Clearview saves big with energy plan

Clearview Township is the first municipality in Simcoe County to launch an energy and infrastructure renewal program that will save approximately $163,000 annually.

The $2 million, 11-year program conducted by Honeywell is a series of energy-savings projects, which will pay for itself, said Scott McLeod, Chief Building Official at the Township.

The program will reduce operating costs by $46,000 per year and energy savings by $117,000, totalling $163,000.
“It’s a little more than a 1 per cent tax increase,” said Clearview Chief Administrative Office Sue McKenzie. “It’s a big deal.”

Honeywell guarantees the return on savings.

“It’s an iron-clad guarantee,” emphasized Luis Rodriguez, Vice President at Honeywell. “If there is a savings shortfall, we’ll write a cheque in 30 days.”

The program will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 197 metric tonnes per year. This is equivalent to taking almost 66 medium-sized cars off the road.

The building improvements and infrastructure upgrades will be implemented in various facilities across the municipality.

Under the program, the Creemore Arena will receive an energy overhaul. A new low-emissivity ceiling will be installed beneath the existing structure to lower the amount of heat that is emitted through the roof, which will keep the ice cooler. Meters will be installed on zambonis to cut down on wasted water when they are filled, and the oil heating system will be replaced by an efficient gas boiler system.

The program also includes aeration system upgrades at the Creemore and Stayner wastewater treatment plants, and LED technology in streetlights across the Township and at the Creemore branch of the Clearview Public Library.