Grant Supports Energy-Efficient Furnace Upgrades at KNRRC

The City of Beaumont has completed an energy efficiency project at the Ken Nichol Regional Recreation Centre (KNRRC). Eight aging furnaces were replaced with new high-efficiency models to improve comfort, save energy and reduce emissions thanks to funding from the Government of Alberta through the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre’s Community Energy Conservation Program.

“The Ken Nichol Centre is part of everyday life in Beaumont,” said Ryan Orlovsky, Manager of Utility and Facility Operations. “Whether it’s hockey games, curling or community events, people spend a lot of time here. It feels good to know these upgrades will keep the building comfortable and efficient for everyone who walks through the doors.”

The original furnaces, installed in 2001, were reaching the end of their lifespan. The new models now heat the lobby, change rooms and curling areas of the facility. The upgrades are expected to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 41 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year and save about $8,000 in energy costs, by reducing natural gas consumption by roughly 820 GJ.

Savings from this project will help reduce future operating and maintenance costs and support Beaumont’s ongoing efforts to make community spaces efficient, reliable and welcoming.

“Energy efficiency projects like this one deliver real benefits for communities—lower costs, reduced emissions, and more comfortable spaces for people to gather,” said Trina Innes, Executive Director of the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre. “We’re proud to support municipalities like Beaumont with investments in community hubs that will serve residents for years to come.”

This project was supported through the Community Energy Conservation Program, administered by the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre, a partnership of Alberta Municipalities, the Rural Municipalities of Alberta and the Government of Alberta.