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Energy efficient pool in Prince George, B.C. receives government funding

The $42M aquatic centre project will be connected to the city’s Downtown Renewable Energy System.

July 7, 2020  By Energy Manager Canada


A new downtown aquatics facility being developed in Prince George, B.C. that will be heated with the city’s renewable district energy system, is attracting $10 million in funding support from the Federal and Provincial Governments.

The new pool will be connected to the City’s Downtown Renewable Energy System (DRES), which provides heat sourced from wood waste at nearby Lakeland Mills. The system currently delivers heat to nearly a dozen downtown buildings through 3km of underground steel pipes, eight inches in diameter and wrapped in insulation.

The hot water flowing inside the pipes can currently carry up to 5 megawatts worth of heat energy.

Modelling conducted as part of the funding application indicated that heating the new pool with the DRES will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 95% compared to if it was heated with natural gas.

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“The new pool will be a showpiece for our downtown; it will enhance accessibility to recreation programs, and provide jobs both in construction and operation. Due to our innovative Downtown Renewable Energy System, the new pool will also be energy-efficient and an exceptional example for British Columbia and Canada on how to provide aquatic services with renewable energy in a northern community,” said Lyn Hall, Mayor of Prince George, in a media release.

The total project is budgeted to be $42 million: $35 million for the pool design and construction, as well as $7 million for the acquisition of the new site and demolition operations.

The new downtown pool will be approximately 38,602 sq. ft. and will offer aquatic activities for all ages and abilities:

• A six lane, 25-metre lap pool.
• A four lane, 25-metre teaching pool with warmer water and shallow depth.
• A leisure pool with a lazy river, beach entry, and play features.
• A large waterslide with a run-off lane.
• Dedicated male and female change rooms, as well as a large universal change room.
• Sauna and steam room
• Rooms for lessons and training

Pool Project


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