To their credit, all three levels of government have recognized the necessity of providing financial help with climate change. And many of us have taken advantage of programs by upgrading the insulation in our homes, installing heat pumps and switching to energy efficient lighting, among other moves. These programs helped us reduce energy bills and lower greenhouse gas emissions. They also helped keep the green energy industry — a critical part of our economic future — active during the pandemic.
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The MBC Board of Directors had tough decisions to make: if we’d done nothing, we might have threatened the long-term sustainability of the Centre. We would have been forced to raise our rental fees to offset the higher energy costs. This would ultimately have run the risk of making space unaffordable to individuals and groups who use MBC on a regular or occasional basis.
Not all the project funding came from government. In fact, more than one-third of the cost of the geothermal project that will heat the old school building in the winter, and cool it in the summer, came from a very generous $50,000 anonymous donation to the |
In addition to the Efficiency Nova Scotia (ENS) rebate help for the $13,000 attic insulation project, which was completed with some MBC volunteer labour, ENS also provided rebate credits for the two remaining projects that are scheduled for completion in the next month. ENS was encouraged by and supportive of MBC’s overall plan to reduce our carbon footprint and use of fossil fuels. Early in 2022, ENS committed to providing rebate credits towards the $46,000 project to upgrade all the inefficient lighting to LED technology.
Similarly, ENS made significant contributions to install heat pumps in the newer (1961) addition. This project will cost just under $150,000. A tip of the hat to the Town of Mahone Bay for installing — at no cost to MBC — two new power feeds from the street to run the geothermal system and heat pumps. |
Now that most activities inside the MBC have returned to pre-pandemic levels, we trust you’ll be aware how much more comfortable you are, whether you’re working out in CentreFit, taking in an art class or playing Mahjong in the library. But you may also notice — especially if you enter the building from the Fairmont Street side — that the exterior is in dire need of fixing up. The rear wall of the old school must be repaired in the spring and summer of 2023, and it will be an expensive project. We need the community’s support to complete this necessary maintenance.
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We also have plans (dreams may be a more accurate description) to improve recreational opportunities and landscaping around the building. We intend to work with the Town of Mahone Bay and Mahone Bay United as they complete the new Community Field and walking track adjacent to our Centre. With the continued support of the community, we intend to make what’s already a meaningful Mahone Bay destination even more inviting — a true gathering place for all residents of Mahone Bay and the surrounding area.
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CENTRE-EVENTSEverything from Yoga to Bridge, it all happens here!
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CENTRE-TALKLectures, talks, conversations
and discussions. |
CENTRE-ARTVisual arts, theatre, music,
classes of all kinds. |
CENTRE-SERVICES
Chiropractic, massage, travel, tutoring, and more.
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CENTRE-SPACESView and book one of our great spaces for your next event.
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Location45 School Street, Box 489
Mahone Bay NS B0J 2E0 902-624-0890 Centre: 7am – 10pm daily Office: 10am – 5pm Monday to Thursday/10am to 3pm Friday
Mahone Bay Centre Society Charitable Organization Number: 89122 8017 RR0001
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Contact Us |