Infrastructure Canada announced federal funding of up to $7.7 million to revitalize the Old Bolton Fire Hall.

The fire hall will be converted to the Humber River Centre, a state-of-the-art multi-use community space that will be more sustainable and accessible. The facility will offer spaces for use by community groups and citizens, including an innovation hub/maker space, a commercial kitchen, meeting rooms and a large multi-use space available for events, programming and farmers’ markets.

“The Humber River Centre will be a central hub for Bolton that will help attract investment and visitors to downtown while supporting residents and entrepreneurs with innovation spaces for community programs. I am proud that the Government of Canada is able to invest in the creation of a sustainable and inclusive community centre, which, combined with a more climate resilient design, will benefit residents for years to come,” said Maninder Sidhu, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and MP for Brampton East.

In addition, sustainable improvements will include installing LED lighting, air source heat pumps and energy recovery ventilators, more insulative windows and doors, increased roof insulation, on-demand electric water heaters and a building automation system. These enhancements are expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 29.5 tonnes per year and fuel consumption by 56.2 per cent.

“We would like to thank Infrastructure Canada for this critical funding that will help transform our old Fire Hall into an energy efficient, low carbon community space that will enhance the lives of residents, community groups and underserved populations. The Humber River Centre will showcase climate resilient architecture and is a testament to our dedication towards reducing emissions and taking climate action,” said Annette Groves, Mayor of the Town of Caledon.

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Renovations also include enhanced accessibility features such as an elevator, accessible washrooms on both floors, power-operated doorways and audible alarms.

As Caledon is expected to face higher temperatures and precipitation, the Humber River Centre will be designed to be climate resilient. Enhancements such as increased softscaping design practices, including planting native pollinator-friendly plants and trees to absorb excess water, and landscaping techniques to enhance stormwater filtration and interior climate control, will ensure that the facility remains comfortable year-round while reducing the risk posed by flooding events.

Featured image: (Town of Caledon)

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