Feasibility Study for the Construction of a Multi-Purpose Sports Centre

The City of Beaupré will perform a feasibility study for the construction of a Multi-Purpose Sports Centre with a low ecological footprint that is designed to reduce total energy consumption by 70 to 80% compared to the Model National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings (MNECB) 1997 standards and will ensure optimal integration of the wood and forest products in the construction (structure) and use (heating) of the building and the projected installations. Initially, the projected study will analyze the technical and financial feasibility of using forest biomass to meet all of the building’s heating and air conditioning needs, with a possible option of using geothermal energy. Then, an analysis on the lifecycle of the ecological footprint in the use of wood material versus the other types of materials (concrete, steel, etc.) will be conducted. Both options will be studied on the basis of a cost-advantage analysis. The project will also be studied on a complete cost basis. This is an innovative approach focused on the use of a resource from the region. Located near Quebec City, Beaupré serves not only its own territory but a large region beyond its limits by offering recreational and cultural services, among others, to other municipalities. However, it is lacking a functional sports centre and its dated infrastructure does not meet the needs of its residents or those of a central city. The construction of this 2560-m2 centre will increase the services offered to the population while meeting an objective of MRC de la Côte-de-Beaupré’s sustainability plan, an initiative funded by the GMF in 2010 (GMF 10228). This project is related to the construction of the city hall, which is the object of another feasibility study (GMF 12015), founded on the application of the same principles. (Project description from original funding application)