Lighting can do so much more than brighten a space. For some communities it can mean safer gathering places or extended recreation time. Through energy-efficient lighting replacements, Energizing Spaces has transformed more communities with new rink/security lighting.
Check out these incredible community stories from our 2024 Grant Recipients:
Bowness Community Association Lights Up the Future, Thanks to Energizing Spaces
The Bowness Community Association (BCA) has taken significant steps to enhance the safety and accessibility of its outdoor spaces, including its community garden. This significant improvement will enhance safety and accessibility for all users, especially during the darker fall and winter months.
Energizing Spaces powered by ENMAX helped the BCA create a safer and more vibrant community space by adding additional wiring to accommodate lighting around the community garden. This is the first time in Energizing Spaces history that we have rewired a community space to support additional security lighting.
Because the BCA neighbours Bowness High School, it was important to make sure that this space was safe and inviting all year round. Many students use the community garden and BCA grounds as a “shortcut” on their way to and from school. This funding helps ensure that these outdoor spaces are well-lit and welcoming.
Bowness was also the lucky recipient of our 2nd Install Day! ENMAX volunteers visited the BCA to help support energy-efficiency upgrades, such as installing aerators on taps, insulating hot water tanks and piping, and replacing door jams to reduce energy consumption and lower utility costs. These easy-to-install low-cost additions will help keep the BCA warm in the winter (except the ice arena), cool in the summer and help patch energy “leaks” in their community hub.
Bowness is now saving energy, saving money and building a more sustainable future for its community hub.
Crescent Heights
For nearly 30 years, Crescent Heights Community Association’s outdoor rinks have been a beloved community hub. But two years ago, a serious act of vandalism shook the community.
Thanks to the incredible support of Energizing Spaces powered by ENMAX, Crescent Heights received $9,100 to upgrade their rink lighting.
Now, with brighter, more energy-efficient lights, the rink is safer, more inviting, and ready to shine for years to come!
Marquis de Lorne: Shining Light on Community Safety
In September 2023, a tragic homicide occurred at the Marquis de Lorne Community Rink, leaving the community shaken and concerned about safety. Community spaces should be places where everyone feels safe and welcome. However, due to outdated lighting infrastructure and burnt-out bulbs, the rink and surrounding areas were dimly lit, further increasing residents’ anxieties.
To help reclaim their space, Marquis de Lorne applied for the Energizing Spaces program powered by ENMAX to help brighten up their community space. By replacing the old bulbs with brighter, energy-efficient LED lights, Marquis de Lorne has brought new life to their rink. The improved lighting creates a safer and more welcoming environment for residents to gather, regardless of the time of day or season.
The upgraded rink and security lighting now stand as a beacon, bringing community residents together.
Energizing Spaces Brightens Up Its First Indoor Rink
Triwood Community Centre was the very first rink to upgrade its indoor lighting through Energizing Spaces powered by ENMAX.
Triwood’s rink sees approximately 50,000 users each year, and the lights installed in 2011 just weren’t cutting it. Old bulbs were burning out, and because of their obsolete design, they couldn’t find bulbs that exactly matched the originals. The mismatched lighting created bright spots and shadows, which affected not only the skaters, but the spectators as well.
It costs a lot to keep the lights on in a large indoor rink. Through Energizing Spaces, Triwood was able to replace all its light fixtures for more energy-efficient models. The new fixtures will help the rink become a more sustainable community hub.
The difference is literally night and day! As Chad, Triwood’s Executive Director, says, “The new lights are so much brighter. We’ve even heard jokes about needing sunglasses under helmets.” Community feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
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