City of Mississauga staff believes there’s a limit; some councillors say the sky’s the limit.
Which side prevails will determine whether Mississauga Transit’s expanded facility gets a green roof.
The expansion project involves extensive development of the Central Pkwy. location, including renovations to the existing 30-year-old main garage, which houses 270 buses, construction of a new storage building for an additional 120 buses and new repair and body shop facilities.
The debate was sparked when staff requested an additional $3.8 million, increasing the budget to $75.3 million, to cover the cost of higher-than-anticipated construction costs and “green building” initiatives.
The latter includes incorporating high-efficiency mechanical and electrical systems, heat recovery equipment, air curtains, high-speed garage doors and natural daylight windows. Staff said the expenditure will be offset by reduced operating costs, especially in energy savings. However, staff drew the line at putting in a green roof, arguing the high capital cost could not be justified.
“The premium for this roof system is $3 million for the 100,000-sq.-ft. roof area once the increased weight of the building structure and roof membrane are included,” said Raj Sheth, the City’s manager of facilities and property management.
The soil of a green roof is usually a mix of organic and mineral material, two to 18 inches deep. Benefits include the cooling effect inside the building, storm water retention and cleaner air.
Instead, staff opted for “white roof” technology, which employs a highly reflective surface. The installation will reduce heat gain and the need for ventilation, thereby improving working conditions within the shops and storage areas while minimizing the need for energy consumption, said Sheth.
But several councillors took issue with the decision.
Ward 7 Councillor Nando Iannicca said it was “hypocritical” of the City to ask the public and developers to employ conservation measures and not do so itself.
“This is not about money; it’s about leadership,” said Iannicca, at Wednesday’s Council meeting.
“If it means (an additional) per cent on the tax bill, so be it,” he added.
Ward 6 Councillor Carolyn Parrish noted a green roof would pay dividends in the long run.
“Sometimes when we save money at the construction stage, we live to rue the day.”
Council deferred voting on the revised funding to allow time for staff to look at the issue again.
Ward 9 Councillor Pat Saito said the matter should also be taken before the City’s environmental committee.
jchin@mississauga.net
