Hilton Township: Conservation & Demand Management Plan
(2014 – 2019)
Introduction:
This document has been prepared for the Township of Hilton to achieve compliance with Ontario
Regulation 397/11 of the Green Energy Act 2009. This regulation requires all municipalities and other
public agencies to develop and implement Energy Conservation and Demand Management (CDM)
plans starting in 2014.
Required Elements of the Plan are:
1.
Information on the public agency’s annual ENERGY CONSUMPTION during the last year for
which complete information is available for the full year.
2.
The GOALS AND OBJECTIVES of the public agency to conserve and reduce energy
consumption.
3.
The public agency’s proposed MEASURES AND COST AND SAVINGS ESTIMATES for the
proposed measures and the estimated length of time these measures will be in place.
4.
A report on any RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATION FACILITY operated by the public agency.
(In our case this is not applicable)
Background:
The Township of Hilton is a small rural northern municipality and comprises one of four municipalities
on St. Joseph Island. Hilton Township encompasses approximately 116 km2 and has a permanent
population of 261 (2011 Stats Can). During the summer months, seasonal residents boost the
population to upwards of 600. The Township regularly maintains 51km of single lane roadway. The
main infrastructure in the Township is the Municipal Office, Municipal Garage and Municipal Firehall.
The Firehall is jointly owned and operated by both the Township of Hilton and the Village of Hilton
Beach and is located on Township property.
The Township employs two full-time staff: Clerk Treasurer and Road Superintendent. A part-time
administrative assistant works on an as-needed basis during peak periods as well as providing vacation
relief; a part-time labourer is hired during summer construction periods; the Firehall is manned by a
Volunteer Chief and Deputy Chief and approximately 13 volunteer personnel.
Hilton Township: Conservation & Demand Management Plan
(2014 – 2019)
ENERGY CONSUMPTION
Reporting Year: 2012
Municipal Office
Municipal office is heated with propane/electricity and has florescent lighting.
1,512 sq feet
40 hrs per week
Electricity: 6,705 kWh
Propane: 741.61 litres
GHG Emissions (Kg) 1,786.75
Energy Intensity (ekWh/sq ft) 7.88289
Municipal Garage
Municipal Garage is heated with propane/electricity and has florescent lighting.
2,066 sq. feet
40 hrs per week
Electricty: 3,611 kWh
Propane: 2,105.8 litres
GHG Emissions (Kg) 3,591.80
Energy Intensity (ekWh/sq ft) 8.91381
Municipal Firehall
Municipal Firehall is heated with electricity and has florescent lighting.
1,440 sq. feet
5 hrs per week
Electricity: 11,589 kWh
GHG Emissions (Kg) 1,113.00
Energy Intensity (ekWh/sq ft) 8.04791
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The Municipality’s goals and objectives for reducing energy consumption over the next five years will
mainly be focused on the Municipal Firehall. This structure was originally built in 1980 and given the
recent need to renovate the building to accommodate a bigger pumper vehicle, it was recognized as
the ideal time to contemplate improvements that could reduce energy consumption. The planned
work has been included as a capital project in our recently completed Asset Management Plan.
The Township has been contributing significant amounts to its Fire Departmentl Building Reserve Fund
over the past couple years in anticipation of this work and will continue to set aside such dollars over
the next few years. It is hoped that a grant will come available to help offset the taxpayer contribution
portion.
It is difficult to specify a certain percentage for energy intensity reduction as the plans for the firehall
include a significant two-story addition to the existing structure. We will ensure, however, that all
Hilton Township: Conservation & Demand Management Plan
(2014 – 2019)
renovations take advantage of energy efficient options and that users of the facilities adopt routines to
reduce energy consumption.
MEASURES AND PLAN FOR COST SAVINGS
Municipal Firehall
Technical Measures: In 2010 we completed the retro fit of the lighting in all three of our municipal
buildings, including the firehall. The Power Savings Blitz program provided funding of up to 1,000.00
dollars per building and resulted in a final Township cost of $1,062.20 including HST. This upgrade
resulted in a total annual savings of 2,169 watts by switching from magnetic ballast to electronic and
incandescent lights to LED. We have plans to look at more cost effective heating and cooling options in
our renovation plan by switching from electric heating to propane. In addition, we intend to improve
on the insulation in the building and replace the current garage doors with more energy efficient
models. There are plans for new washrooms/showers and a washing machine/dryer service for the
firemen’s gear: energy efficient installation and purchases will be made. Energy efficient options for
outside lighting will be installed. Despite these improvements, it is entirely likely that the overall cost
of energy will be higher given the increased usage and size of the structure.
Organizational Measures: Policies will be put in place to ensure use of the facility is restricted to fire
department personnel and fire department related usage ie washer/dryer use.
Behavioural Measures: Both staff and fire volunteers will be encouraged to submit suggestions on how
to achieve savings on energy costs. Incentives could be established to encourage participation and an
increased level of awareness which could be as simple as turning off unnecessary lights; reducing the
temperature for rooms when not in use and using shades to reduce indoor temperatures in the
summer months.
PLAN IMPLEMENTATION
The improvements to the firehall will be carried out in phases. The priority will be to raise the existing
building; install new energy efficient garage doors; improve on the insulation of the structure. It is
anticipated this work will be accomplished in 2014. The second phase will be the addition of a two
storey structure on to the back of the newly raised building. This section will include the installation of
a new septic system to satisfy the increased needs of new washrooms/showers/washer/dryer and new
furnace to allow heating by propane. In addition, a formal office area for the Chief; separate area for
the organization of bunker gear; training room for volunteers will be constructed. The timeline for this
addition will be dependent to some degree on the availability of government grants, despite the
annual budgeted contribution to the Fire Department Building Reserve Fund. Without a grant, the size
and complexity of the addition may need to be scaled back in order to see construction take place
within the next five years. The responsibility for achieving the planned improvement will be shared by
the Councils for the Township of Hilton and the Village of Hilton Beach. Given the square footage of
the proposed new building will be considerably larger than the current structure, the overall energy
use will likely be higher but will definitely be delivered in a more cost effective and efficient manner.