The City of Prince Rupert is taking meaningful, proactive steps to modernize and future-proof one of its most important community assets.
The Prince Rupert Recreation Complex, built in 1971 and expanded in 1982, is facing aging mechanical systems and rising climate pressures. The Complex hosts a wide range of active recreation programs for residents and visitors, including swimming, carpet bowling, badminton, climbing, pickleball, and more. It's also a hub for art classes, community courses, and offers a free drop-in space for youth to use the gym and lounge.
The City is now developing a 5 to 10-year retrofit plan to improve energy performance, cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and ensure the well-loved arena, pool, and fitness centre can continue serving residents reliably in a changing climate.
Through the CRIS, the City received expert technical support at no cost to evaluate the facility’s refrigeration system, boilers, controls, heat recovery potential, and water use efficiency. The analysis recommends a suite of upgrades including replacing the aging ice plant chiller, consolidating boiler loops, installing a heat recovery chiller, and switching to low flow fixtures.
These upgrades can significantly reduce natural gas use, lower water consumption, and modernize critical equipment.
“This study will provide us with a roadmap on how to improve our recreation facilities," says Nicole Beauregard, Director of Recreation and Community Service for the City of Prince Rupert.
"It will support grant applications, outlining replacement needs for end of life of equipment, work towards overall GHG reductions for our community, as well as overall asset management and capital budget planning.”
This work will ensure Prince Rupert makes smart, cost effective decisions about a facility thousands of residents rely on. It’s a timely example of how small communities are preparing essential infrastructure for the realities of climate change while keeping longterm operating costs in check.
