April 25, 2016 - The Thunder Bay Courthouse, Northern Credit Union and Generator Insights, Strategy, Creative each were recognized at the Clean, Green & Beautiful Awards tonight during Council's Committee of the Whole meeting. The Pollinator Gardens at the Centennial Botanical Conservatory were also recognized with a Public Spaces Award for reaching Clean, Green & Beautiful standards.

"These projects embody the Clean, Green & Beautiful spirit that makes Thunder Bay a great place to live," said Mayor Keith Hobbsc "Thank you for setting an example in our built environment that others will follow for years to come, and for the community to be proud of."

The Clean, Green & Beautiful Committee presents the annual awards to celebrate organizations and businesses whose building and renovation projects enrich the life of the community through public art, beautification, heritage and environmental greening.

This year, projects that have demonstrated elements from each of the Clean, Green & Beautiful categories include:

Gold Award - Thunder Bay Consolidated Courthouse
Fully operational in April 2014, the 255,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility brings together two existing courthouses - the Superior Court of Justice and the Ontario Court of Justice. The Infrastructure Ontario project was undertaken by the Plenary Justice Thunder Bay consortium, which includes Bird Design-Build Construction, Adamson Associates Architects and Johnson Controls.

The facility is a seven-story building, with one level of parking below grade and an enclosed mechanical penthouse on the seventh level. It accommodates an estimated 250 personnel in 15 courtrooms and 4 conference/settlement rooms.

The new courthouse was designed to achieve LEED® Silver certification. The green design elements include a glazed atrium that brings natural light deep into the building, as well as a focus on energy efficiency, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, a healthy indoor environment and green housekeeping practices.

Highlights include:

  • Ontario's first Aboriginal Conference Settlement Suite, designed to give First Nations, Inuit and Métis people a stronger voice in the justice process.
  • Barrier-free access to courtrooms, infrared hearing assistance and barrier-free witness stands and jury boxes
  • Ample natural lighting throughout from glass envelope
  • All low-flow and censored plumbing fixtures throughout building
  • 75 new trees planted around site in the low maintenance designed gardens that feature local species
  • Unique cultural designs in the rounded concrete wrap of the exterior, and local art installations

Bronze Award - Generator Insights, Strategy, Creative
The creative firm put a great deal of thought into the planning of their new space, incorporating ergonomic solutions and accessibility at the forefront. The company moved to a space that is 1,000-square-feet smaller than their previous office, but is much more efficient in its design. Large windows, glass walls, energy efficient lighting and a small urban forest surrounding the building make Generator's office more interactive with open and inviting spaces both inside and out.
 
Companies used in the re-design and construction were Open Mind Interiors, BlueFin Management and Martti Granholm Construction.

Highlights include:

  • Front entrance foliage and new exterior signage incorporated into the landscaping
  • Naturally lit boardroom and office space, maximizing daylight
  • New bike racks installed
  • Environmentally-friendly modular office partitions and furniture

Bronze Award - Northern Credit Union
The Northern Credit Union Building was originally constructed in the mid-1950's, and most recently the transformation of an office supply store to a bank. The original masonry chimney was conserved and repaired, and the repainting of the exterior materials significantly reduced the use of new materials. For the interior, all products used, including carpet, linoleum, tiling and cabinetry were environmentally friendly. Building owner Tom Jones Construction was the contractor and FORM Architecture Engineering completed the design.

Highlights include:

  • New yard and landscaping features and trees replaces original asphalt surfaced front yard
  • Large window expanse allowing for increased energy efficiency
  • LED lighting
  • PVC free carpeting with 11% pre-consumer recycled content
  • Formaldehyde-free wood cabinetry and millwork throughout the interior renovation

Public Spaces Award - The Centennial Botanical Conservatory Pollinator Gardens
 
The Conservatory's Pollinator Gardens support the strategic recommendations of the Thunder Bay + Area Food Strategy by increasing the physical presence of urban agriculture through visible demonstration sites and engaging citizens in urban agriculture activities.

The project includes the installation of four Pollinator Gardens with interpretive signage across the City including Hillcrest Park, Vickers Park, the International Friendship Gardens, and the Centennial Botanical Conservatory. The project also includes Honey Bee colonies at the Conservatory.
Bees are an essential part of our ecosystem and critical in pollinating fruits and vegetables. One third of the food we eat would be unavailable without bees. As honeybees face increasing threats from parasites, disease and pesticide use, safe bee-friendly spaces become ever more important for their survival.

Since the summer of 2014, visitors have been able to view functioning beehives set up on the west side of the Conservatory grounds. These hives contain young colonies just getting started and were placed by beekeepers Rudy and Lois Kuchta, members of the Thunder Bay Beekeepers Association.

For more information about the Clean, Green & Beautiful Awards, visit: thunderbay.ca/cgbandproud

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Contact:   Rebecca Johnson, Chair - Clean, Green & Beautiful Committee, 577-2807   
                  Valerie Marasco, Supervisor - Corporate Communications, 625-2438