Western North York Community Centre & Child Care Centre Net Zero Feasibility Study

The City of Toronto intends to undertake a feasibility study for the construction of a net-zero energy building (NZEB) for Western North York Community & Child Care Centre. The building program includes a multi-basin aquatic centre, a gymnasium, an indoor walking track, dance/fitness studios, change rooms, multi-use spaces, a teaching kitchen, administrative spaces, five playrooms for preschool-age groups, and outdoor-connected spaces. The key factor driving the consideration of the NZEB is the city's commitment to its Transform TO initiatives, which aim to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to 80% by 2050. The goal is for all new city-owned facilities to be near zero GHG emissions by 2026. The study will use extensive energy modelling to find the best solution for designing the new facility to achieve net-zero energy operation, incorporating strategies to deliver energy, water and waste reduction. Solutions to be explored will include passive solar strategies, natural building ventilation, daylight and improved envelope design opportunities. Energy-reduction systems (such as geothermal and air-source heat pump systems) and the most efficient lighting solutions will also be considered. Establishing a baseline cost at the concept-design stage and then evaluating the premiums for achieving an NZEB will show how cost premiums may affect the budget and how effective expenditures will be against energy-efficiency and resiliency issues. The expected environmental benefits targeted by this study are to achieve a 100% reduction in GHG emissions. The project will also have economic development and productivity benefits that will contribute to the long-term financial stability and prosperity of the community. Social benefits of this project include the improvement of the community’s quality of life, the revitalization of community bonds, and increased opportunities for public education and awareness. Innovative aspect(s): • This could be one of the first aquatic centres in Canada to target net-zero energy. • Installing a solar PV system, potentially combined with battery storage, could address peak electricity loads and replace diesel or natural gas backup generators. • Alternative energy-reducing systems (such as geothermal exchange) and energy-producing systems (such as biomass co-generation) will inform future city-owned developments. Replicability: This project stands to demonstrate that NZEBs are achievable and will help dispel the myth that such buildings are either too difficult or too expensive to build. This project stands to provide key lessons to other municipalities and organizations considering similar initiatives. (Project description from original funding application)