Construction on the additions to the City of Prince George's Downtown Renewable Energy System began this morning. Construction began at Second Avenue and George Street and is expected to be complete by October, 2016. Last month, the city and province announced that the Prince George Law Courts and Plaza 400 will be connected to Prince George’s Downtown Renewable Energy System (DRES), a hot-water utility that produces thermal energy using sawmill residue from Lakeland Mills Ltd., reducing greenhouse gases and reliance on non-renewable fossil fuels. The work will involve: • Removal of existing road structure and concrete curb and gutters as required. • Excavation for installation of piping system to buildings. • Reconstruction of the road and concrete curb and gutters. • Reinstating any disturbed landscaped areas. At select times through the summer, traffic will be affected at: • Second Avenue and George Street • Fifth Avenue and George Street • One block of Fifth Avenue between George Street and Queensway • The intersection of Fifth Ave. and Queensway. Hours of work will be 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday, during which time crews will try to minimize temporary inconveniences to local businesses. Street parking may be restricted during construction, but sidewalk use will be maintained for pedestrian access to businesses. Earlier this month, city staff notified tenants downtown of this temporary disruption and the City of Prince George appreciates the public's patience during this process.

Background:

The gas boilers in the two provincially-operated buildings need replacing. A connection to the DRES will reduce capital and operational costs while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 480 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per year. District energy is a proven technology that is in use in communities around the world. The Prince George system produces hot water that is piped to nine local buildings for space heating and domestic hot water. The cumulative reductions in greenhouse gas emissions for the system are estimated at 1,820 tonnes per year.

Downtown buildings getting connected