Blind River Town Council is moving ahead with a plan to replace a condenser at the community centre arena.
The request was made by its director of facilities and community services Karen Bittner for the purchase and replacement that will take place next year.
The objective meets the town’s goal to work through as many capital projects as possible to ensure Blind River’s Community Centre Arena is rejuvenated and able to provide ongoing service, Bittner said in a report to council Monday evening.
Council approved moving $124,000 to order a replacement condenser so it is ready for spring installation. The decision means staff can get on with ordering the condenser to avoid an anticipated 10 per cent price increase next year.
The money will be drawn from the town’s facilities reserve with $500,000 available.
“This is only to place the order,” Bittner told ElliotLakeToday. “We have applications in progress that we’re waiting on a decision. If granted, we’re only covering 33 per cent of the total cost. This report is simply giving staff the go-ahead to proceed with an order as the lead time is significant.”
Blind River recently received a $450,000 provincial grant for replacement of the membrane in the community centre.
The membrane on the roof coupled with replacement of select roofing areas is expected to eliminate future water issues at the roof level. The project creates a water barrier and in turn will increase the life of the building, according to Bittner.