The Jasper Activity and Aquatic Centre will be a green certified building.

Town council agreed Tuesday by a 5-1 decision to spend $33,5000 to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED)certification, an environmental certificate that recognizes the ecological benefits of the structure. Coun. Brian Skehill was the lone opposing vote. Coun. Mike Day was absent.

The proposed renovations already include the environmental initiatives, however the $33,500 pays for the certificate.

While the town originally thought the project would cost $60,000 for the certificate, according to Project Lead Christopher Read, cost savings were found. The architects from Toker and Associates donated $3,500 – half of their administrative costs – to the certification process. 

“The actual impact is $33,500,” Read said. 

He presented a top ten list for approving the project, which included inspiring community wellness, increased marketing opportunities, training opportunities, demonstrated commitment to stewardship and cost savings.

Culture and Recreation Board chair Greg Van Tighem said the certification also helps hold the builder’s feet to the fire, noting that it offers assurances that builders must construct a building in a certain fashion.

“Not only do we get the certification, it holds the builder accountable,” Van Tighem said. “The only other building I’ve been associated with, the builder told us things and they didn’t happen.”

Read initially pulled another $10,000 in funding from the environmental stewardship operating budget, however mayor Richard Ireland nixed that idea.

“I’m in favour of the certification, but I’m not in favour of taking $10,000 from the environmental budget,” Mayor Ireland said. “It’s important her budget be used for her (Lori Rissling-Wynn) projects and this should be funded through the capital budget.”

Coun. Brenda Zinck said the town needs to show leadership on the Rec. Centre. 

“It’s already going to be a green building. The town has already done that... now we’re putting our money where our mouth is,” Coun. Zinck said. 

Coun. Rico Damota said the project will help brand the town.

“I’m a believer of name brand recognition.” he said. 

Coun. Gloria Kongsrud supported the project after she heard of the architect’s contribution, but still had reservations.

“It’s a crying shame we have to spend this money just to get a plaque,” Coun. Kongsrud said.

Coun. Brian Skehill was upset about the spending, noting that most of the town will not be in favour of spending extra money for a certificate.

“There are tonnes of taxpayers who will be peeved that we’re spending this money on a certificate. You hear support for it, but that’s a small minority,” Skehill said.

Rissling-Wynn said LEED certification could be used to leverage other grant applications, noting that it adds a level of recognition for the municipality.

“It’s become the standard in certification. As soon as you say it, people understand what it means,” Rissling-Wynn said.

The project will also act as a training ground for Read, who is pursuing LEED certified trainer status. He will act as a mentor on this project to learn how to certify buildings to LEED standards.

Town manager George Krefting said the process will also lead to a re-examination of the town’s own offsite levy bylaws, noting that town’s fees have potentially slowed development.