Rec Centre Upgrades – RMWB

Overview

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) completed energy efficiency upgrades at two key recreational facilities, Centrefire Place and the Frank Laquoix Centre, to modernize aging infrastructure, reduce operating costs, and improve the quality of these important community spaces.

With support from the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre’s (MCCAC) Community Energy Conservation (CEC) Program, RMWB accessed grant funding to help offset total project costs.

Approach

RMWB completed two separate energy efficiency projects at Centrefire Place and the Frank Laquoix Centre, each tailored to the specific needs of the facility. At Centrefire Place, the project focused on a comprehensive lighting retrofit, replacing existing fixtures with high efficiency LED lighting to reduce electricity consumption and improve lighting quality throughout the facility.

At the Frank Laquoix Centre, the project included a smaller lighting upgrade along with the replacement of an aging rooftop heating unit serving the arena space. These improvements addressed reliability concerns, reduced maintenance requirements, and improved overall system performance.

Results

Across both facilities, the completed upgrades are expected to reduce electricity and natural gas consumption by approximately 315,644 kWh and 210 GJ annually, resulting in estimated annual cost savings of $52,734 and an annual reduction of 156 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions. The combined measures have a simple payback period of 3.6 years.

In addition to energy and cost savings, the projects improve lighting quality, safety, and comfort for facility users and staff, helping ensure these facilities continue to serve the community efficiently and reliably.

“Local arenas are vital community hubs where people gather for sport, recreation and connection. This funding from the provincial government supports these important spaces and helps ensure these facilities remain safe and sustainable for the community.”

Toni Elliott, Director of Community Services, RMWB