• Stouffville’s Council approved a resolution from Mayor Iain Lovatt seeking a full energy-use assessment of municipal facilities.
  • The resolution also tasks Town Staff with developing a strategy to lower energy consumption in municipal buildings.
  • The effort follows Stouffville’s 2024-2029 Energy Conservation and Demand Management Plan, which targets an overall 7% reduction by 2029.
  • Lovatt emphasized the need for bold action, stating he wants to go beyond a management plan and position Stouffville as a leader in energy efficiency.
  • Staff are expected to report back to Council by year-end.

 

Stouffville’s Council has adopted a resolution from Mayor Iain Lovatt calling for a comprehensive energy-use assessment of all municipal facilities. The resolution also directs Staff to report back by the end of the year with “opportunities to offset the Town’s energy usage, including potential costs, benefits, and implementation timelines.”

“Understanding what our consumption is from all of our municipal facilities, and putting a strategy together for us to be able to offset it, is really important,” Lovatt said in comments to Bullet Point News. “For too long, we have taken baby steps in our offsetting.”

Lovatt’s motion follows the creation of Stouffville’s 2024-2029 Energy Conservation and Demand Management Plan (the Plan). Development of the Plan included a review of existing energy management practices, and it outlines actions the Town could take over five years to improve energy efficiency in municipal buildings.

“North American municipalities are increasingly focusing on energy as a strategic priority to reduce operating costs, prepare for rising utility costs, and to demonstrate their commitment to long-term sustainability,” the Plan states.

A target energy-use reduction of 7% in 2029 relative to 2023 has been set for the Town. That goal applies to both electricity and natural gas use, and energy audits were identified as a key action.

Among municipal facilities, 2023 data shows the Leisure Centre, Stouffville Arena, and Clippers Sports Complex as the Town’s largest energy users. However, when assessed by energy use per floor area—a metric known as energy intensity—Nineteen on the Park and Latcham Hall ranked highest.

The Plan also compares Stouffville’s energy intensity rates to provincial averages for similar facilities. To meet Ontario medians in 2023, energy use reductions of more than 30% would be needed at the Stouffville Museum (67%), Nineteen on the Park (60%), Ballantrae Community Centre (36%), and Latcham Hall (32%).

“I can’t stress enough how important this particular project could be to the Town for the longer-term viability of our capital expenditures,” Councillor Maurice Smith said. He requested building-specific data in Staff’s assessments to help Council better evaluate opportunities and solutions.

Potential options include expanding the use of renewable energy sources such as solar panels, upgrading windows and insulation, converting to more efficient lighting, and implementing water conservation programs. Additional measures may be proposed as part of the new energy offsetting strategy.

“I don’t just want a management plan. I’m interested in determining what bold steps Council can take to be a leader among our peers,” Lovatt said. “Some municipalities have become net positive contributors to their energy grids. I would love to see Stouffville moving in that direction.”

“The municipality recognizes that there are long-term economic as well as environmental benefits to achieving these goals, though there are near-term challenges, particularly around resources,” the Plan notes.

Developing an energy offsetting strategy would support future Town applications for capital grants. Programs such as the federal Green Municipal Fund offer billions in funding for net-zero, climate resilience and adaptation, and energy efficiency initiatives.

“The Town wants to be a willing partner in this transition to a greener economy,” the Plan adds. “The municipality will be looking to its partners at the provincial and federal levels to provide support in making this transition.”

While Stouffville has made progress in reducing energy use since 2019, much of that reduction resulted from the sale of Soccer City. Further savings are expected through planned renovations and facility upgrades, and Lovatt’s resolution aims to build on these efforts.