A problem the incoming council will need to address
Tantramar council has approved unbudgeted upgrades at the Tantramar Veterans Memorial Civic Centre, after staff said the work is needed before a new ice rink condenser can be installed.
Hear the story below:
Council approved the work at a special meeting on April 27. The repair is for the civic centre’s ammonia relief system. The meeting package says the current system meets 2018 code, but does not meet CSA B52:23. Staff reported newly-enforced provincial requirements mean ammonia-related lines must be brought up to 2023 code before the new condenser can be installed.
Matt Pryde, Tantramar’s Director of Active Living and Culture, told council the result was simple.
“If we don’t replace the system, we can’t install the condenser and then we don’t have ice in the rink”.
The meeting package says CIMCO quoted $72,105 plus HST to supply and install the upgraded ammonia relief system.
Boat launch money recommended for rink work
To cover most of the cost, staff recommended delaying the Lillas Fawcett Park boat launch replacement. That project had $62,328 in the 2026 capital budget. The remaining $9,777 would come from the facility repairs capital budget.
Pryde told council staff had been applying for funding through the Regional Development Corporation and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. He said if that funding does comes through, it could free up money for the boat launch.
Councillor Michael Tower asked whether the issue could still come back to the incoming council.
“We could, or the new council coming in could still look at this and say okay, (this) could come out of one of our reserve funds or something along the same lines, correct?”.
Michael Beal, Tantramar’s Director of Financial Services, said that could be discussed later, adding that reserve funds are intended to let the municipality borrow from itself instead of going through outside borrowing.
Council approved the ammonia relief system upgrade. But whether the Lillas Fawcett Park boat launch replacement can still happen this year may become a decision for Tantramar’s next council.
Clinton Davis is a community journalist and audio producer covering the people, events, and ideas shaping the Tantramar region.
