Winnipeg, Manitoba , Forks Renewal Corporation is receiving approximately $1.8 million to build a district geothermal system that will provide heating and cooling to its buildings in downtown Winnipeg. Daniel Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, on behalf of the Canadian Minister of Environment and Climate Change Jonathan Wilkinson announced this Climate initiative . the Forks Renewal Corporation is also contributing close to $2.7 million to this project.
The new system will eliminate greenhouse gas emissions by replacing gas consumption as a heating and cooling fuel source for the Forks Renewal Corporation buildings. The district geothermal system is also designed to allow future expansion to service other buildings and planned new developments on the Forks site. Over the lifetime of this project, the Forks Renewal Corporation will see a cumulative reduction of approximately 26,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG)—equivalent to saving about 11 million litres of gasoline.
The federal funding comes from the Partnerships stream of the Government of Canada’s Low Carbon Economy Challenge, which invests in projects that reduce carbon pollution and supports industries to put in place clean technologies that will help them be more efficient and innovative.
Investments in climate action initiatives like this reaffirm the Government of Canada’s commitment to fight climate change, create good jobs, and grow a clean economy.
Daniel Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs said that “The Government of Canada supports innovative projects that reduce emissions, lead to tangible action on climate change, and create good jobs. Today’s announcement highlights some of the important work led by Canadian businesses such as the Forks Renewal Corporation to build a cleaner and healthier future. Leadership on strategic projects like the one announced today will make sure Canada exceeds its target and achieves net-zero emissions by 2050.”
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Sara Stasiuk, VP, Finance and Operations, The Forks North Portag said “Railside at The Forks is an important project full of big ideas and amazing public spaces. It will also create employment opportunities, add a variety of additional housing, provide economic return, celebrate culture and more. The district geothermal system was key to the vision for Railside as a green development and as part of our overall Target Zero goals. The financial support from the federal government through the Low Carbon Economy Fund is instrumental in making this possible. We thank Minister Vandal for his support and his government’s ongoing commitment to the environment.”
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