Location: Truro, Nova Scotia

Client: Municipality of Colchester

Architect: JDA Architects with Shore, Tilbe, Perkins + Will

Certifications: LEED Canada-NC Silver

Size: 130,000 sq. ft.

Project Budget: $48M

This state-of-art multipurpose facility houses a 3000 seat ice hockey arena, competitive and leisure pools, change rooms, rock climbing wall, fitness centre, office space and multi-purpose rooms.

M&R Engineering was responsible for mechanical design including HVAC, Plumbing and Fire Protection as well as electrical design including Lighting, Power, Communications and Security.   

Key Facts: 

• Air handling units have energy recovery on exhaust air.

• Full heat recovery is possible from the ice plant for space and ventilation air heating. Excess heat from the ice plant is rejected to a ground loop (geothermal) heat exchanger.

• Geothermal heat pumps provide space cooling along with space heating, pool heating and water heating.

• The ice rink has a low-emissivity ceiling to reduce cooling loads.

• The pool dehumidification unit rejects heat to ventilation air and the pool.

• Embedded bleacher radiant heating provides a more comfortable environment and saves energy compared to conventional heating systems. 

• Variable Speed drives are installed on fans and circulation pumps to save electricity and provide greater control.

• A rainwater harvesting system provides water to toilets and urinals. 

• Occupancy and daylight sensors are installed to reduce lighting power when rooms are unoccupied.

• 55% energy cost savings compared to the energy code (1997 MNECB)