through 2029.