Executive summary
The following are key points for consideration with respect to this report:
- The contract is for the engineering services to complete design works for the first phase of the replacement of HVAC systems and renovations. This initial design work will also include integration planning to allow for future design developments in additional HVAC replacement projects as outlined in the roadmap to Net Zero Ice Rinks Pilot Study completed for the Acton Arena & Community Centre (AACC), and Mold-Masters SportsPlex (MMSP).
- The first phase of this comprehensive project involving the end of life replacement of existing HVAC systems will upgrade and transform existing dehumidification systems with new dehumidification units and a heat recovery system for the older Townsley (AACC), Alcott and Fernbrook (MMSP) rinks.
Climate implications
- This report impacts and/or helps address climate change and the Town’s Net Zero target through corporate energy savings. These projects were approved as part of Report No. ADMIN-2021-0040 – Net Zero Ice Rink Feasibility Study – Recommended Capital Projects.
- The new dehumidification units will possess technology and controls that will allow the units to operate with significantly greater energy efficiency than the existing units.
- Additionally, the new units will draw significant quantities of their operating energy requirements from heat recovery and will not be required to employ gas burners in the future, thereby reducing the GHG emissions generated by the facility operations and allowing for the Town to provide services while minimizing and reducing its impact on climate change.
- The heat recovery is a bi-product derived from the refrigeration operations that are the core of the arena operations. This recovered heat will also be used for future space heating and ventilation replacement projects that will be required for other equipment scheduled to be replaced in subsequent years