A new net-zero fire hall and public works shared services building in Hazelton

The Village of Hazelton intends to assess building a new net-zero-carbon facility to replace the current fire hall and public works building, which is near the end of its useful life. Promoting the premise of sustainable development to balance the long‐term interests of environmental and social development with the more immediate economic concerns of commerce and industry has been one the main aims Hazelton’s Strategic Plan. This project is well aligned with that aim in terms of pollution reduction. The proposed feasibility study will evaluate different energy features and options for reaching net zero, including the following: · Solar and geothermal energy generation · Passive House design · Stormwater management · Xeriscaping (landscaping using minimal water) · Ultra-efficient fixtures Building a new and more energy-efficient facility will help the municipality to avoid high operating and maintenance costs associated with an aging and less efficient facility. It will also increase civic pride. Stakeholders such as the Public Works department will be engaged as part of the study to determine their needs and challenges with the existing building. Innovative aspect(s): This project stands to be among the first of its kind in northern B.C. Targeting a net-zero development is considered very innovative for a municipality of this size. Replicability: The proposed approach, anticipated outcome and lessons learned have the potential to be applied by nearby local governments, including First Nations and other municipalities. Hazelton will be also sharing the findings via the Union of BC Municipalities, Municipal World Magazine and ClearBC. (Project description from original funding application)