Council to weigh Sportsplex rink options
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 15/06/2024 (587 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
When Brandon City Council meets in early July, one of the items up for discussion will be whether to borrow $3.5 million to pay for upgrades to the Sportsplex — including a new ice plant.
The Sportsplex ice arena has been shut down since March 2023 because of safety issues with an obsolete ammonia ice plant.
In September 2023, council voted unanimously to proceed with commissioning the design of a new ice plant.
The total cost of the project is estimated to be $6.5 million, which is an increase from the initial projected cost of $4 million, according to a news release from city corporate communications officer Merrilea Metcalf that the Sun received on Friday.
Included in the upgrades are a new ice plant and improvements to the ventilation, dehumidification and cooling systems. Cooling lines under the concrete pad must also be replaced.
The upgrades to the ice arena should be finished by late 2025.
The city has secured $3.9 million from the province through Strategic Infrastructure Funding, and is “seeking additional funding from other sources,” stated the news release.
Additionally, the city has applied for several grant opportunities but has not yet been successful.
The proposal, according to Metcalf’s news release, is to “borrow up to $3.5 million to cover expected costs of the Sportsplex ice arena and additional future upgrades.”
There will be a public hearing during the council meeting on July 8. During that meeting, a bylaw will be presented by city administration with three options and a recommendation for councillors to consider.
When the Sun asked what the three options were, Metcalf responded via email.
The first option has an estimated price tag of $5,527,388 and provides a scope of base work only, including a new ice plant and enclosure, dasher boards and glass and arena floor and lines.
The option does not address the ventilation and dehumidification deficiencies or aesthetic upgrades to the facility.
The second option is estimated at $6,040,569. It involves a base scope of work and addresses the ventilation and dehumidification deficiencies, but does not address any aesthetic upgrades to the facility.
The third and final option has an estimated cost of $6,516,116 and provides the base scope of work, addresses the ventilation and dehumidification deficiencies as well as aesthetic upgrades, stated Metcalf.
The Sportsplex originally opened its doors in 1979 to serve as a venue for that year’s Canada Winter Games. Outside of the ice rink, this facility also features a swimming pool, racquetball courts and track and field facilities.
» mmcdougall@brandonsun.com
» X: @enviromichele