The Don Ross Arena in North Battleford. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Angela Brown

Don Ross Arena

City to upgrade Don Ross Arena ice plant

Oct 26, 2023 | 4:22 PM

North Battleford city council has approved replacing the Don Ross Arena ice plant that is in need of work.

City Fleet and Maintenance Manager Seton Winterholt gave a report on the issue at this week’s council meeting.

Administration recommended awarding the Don Ross Arena ice plant replacement contract to Canadian Climate Refrigeration and HVAC, in the amount of $766,559 (PST included). It also advised creating a $200,000 contingency fund for any unforeseen construction costs related to the project, for a total cost of about $966,559.

The city budgeted $1.2-million for the total project, so it should come in under budget.

Winterholt noted the Don Ross Arena freon ice plant was installed in 1989 and “has met its life expectancy.”

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“The ice plant replacement has been identified as an expected expense for the past several years. Administration had prepared the 2023 budget with ice plant replacement targeted for 2024,” he added.

“We compiled a design and build RFP [request for proposal] and went to market in September,” Winterholt said. “We had a mandatory site visit for components. The RFP closed on October 12. We received a very comprehensive and cost effective proposal from Canadian Climate Refrigeration and HVAC.”

The plan is to have the upgrade done before the fall ice season starts in 2024.

“It also allows us to complete the project within the budget that was initially determined,” Winterholt said.

Coun. Greg Lightfoot was pleased to find it come in under budget.

“That’s a nice little savings for the city,” he said. “I’m glad to see that, especially under a design build. It’s nice to see some lower numbers in the process.”

Coun. Bill Ironstand wondered whether the $200,000 contingency amount would be enough.

But Winterholt said the team will continue to work to keep the cost as low as possible, so it doesn’t go over the budgeted amount.

City Finance Director Margarita Pena confirmed part of the cost will be funded through the federal gas tax funding the city receives, that has to be used by the end of 2024. Administration will provide a new proposal to allocate funding for the rest of the project, and will adjust the city’s 2024 draft budget accordingly to reflect that next month.

Winterholt noted the anticipated lifespan of the Don Ross Arena ice plant after the new one is installed will be about 15 to 20 years, similar to other ice plants.

“Really, that’s the heart and soul of the arena,” he said.

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Angela.Brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow