Change expected to result in $1.2 million in energy savings

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The City of Toronto is making a splash with solar energy.

Four indoor pools at three recreation centres are now being heated by solar power.

The swimming pools at the Agincourt Recreation Centre, Scarborough Centennial Recreation Centre and the two pools at Jimmie Simpson Recreation Centre in Riverdale are now being heated with solar energy.

And, that's just the beginning.

The city is planning to retrofit all of its pools with solar energy panels, Ward 41 (Scarborough-Rouge River) Councillor Chin Lee said during a press conference at the Agincourt Recreation Centre Friday.

"This is a wonderful start to making Toronto a solar city," Lee said. "It helps show that solar energy is a viable local option."

Since 2004, the city has retrofitted more than 200 city-owned buildings through the Energy Retrofit Program.

The four pools were retrofitted at a cost of $320,000 to the city. Additional funding was provided by the Toronto Atmospheric Fund and Natural Resources Canada, which contributed $52,786 and $26,031 respectively.

That investment will result in $1.2 million in savings, reports Jodie Parmar, director of business and strategic innovation with Toronto's facilities and real estate division.

"At a time of budget constraints, the Energy Retrofit Program allows us to invest in our aging, sometimes inefficient facilities, and make them operate more efficiently," he said.

Parmar noted that the three installations will also reduce CO2 emissions by 103 tons annually.

"Eventually we will have all city-owned pools heated using solar energy," he said, adding "we are looking forward to starting a similar project with respect to privately-owned pools as well."

The city's climate change plan recommends solar energy for the city's 90,000 public and privately owned pools, he said.

"You can imagine the CO2 reductions that will take place as a result of this project," Parmar added.

Meanwhile, Glen Sharp of Toronto parks, forestry and recreation noted that the solar panels will provide an opportunity for the city to educate residents about climate change.

"Swimming is one of the most popular recreational activities for children and families. With the installation of solar panels that you see on the roof of this building and the panels at the other two recreation centres residents can also learn about and contribute to a sustainable future at their local swimming pool," Sharp said.

"By moving towards renewable energy sources such as solar energy we are demonstrating to the residents of Toronto, the nation and the world, that we want to preserve our environment."