Some major work has been underway at the Blind River community centre (arena) to upgrade its ice-making facilities.
That was the message contained in a report from facilities and community services director Karen Bittner to council Monday evening.
“Council and staff have diligently sourced funding opportunities to alleviate burden on Blind River’s tax base.
"As such, funding was secured to upgrade the Blind River Community Centre plant,” she said in her report.
"Funding has also allowed the municipality to combine several years of work orders, equipment, and labour into one project. This has removed additional travel and all other associated costs that would be incurred by addressing needs incrementally.”
Metal-Air is the longstanding contractor who ensures Blind River receives service, reasonable pricing, as well as cost-sharing with neighbouring facilities (Blind River Curling Club, City of Elliot Lake, Public Works, and more).
It has a flawless track record with the plant, as well service is available 24/7. Blind River has Metal-Air scheduled to install its new electrical panel following shutdown, and it makes the most sense to have the plant updated by technicians who regularly service, start-up, and shut-down, Bittner said.
As there is a significant lead time required to order compressors and the chiller, and the anticipated pricing increase in 2023, orders have been placed to lock in 2022 values.
Materials will be on-site in Blind River in order to be available for quick installation, as well as eliminate any additional shipping costs.
“Once completed, the plant will be considered ‘new’,” she said of the work that is funded in part through pre-budgeted capital as well as grant funding.
"The cost of the plant materials ordered is $197,966.34 plus HST,” she added. “This will remove five years of plant rehabilitation from Blind River’s future capital forecast as well as reduce fears of service failure due to the age of the equipment.”