Members of Committee of the Whole have voted to implement safety measures for the arena’s ammonia ice plant.
The safety measures are being put in place in case of a leak from the ammonia plant, and are an alternative to building a brand new arena.
Ammonia sensors will be installed throughout the arena’s public spaces, as well as a rooftop warning siren and communication plant. Emergency protocols for building evacuations and shelter in place plans for anyone within a one kilometre radius will be needed. A management system for 24-hour monitoring, including inspection and data recording every two hours will also be implemented.
CAO Pierre Mercier says the changes need to come right away to the Leo Boivin Centre, with the threat of having to shut down the arena if no safety action is taken.
The changes will cost the town between $50,000 to $75,000 for immediate installation. That money will come out of the $200,000 already in the capital projects budget which is slated for safety and accessibility upgrades for the community centre
The committee also approved a planning process which will look at two options. The first option will try to identify the arena’s condition and look at ways of renovating and fixing the building’s deficiencies, and how much those improvements would cost.
The second option would look at the feasibility of building a brand new arena and recreational facility. The proposal of building a new arena would start to be considered if the cost of fixing the current Leo Boivin Centre ranges too high and the appropriate space was available.
City staff would also like to start the pre-planning process for a new arena as soon as possible, as the federal government is expected to distribute funds in the near future to communities looking to build and improve recreational facilities.
