Attawapiskat First Nation Youth Centre

The Attawapiskat First Nation Youth Centre was designed as a welcoming, sustainable, and energy-efficient facility for the northern Ontario community. Spanning 10,200 sq ft, the centre includes a café/kitchen, games and fitness rooms, traditional crafts areas, and office space. Our goal was to create a building that meets the needs of youth while significantly reducing energy use, operating costs, and environmental impact.

We provided comprehensive mechanical and electrical engineering services, along with in-depth energy modelling to inform the design. Our analysis evaluated demand control ventilation, high-efficiency heat recovery systems, and solar photovoltaic panels. These strategies were incorporated into the final design, including solar panels on the south-facing roof, resulting in a building that is 40% more energy efficient than a conventional approach.

Remote access posed logistical challenges - materials and equipment had to be transported via winter roads, barges, and rail. Construction delays during the COVID-19 pandemic caused damage to the unfinished building, but reconstruction resumed in 2023 with the arrival of new materials.
Our energy modelling played a key role in selecting systems that are efficient, reliable, and easy to maintain. The result is an environmentally responsible facility that will support and empower the community for years to come.
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At SMS Engineering, we deliver ingenious solutions and total peace of mind.