December 7, 2023
The Northgate Lions Seniors Centre will become more energy efficient and accessible thanks to a federal investment of more than $2.3 million. This project was announced by Minister Randy Boissonnault, City of Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi, and Ron Nichol, President of the North Edmonton Seniors Association (NESA).
The rehabilitation of the centre will replace major mechanical and electrical systems to optimize energy efficiency and minimize environmental impacts. To support seniors attending programs, the rehabilitation will also improve accessibility with upgrades to the automatic doors as well as elevator access to the second floor. These improvements are expected to reduce the facility's energy consumption by an estimated 18.7 per cent and greenhouse gas emissions by 87 tonnes annually.
“Seniors in Edmonton, and across Alberta, deserve a healthy, safe, and dignified retirement,” said the Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion of Canada, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. “That is why it is crucial that we maintain recreational facilities such as the Northgate Lions Seniors Centre, to ensure uninterrupted and accessible services to our seniors.”
“The City of Edmonton is restoring facilities, like the Northgate Lions Seniors Centre, where Edmontonians thrive and connect. With this funding, this rehabilitation will maintain the building’s life cycle, increase energy efficiency and improve accessibility and safety of the building and grounds so seniors can safely and comfortably enjoy the space for years to come,” said Mayor Amarjeet Sohi.
“As building systems are coming to the end of their useful life, NESA is very pleased that this project is being undertaken in order to ensure that the centre will continue to operate more efficiently well into the future,” said Ron Nichol, President, North Edmonton Seniors Association. “Despite the closure of the facility, NESA has been able to maintain programming with the help of the City of Edmonton at the ACT Aquatic and Recreation Centre, our neighbours at McClure United Church, Kilkenny and Steele Heights Community Leagues and the other Edmonton seniors centres. NESA members are looking forward to returning to the Northgate Lions Seniors Centre in the spring.”
The federal government is investing $2,391,664 to this project through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program (GICB) and the City of Edmonton is contributing $2,745,223. As an independent, non-profit society, the North Edmonton Seniors Association (NESA) operates the Northgate Lions Seniors Centre and offers an extensive range of more than 200 programs that include arts, hobby groups, choir, and fitness to meet the needs and interests of its members.
The GICB program was created in support of Canada’s Strengthened Climate Plan: A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy. It supports the Plan’s first pillar by helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increasing energy efficiency, and helping communities become more resilient to the impacts of climate change.Through green and other upgrades to existing public community buildings and new builds in underserved communities, the GICB program helps ensure community facilities are inclusive, accessible, and have a long service life, while also helping Canada move towards its net-zero objectives by 2050.
The GICB program aims to improve the places Canadians work, learn, play, live and come together by cutting pollution, making life more affordable, and supporting thousands of good jobs. The program is providing $1.5 billion over five years towards green and accessible retrofits, repairs or upgrades. At least 10 per cent of funding is allocated to projects serving First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples.
