YORKTON - Ice plants and machine room upgrades at the Westland Insurance Arena are moving ahead.
With only Mayor Mitch Hippsley sitting opposed, Yorkton Council approved a tender of $788,055 for the project at its regular meeting Monday.
The need for the work has been known for some time, noted Jeff Fawcett – Manager of Capital Projects, with the City.
“Nov. 15, 2021, Council was presented a report on the condition of both the Kinsmen Arena and Westland Arena ice systems, in which both needed significant improvements,” he explained Monday.
Council passed a resolution indicating that a decision be deferred to the 2022 Budget process, where Administration would provide funding options and scenarios for Council consideration as part of the 2022 budget process.
“For the purpose of this report we will be discussing ‘The Westland Arena Ice System’ which was found to need immediate attention, as was outlined in the Strong Refrigeration review and assessment of the Westland Ice System. The cost of a new ice plant had been included in the initial Gallagher Centre Renewal Project at an estimated value of $1.6 million,” said Fawcett.
“During the 2022 budget process the Westland Arena Ice System project was approved by Council for $1,085,000. Further, the controls portion of this project was completed in the summer of 2022 at a cost of $124,000. This leaves $961,000 to complete the remainder of the project.”
Two bids were received.
Funding for this project planned in the 2022 Capital budget will come from the recreation levy as approved during budget deliberations.
Hippsley immediately noted his concern after administration’s presentation, noting, “there’s something that really concerns me.”
While admitting he is not an engineer Hippsley said he questioned going with reciprocating processor rather than a screw compressor, adding he has talked to no one who has said that is a good move.
“I’m uncomfortable with this,” he said, adding as a result he had to oppose the project tender.
