A much-loved community hub in Lower Sackville is getting a big green upgrade thanks to a $1.3 million investment from the federal government.
The Sackville Community Arena will see solar panels on its roof within the next month. The project will help cut down on operating costs, provide reliable backup power, and significantly reduce their carbon footprint.
MP for Sackville, Braedon Clark says he couldn’t be happier for the project.
“Places like this are near and dear to my heart,” says Clark. “I grew up playing sports in arenas like this one for a long time, and I know that it’s a huge pillar of the community.”
Sackville Community Arena. Photo: Natalie Chiasson/Acadia Broadcasting
Financial impact
The arena currently spends $14,000 every month on power, and that cost is expected to rise. However, once the solar installation is up and running, the panels will generate 85 percent of the arena’s electricity needs.
Clark says, “It’s going to save them $170,000 a year in utility costs, which means they can maintain the place better. So it just has a really positive impact.”
President of the Lake District Recreation Association, Allan Smith, says they’ve already started planning to expand the project over the next 5 years.
President of the Lake District Recreation Association, Allan Smith speaking at Sackville Community Arena. Photo: Natalie Chiasson/Acadia Broadcasting
What will the extra money be spent on?
With the money saved, Smith lists several areas of the arena that could use improvement.
“We need to replace the boards, because they have been here since 1970 and they don’t meet the standard of today, and that is $600,000,” explains Smith.
He says they also plan to update the arena’s washrooms and dressing rooms, and increase solar capacity from 85 to 100 percent within 5 years.
“Investing in solar positions the arena as one of the most efficient buildings of its kind in Nova Scotia and perhaps all of Canada,” says Smith excitedly. “It’s going to allow us to have this arena open for the next 20 years, 40 years, 50 years.”
In addition to solar panels, the rink will be getting a battery energy storage system (BESS). Unlike traditional generators that rely on fossil fuels, these systems store clean energy from sources — like solar panels — to keep the lights on during outages or when demand is high.
Sackville Community Arena. Photo: Natalie Chiasson/Acadia Broadcasting
Community reaction
“Places like this, honestly, are the beating heart of neighborhoods. I think they’re incredibly important, and that’s why I advocated for it,” says Clark. “I want to see more people, kids especially, be able to use this facility for the next 10, 20 years.”
The news of the investment was kept a secret from the public until the official announcement on January 30, and Smith says he was excited to see the community’s reaction.
“They didn’t know, because as of today, it was a secret. So they know now, and it’s going to be amazing. It’s going to be amazing,” beams Smith.
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