Gibsons council has endorsed a proposal to incorporate an integrated geothermal system into the Gibsons and Area Community Centre.
The proposed heating system was a topic of debate at a special meeting of council June 9.
Members of the Gibsons Area Community Centre Society (GACCS) presented a detailed summary of the integrated geothermal system versus an ammonia-based ice plant system.
Based on information prepared by GACCS, a completely installed integrated geothermal ice plant/heating system would cost $1,200,000. This system includes refrigeration (ice plant), heating (100 per cent of community centre space heat and required hot water), ventilation system, air conditioning and dehumidification system.
An ammonia-based ice plant with partial heat recovery and heating system would cost $1,025,000. It includes refrigeration (ice plant), heating (25 to 40 per cent of space heat and required hot water), ventilation system, air conditioning and a dehumidification system.
While the costs are lower with the ammonia-based system, GACCS argues that in the long run, the integrated system will be much more environmentally sound and is the better of the two systems.
"In the long run, this system will be of greater benefit to the taxpayers," said Celia Fisher, one of several GACCS members in the gallery at the meeting.
"It's in the Town's best interest and for future expansion that we have an effective, long-term energy saving system now," said Coun. Bob Curry. "I strongly recommend that we try and find the extra money to pay for this integrated system rather than the ammonia-based option."
Council debated for well over an hour trying to figure out where they could come up with the extra funds needed to justify endorsing the higher priced system.
GACCS member Geran Capewell waded into the discussion. He said this issue is a very "emotional" one for many GACCS members.
Capewell indicated that GACCS would help with the fundraising efforts in order to raise the funds needed.
"I understand time is an issue here, but GACCS is more than willing to assist," said Capewell.
After proposing several resolutions that didn't go anywhere and it appeared council was at a stalemate on the issue, administrator Bill Beamish suggested a proposal that finally met with council's approval.
The recommendation that council approved states: that the Town of Gibsons request the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) to incorporate an integrated geothermal system in the Gibsons and Area Community Centre; and that the Town and the SCRD investigate the opportunity to fund any additional costs by use of the Regional Recreation Facilities Capital Fund, a loan from the Town of Gibsons, fundraising by the Gibsons and Area Community Centre Society or a combination of the above options. The recommendations have been forwarded to the SCRD. This issue was to be discussed at the community services committee on Thursday, past Coast Reporter deadlines.
