Richmond, BC – Residents and visitors to West Richmond Community Centre are enjoying the space’s new invigorated feel thanks to significant building renovations that were completed this past April as part of the 2013 Capital Program.
“The upgrades to West Richmond Community Centre were extensive,” said Mayor Brodie. “A majority of the renovations have a sustainability component, which is a priority for the City. This transformation was done not only to meet environmental issues, but also to make things more efficient and comfortable for both patrons and staff.”
Some of the improvements made include a new building envelope system, which makes the building more energy efficient. Compact fluorescent pot-lighting was changed to light-emitting diodes (LED). This is estimated to save the community centre approximately 18,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) annually, or enough electricity to power two average homes in BC for a year. New electric hand dryers were installed in the washrooms and the paper towels have been removed. Motion-sensored faucets were added to the washroom sinks. This helps control water usage and will decrease its consumption.
West Richmond Community Association partnered with the City to also upgrade the building’s kitchens and implement a community garden initiative and a community art project. A new public artwork was installed in the centre’s main stairwell. RISING is a collaborative art piece created by artist Jeanette G. Lee and the West Richmond community. RISING speaks to the anticipation and energy involved in the ritual of climbing stairs and strives to enhance this daily experience. All the figures in the artwork are silhouettes of West Richmond Community Centre users and incorporate the ideas and paintings of residents and staff, including preschoolers, youth and older adults.
For more information about West Richmond Community Centre, please visit www.richmond.ca/parksrec/centres/westrich/facility.