Conservation Centre Grand Opening

Niagara is now home to a 'green mansion'

The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority unveiled it's Centre for Conservation Friday.
The Balls Falls site has taken many years to go from drawing board to reality but the Authority says it was well worth the wait.

The centre is focused on the themes: discover, connect and understand.

Regional councillor and board member Brian Baty says the centre will be an invaluable resource. He says it will offer schools a chance to make trips and tourists to visit.
The completion alone was not the only cause for celebration.

CAO Tony D'Amario says the state of the art facility has nabbed a national award, given to buildings showing architectural excellence while demonstrating sustainability.

D'Amario says centre staff did it's best to keep the impact of the project low.

They did it by using local material and suppliers wherever they could.

The building is also equipped with a slew of energy reducing bells and whistles.

It's roof is designed to recycle rainwater for the building's toilets and irrigation.

D'Amario says they also positioned the building to capitalize on sunlight to heat the building in the winter and keep it cool in the summer.

Niagara West-Glanbrook MPP Tim Hudak was on-hand for the unveiling.

He calls Balls Falls the 'Queen of the Conservation Areas' and the Centre 'a jewel in it's crown".

The Centre is holding open houses this weekend from 12-4pm.