The Centre for Conservation features a stunning architectural design. A LEED certified building, it is a working example of environmental sustainability, including rainwater harvesting, green building products, energy conservation and ground source heating and cooling technologies. Explore the interactive exhibits that showcase the natural and cultural history of the Niagara Escarpment. Environmental exhibits highlight the impact of the human footprint on nature and highlight some of the best conservation practices of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority.
An Environmental Showcase
The Ball’s Falls Centre for Conservation, which opened in 2008, features interactive exhibits and learning centres that showcase the natural and cultural history of the Niagara Escarpment. Environmental exhibits highlight the human impact on nature, as well as watershed management and conservation programs of the NPCA. The Centre’s event programming will both inspire and enable visitors to become stewards for natural and cultural resources.
The Centre for Conservation is indeed a showcase of “green” building design, construction and operation. The design team made careful decisions regarding site management, energy and water conservation, and construction material selection in order to create a beautiful, ecologically sensitive, and long-lasting facility.
Natural & Cultural History
Changing wall projections provide a close-up view of Twenty Mile Creek eco-system and its surrounding flora and fauna. Visitors also get a wide-screen virtual-reality tour above the Twenty Valley. Other exhibits focus on the 2000-year old history of Ball’s Falls and feature archaeological findings such as ancient arrowheads and other aboriginal artifacts.
LEED™ Gold Designation
Following its 2008 opening, the Centre for Conservation received the SABMag Award from the Sustainable Architecture and Building Magazine, one of six awarded to projects across Canada. The Centre also earned the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED™) gold designation. The award is presented by the Canada Green Building Council for sustainable building elements, including geothermal heating, recycled waste and non-toxic construction materials. The Centre’s design demonstrates conservation initiatives and features exhibits on the natural, cultural and archaeological importance of this Niagara Escarpment nodal park.
