BEACHBURG – Council voted to delay the winter opening of the Beachburg arena until at least first quarter 2023, in order to assess long-term repairs of the ice-making plant.
“The Council of the Township of Whitewater Region:
- Approve a delayed opening for ice operations at the Beachburg Arena to at least the first quarter of 2023, subject to required budget approval for any necessary temporary or permanent capital work to ensure the safe operation of the building, specifically related to the plant room structure.
- Direct staff to report back prior to the 2023 budget on all required capital works for the Beachburg Arena for the immediate term and beyond, including the roof, plant room, ice plant, ice slab, boards, septic, and any other components that require lifecycle work or replacement for the efficient and safe operation of the facility for indoor ice.
“We can’t operate the facility or add the ammonia.” CAO Tremblay said, and said that the condition of the ice apparatus in the area necessitated a more permanent solution.
“Buildings continue to get old, and unfortunately they continue to deteriorate.”
“I would be in favour of getting our total cost before we go anywhere.” Councillor McLaughlin said. “The building is still accessible?”
“Yes.” Trembley said. “The only inaccessible area is the pressure tank.”
“We can’t make ice right now.” Mayor Moore said.
Councillor Olmstead said he ‘agreed with the motion. We keep throwing 25,000 dollars at this problem every time.”
Councillor Nicholson asked if the brine would ‘stay in in the floor’
“What’s left in the ammonia side is 5% is safe, and it’s in there for lubrication.” Trembley said. “The Brine in the floor has to be looked at but it’s going to stay in there for the time being.”
Councillor Nicholson asked if there were any staffing impacts on the arena.
He also asked how the Township planned to notify the affected neighbors and parties who made use of the arena.
“We will notify the two landowners directly affected, including the Agricultural association and for the canteen owner.” Tremblay said, saying the arena slab could still be used for events such as pickleball.
“How long will it take for us to get these estimates?” Mackay said.
“We know that the plant is 25 beyond their useful life, so the question is how far gone are they?” Tremblay said. “Septic we know what the costs are generally, so we should be able to get that through in a timely fashion.”
Mackay said that he was concerned with local response to the lack of use of the arena.
“Once we know what the cost is, the community can fundraise as they choose. What we’re facing is that it’s getting less and less likely to patch. We’re at a million dollars for the roof and the planning room and it’s only going to get worse.”
The motion was carried.
