One of Canada's Most Sustainable Buildings to be Constructed at Trent
Gainey Foundation Announces $100,000 Gift to Build Camp Kawartha Environment Centre
During a special event held at Trent on January 29, Camp Kawartha announced that, thanks to a $100,000 gift from the Gainey Foundation, one of Canada's most sustainable buildings will be built at the University to house the new Camp Kawartha Environment Centre – a groundbreaking environmental education and teacher training facility.
“This project is a fitting opportunity for us to acknowledge the incredible support the Gainey Foundation has received in Peterborough and the surrounding area,” said Bob Gainey. “We are proud to be a part of this strong community partnership and to help realize a unique and exciting environmental center that will benefit and inspire children, educate and train future teachers and serve as an example as to how we can all live more sustainably.”
In December, Trent University’s Board of Governors approved a 21-year land lease, which secures the plan for a new “green” structure to be built on the university’s grounds, within the Trent Nature Areas. Students in Fleming College’s Sustainable Building Design and Construction certificate program will design and build the new facility in partnership with Camp Kawartha.
“We are thrilled to be a partner in this exciting initiative and we are proud to offer our campus as home to the new Camp Kawartha Environment Centre,” said Dianne Lister, vice-president of External Relations & Advancement at Trent. “Having a truly sustainable building on our campus will further demonstrate Trent’s commitment to the environment and will compliment several environmental learning opportunities currently underway. It will also provide Trent and Camp Kawartha with revitalized opportunities to provide unique learning experiences regarding sustainable development to our local community.”
Construction of the Camp Kawartha Environment Centre is slated to begin in April 2009. The facility will be one of the most sustainable buildings in Canada. Using innovative green architecture, the design will incorporate: reclaimed and recyclable building materials, an earth-bag foundation, straw bale walls, solar power, a rainwater collection system, and composting toilets. The facility will serve not only as a place to offer relevant and curriculum-linked environmental programming, but the building itself will also provide rich educational opportunities for children, teachers, students in Trent’s School of Education and Professional Learning and the community at large.
“Children and adults alike need to bear witness to how we can all live more gently and responsibly in our communities,” said Camp Kawartha executive director Jacob Rodenburg. “To see alternative energy in action, to be inspired by the natural world and to provide children with the hope for a greener future, is one of the most valuable tasks we can embark on.”
Photo: Bob and Anna Gainey (centre) discuss plans for the new Camp Kawartha Environment Centre with Fleming College's Chris Magwood (right) and Camp Kawartha executive director Jacob Rodenburg (left)