Located in the Township of Rockwood, Eramosa Public School opened its doors to students and staff in 1965. Building standards were much different back then, and for almost 60 years the school was run on oil heating and lacked a full ventilation system.
Due to the lack of proper ventilation post-pandemic, the Capital Projects Team in UGDSB's Facility Services implemented a project using renewal funds to move forward with upgrading the school's mechanical and electrical systems.
Working with Guelph-based engineering firm J.L. Richards & Associates Limited, Blair Capling, UGDSB Capital and Renewal Projects Manager, says it took a total of eight months to design and tender the new system and four months to complete the work.
The new system uses energy-efficient electric air source heat pumps, which are more carbon-friendly than heating completely with oil. With proper ventilation at the school, staff and students are also more comfortable.
"[It's] quite evident just how much work and thought was put into this new system. We couldn't be more appreciative knowing just how clean our air is in our small school," said Eramosa PS Principal Dawn Airdrie Donovan.
Along with the ventilation system, a new universal washroom was built to meet current and future student needs, among other upgrades.
Based on the requirements from the UGDSB, the project earned J.L. Richards & Associates the 2024 Association of Consulting Engineering Companies (ACEC) Ontario - Grand River Chapter Awards of Merit in the Buildings Engineering Category.
"The awards were presented for projects that exhibit engineering excellence, improve or enhance the quality of community life, and support sustainable growth through their uniqueness, ingenuity, and creativity within the Grand River area," a statement from J.L. Richards & Associates reads.
Capling said if the right situation presents itself and the funding is available, other schools within the UGDSB would be considered for heat pump upgrades in the future.
