(Town of Nipawin)

By Cam Lee

Evergreen Centre

Town of Nipawin looking into Evergreen Centre’s feasibility, low carbon potential

Aug 19, 2024 | 5:00 PM

Town Council in Nipawin heard two updates on the Evergreen Centre at its most recent meeting.

Council has authorized administration to move forward with the Preliminary Design of the Nipawin Evergreen Centre.

The report summarized the findings from the building assessment and feasibility study for council, conducted by the company aobdt architecture.

“(The preliminary design) will include community and user group consultations,” general manager of leisure services Chelsea Corrigan told northeastNOW.

Corrigan said the building assessment and feasibility study is aimed to “evaluate the current state of the facility, identify areas needing improvement, and (recommend) viable options for its future development and sustainability.”

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The assessment revealed there are several areas where the building infrastructure is outdated, and in need of replacement or repair.

“These included structural deficiencies in certain areas, mechanical and electrical systems nearing the end of their lifespan and accessibility barriers that do not meet current standards,” Corrigan said.

She added the centre is still serving its primary function, but the study shows there are opportunities for improved space utilization, flexibility in programming, and operational efficiency.

Meanwhile, the Nipawin Evergreen also underwent a GHG (greenhouse gas) pathways study, conducted by Enerlife Consulting and CIMCO Refrigeration.

The study authors collaborated with municipal staff to create a plan that would reduce carbon emissions, save energy, and cut operating costs for the facility.

Corrigan said the report provides “a clear pathway for the Town of Nipawin to achieve significant energy savings and GHG reductions, while demonstrating environmental leadership and addressing community concerns regarding climate change.”

According to Corrigan, using both studies in tandem will provide a comprehensive approach to sustainability and net-zero projects for the town going forward.

Administration will now begin work toward the preliminary design for the facility, as well as seek out funding opportunities to implement the low carbon projects identified in the study.

The facility was built in 1984.

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Cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @northeastNOW_SK