By Tyler Waugh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Bay Bulls council voted unanimously March 9 to approve an application to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Green Fund to help fund a feasibility study for its community ice rink project.
Council also approved an upfront cost of $5,000, plus HST, of an anticipated Town cost of $13,000 for the study. The total cost of the feasibility study is estimated at $65,000.
The Community Ice Rink Project includes a refrigerated outdoor ice rink, a renewable heat-recovery system to serve the Bay Bulls Regional Lifestyle Centre (BBRLC), and upgrades to the Centre’s water supply to support full emergency-shelter capacity.
“I think everybody should realize that this is a big project as a link to a multitude of municipal initiatives,” said councillor Corey Ronayne in speaking to his motion.
Town Manager Ashley Wakeham said the project delivers multiple community benefits, including greenhouse-gas reduction, improved energy efficiency, enhanced emergency preparedness, and expanded access to low-carbon recreation infrastructure.
She said the Town must complete a feasibility study before submitting a final funding application.
“This study is required to validate technical design, heat-recovery potential, GHG reductions, capital costing, and operational savings, all elements directly tied to the project components outlined in the project overview,” Wakeham explained after the meeting.
Ronayne noted that if the Community Ice Rink Project moves forward it could cost $2 million to $3 million. However, he added, there could be up to 90 per cent funding by the federal government with the provincial government potentially contributing as well.
“So, we are looking at all funding opportunities for this,” he said.
