Evaluating Retrofit Performance & Funding Compliance for a Community Ice Arena
GR Pearkes Recreation Centre Gold Arena Concept Study
The GR Pearkes Recreation Centre is a vital community hub in Saanich, welcoming more than 425,000 visitors each year. Its Gold Arena recently underwent upgrades and is now the focus of a major energy retrofit designed to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and improve operational efficiency.
Focal Engineering was engaged to deliver detailed energy modelling for the arena, comparing existing performance with proposed mechanical and heat-recovery upgrades. Using NECB 2015 as a benchmark, the model was calibrated to reflect the arena’s unique operations—including ice-making schedules, resurfacing patterns, and dehumidification loads—ensuring accurate, defensible results.
Results
The analysis demonstrated significant energy and emissions savings, with results showing an 85% reduction in GHG emissions, equivalent to taking 80 cars off the road. This evidence supported Saanich’s successful application for over $2.8 million in CleanBC Communities Fund support, advancing a retrofit project with a total value of $3.9 million.
The outcome is a clear, evidence-based path to lower emissions, reduced operating costs, and improved resilience—helping Saanich move toward its goal of 100% renewable municipal operations by 2040, while keeping the community’s arena climate-ready and financially viable.
Photo: Saanich News
Quick Stats
YYJ
Location
2019
Completion
Client
District of Saanich
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