Markham Works Toward Zero-Emissions at Rec Centre

A local recreational hub in the City of Markham is being retrofitted to be more environmentally friendly. 

Centennial Community Centre in Markham offers an NHL-sized hockey arena and seating for 1,800 people, plus seven dressing rooms, an aquatic centre, outdoor skatepark and a full gymnasium. 

The centre provides Markham’s residents the opportunity to get active, focus on health and wellness, and enjoy time with family and friends. It’s also in a prime location, situated next to a main public transit station.  

Over the next three years, the City plans to invest the Canada Community-Building Fund into changes that will help the centre become net-zero. In order to be considered net-zero, the facility would have to be carbon neutral, by offsetting its emissions. 

In order to achieve this, Markham will focus on replacing parts at the Centre faster, and with lower energy, low carbon alternatives. This includes things like lighting, geothermal heat pumps, water efficiency improvements, heating and air-conditioning upgrades, and replacement of the refrigeration system.   

City staff estimate these investments will help lower greenhouse gas emissions by 75% and overall energy consumption by 45%.