Red Lake Events Centre Feasibility Study

The Municipality of Red Lake will undertake a feasibility study to evaluate options for a new multi-functional recreational facility that is energy efficient as well as environmentally, socially and economically sustainable. The centre will replace two older, inefficient facilities and will service six small communities in the municipality within a 600 km2 area. The public has already embraced this concept and Red Lake will provide more public participation opportunities as this project progresses. Building on the success of their new LEED Silver Airport Terminal Building (GMF 10328) and ongoing energy retrofits in municipal buildings, Red Lake will design the new Events Centre to be at least 60% more energy-efficient than the Model National Energy Code for Buildings (MNECB 1997). Potential features to achieve this target include the use of passive solar design, geoexchange, heat recovery, and energy efficient equipment and fixtures. The study will also assess options to reduce potable water use and to repurpose components of the current arena and recreation centre to limit the demolition impact on the municipal landfill. Red Lake aims to service the entire region by incorporating small business interests and social, fitness and health user groups into the building concept. The final study report will include a preliminary design and cost estimate that considers the construction, operation and maintenance costs of the building, to inform a subsequent business case and determine whether the project should proceed to construction. The Red Lake Events Centre will help the municipality meet the goals set out in its Sustainable Community Plan (GMF 10253) and Recreation Master Plan. The centre will allow Red Lake to expand its recreational programs and thereby enhance the health and wellness opportunities for the community. The project is expected to generate significant operational and long-term cost savings for the municipality, and to attract new businesses, revenue generation and employment opportunities to the area. (Project description from original funding application)