It’s a problem that all municipalities are facing — aging infrastructure of not just roads, water and sewer systems, but recreation facilities as well. As reported previously in the Bulletin, the Marysville Arena is in need of an ice plant upgrade, and a funding request for the work was denied. Replacement could cost up to $400,000 and Mayor and Council were seeking clarification as to whether the work has to be done this year.

Kimberley’s manager of Parks, Recreation and Facilities, Tom Sprado, says that the arena is already operating on a variance on the condition that the ice plant is fixed before start up of the 2013 season. The Marysville arena ice plant is turned on in October.

He says another variance could be applied for, but he doesn’t know if it would be granted.

As for the cost, Sprado says it could well be much less than $400,000. He had some funds and hired an engineering consultant to look at the issue. An exact picture of the cost will be coming soon.

Not being able to fix the ice plant would be a real loss. The Marysville Arena is very well used — almost as busy as the Civic Centre, he says.

“Minor Hockey probably uses the Marysville arena for 45 per cent of their ice time.”

The problem with the ice plant is simply age, Sprado says.

In regards to the Ice Plant Room/Machine room — due to the type of refrigerant, system leak probability and the fact that it is a public facility directs us to the CSA B52-05, which states that a machinery room shall be constructed in accordance to Clause 6.3 which states the special requirements. These requirements are many.

“The main obstacle is that the ice plant room is located in the middle of the lobby ­— we need to relocate the room to meet the CSA B52 regulations. We need outside accessibility.

“The Chiller and Condenser can not be relocated due to its age and condition — we will need to purchase a new Chiller and Condenser — we are planning to use the existing compressor.

“Keep in mind that the facility was an outdoor rink with an ice plant — years later the community built a roof over top of the ice pad and the old existing ice plant room — in the 1960’s this was acceptable. The regulations are the regulations and we are required to follow all the safety requirements.”