Dec. 17, 2021 – For immediate release
AIRDRIE, ALBERTA – The City of Airdrie is pleased to announce the completion of an upgraded lighting system in the Ron Ebbesen Arena; this project includes the installation of new LED lighting, motion sensors and motion switches in dressing rooms, the lobby and hallways, office spaces, the upstairs lounge and the Boys and Girls Club of Airdrie.
Support through the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre’s (MCCAC) Recreation Energy Conservation (REC) program made this project possible, providing 64 per cent of the funding needed to complete this project. This upgrade has significantly improved the Arenas lighting levels, and in turn, will enhance the user experience by improving visibility and safety. It also reduces utility and maintenance costs estimated at $3,790 per year.
“The support we received from the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre’s REC program to upgrade the lighting in the Ron Ebbesen Arena will make a significant difference for our arena patrons,” says Mayor Peter Brown. “This investment will greatly enhance the user experience by improving visibility and safety. We are extremely pleased to have received this funding to complete the project.”
“Monthly utilities are among the largest costs of operating Genesis Place and the City of Airdrie Arenas. Administration has strived, in recent years, to invest in projects that both lower our operational costs while enhancing the experience of our residents and sport users," says Brad Anderson, manager of Genesis Place and Arenas. “The recent LED lighting upgrades at Genesis Place and the Ron Ebbesen Arena has allowed us to significantly upgrade our lighting levels, which improves the safety and visibility in our active living amenities while greatly reducing utility and maintenance costs. The REC Program through MCCAC made these projects possible by reducing the capital investment required from Airdrie’s tax base.”
The Municipal Climate Change Action Centre’s REC program provided $73,631.25 of the total $113,750 needed to complete the installation.
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About the Recreation Energy Conservation (REC) program
The REC program helps municipally-owned recreation facilities reduce energy use and GHG emissions by providing financial rebates to help identify energy-saving opportunities and implement energy-saving projects. Through REC, municipalities can receive rebates for Scoping Audits and Engineering Studies that support investment decisions in addition to Implementation Project rebates for implementing energy efficient retrofits in their facilities.
Media contact:
Brad Anderson
Manager, Genesis Place
403.948.8800 ext:5506
Brad.Anderson@airdrie.ca