Tsuut’ina Nation gets $2.1M for sportsplex energy efficiency
The provincial government will spend about $2 million to help the Tsuut’ina Nation reduce the environmental impact of its new sportsplex.
Indigenous Relations Minister Richard Feehan announced Wednesday the government will offer the nation a grant of $2.1 million through the Indigenous Energy Efficiency Program. The Seven Chiefs Sportsplex, which is under construction, will receive an energy-efficient ice plant and upgrades to its water systems.
“This will be really a first-class, world-class, community building that is also taking care of the environment in some great ways and save money for the nation,” said Feehan.
The green upgrades will save the community as much as $89,000 per year in electricity and heating costs, according to Feehan.
The sportsplex is to open in early 2019.
Tsuut’ina Nation Chief Lee Crowchild said the facility will house two NHL-size hockey rinks, a covered outdoor rink, large dressing rooms and the Jim Starlight Centre, which is the building ’s gym.
“Needless to say, we have been approached by every league to use our ice,” said Chief Crowchild.
The building will become a hub for community events, such as graduations, but also a facility for high-level sporting events. Tsuut’ina Nation will also partner with Mount Royal University and SAIT, with the building’s fitness facility and commercial kitchen to be used for training.
The sportsplex will embody the spirit of the nation and will be used to teach its history and culture, said Crowchild.
The energy plan not only saves the community money but symbolizes “partnership and innovation,” he added.
“It’s thanks to the government’s programs that we will be using solar panels to provide energy for our Bullhead Community Hall, our fire hall and our Peacemakers Centre, the future home of our alternative justice program,” said Crowchild.