Factoring energy-wise considerations into a new aquatic complex

Municipal administration – Testimonial from the City of Dolbeau-Mistassini

Efficient Solutions – OSE tool

Financial support of $24,447.60 to implement energy efficiency initiatives

An upgrade with multiple possibilities

In Dolbeau-Mistassini, as with many medium-sized cities in Québec’s more remote regions, the municipal pool is an important part of local life.

In 2018, after close to half a century of good and loyal service, the City’s aquatic facilities were starting to show their age. What to do: salvage and upgrade, or build anew? The passing years had decidedly taken their toll, so the decision was easy. Rebuilding was clearly the better solution, presenting as it did the opportunity to add a state-of-the-art sports facility to the existing arena. Along with a new pool, the complex would also include a gymnasium, weight rooms, spinning areas and locker rooms—all of which was welcome news to the community of 14,000. For the City, the project was also a chance to put its green values into practice, in particular by opting for energy-efficient solutions.

« Our goal was clear: we wanted to lead the way by building an energy-efficient municipal aquatic facility and inspire other municipalities to follow suit »
— Paul Morel, the City’s sports coordinator.

Innovative solutions to optimize energy performance

The municipal project team set about making this vision a reality. For the design and construction, they contacted Ambioner, an engineering firm specialized in building electromechanics and energy efficiency. Energy efficiency engineer Félix Robert and his team guided the City throughout the process.

Together, they targeted a host of measures whose cumulative energy savings will become more significant with each passing year.

The new complex’s efficient equipment includes:

Condensing heat recovery equipment (heat wheel)
A 100% fresh air HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system with a variable frequency drive
Energy-efficient indoor and outdoor lighting systems
A solar wall for preheating air inside the aquatic facility

Total anticipated energy savings? Some 220,000 kWh yearly, equivalent to:

About 170,000 dishwasher cycles
About 110,000 dryer cycles

Accessible financial support

Ambioner also helped the City tap into some welcome financial support for the project’s energy efficiency measures. Félix Robert turned to the Simplified Option of Hydro‑Québec’s Efficient Solutions Program.

Thanks to the OSE tool, just about everything from calculating the amount of financial support to submitting the application was able to be done online. For Robert, who’s well versed in financial assistance for projects of this kind, the OSE tool is key. “Across Québec, when it comes to financial support for energy efficiency, there really is no easier process or tool than OSE. You just need to enter the type of equipment installed, then submit your application. It takes little effort and the support is very quickly available, making completing your project so much easier.”