Government of Canada partners with Iqaluit and Quilliq Energy Corporation to support heating project for Iqaluit Aquatic Centre

IQALUIT, Jan. 15, 2018 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is committed to supporting and partnering with northern communities as they take action on climate change.

Today, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs committed to supporting the Qulliq Energy Corporation (QEC) and the City of Iqaluit's proposed expansion of QEC's existing district heating system in Iqaluit.

The project will capture excess heat from Iqaluit's diesel generators and distribute the heat to the new Aquatic Centre for space and water heating. The heat recovered from the generators is expected to supplement the existing heating system, resulting in financial savings for the City. In addition, it is estimated that over 157,724 litres of imported heating fuel will be offset annually, translating into greenhouse gas reductions of over 466 tonnes CO₂/year.

Funding for this project will be made available through the Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada's Northern REACHE Program.

Quotes

"Northerners need to have affordable, reliable energy sources so they can work, play, and grow their communities. The new Aquatic Centre in Iqaluit is a central gathering place for families and community members, and the Government of Canada is proud to be supporting this innovative project that will reduce the city's reliance on diesel, reduce the cost of heating the Centre, and reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions. Congratulations to all those involved!"

The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs

"The Government of Nunavut is committed to using new and innovative technology wherever possible to preserve and protect our unique northern environment and we welcome partnerships that support sustainable and financially responsible development." 

The Honourable Jeannie Ehaloak
Minister responsible for Qulliq Energy Corporation, Government of Nunavut

"This District Heat project is an excellent example of how innovative energy solutions for northern communities can be achieved when various levels of government work together," said City of Iqaluit Mayor Madeleine Redfern. "Not only will this new renewable heat source help reduce costs for the City, it will also be good for the environment."

Madeleine Redfern
Mayor, City of Iqaluit

Quick Facts

• Heat recovery is an effective approach to reduce diesel consumption and can improve generator efficiency from 30% (for electricity generation only) to as high as 80%.
• The Government of Canada's supported Qulliq Energy Corporation in 2016-2017 ($72,000) to complete the detailed assessment and design work of this project.
• Funding for the new phase of this project would be delivered through the Northern Responsible Energy Approach for Community Heating and Electricity Program (Northern REACHE), which is part of the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Energy and Climate Change, Canada's national plan to address climate change issues.

Associated Links

• Find out how INAC takes action on climate change, and protects the environment.
• Northern REACHE Program
• The Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change

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SOURCE Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada

For further information: media may contact: Sabrina Williams, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, 613-697-8316; INAC Media Relations, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, 819-953-116