West Nipissing council is taking steps to ensure that the Sturgeon Falls Arena has ice next season.
It’s replacing the existing chiller after 24 years of service.
Council was told normally a chiller has a life expectancy of 20 years.
In this case, the chiller was installed in 1995 meaning it’s now four years beyond its best before date.
The challenge council faces in not replacing the chiller is that if it breaks down before the start of the next ice season, the arena would be without ice.
The goal is to have the new chiller in place during August.
The municipality has budgeted $170,500 for the project with the cost of the chiller taking up the bulk of that amount at $145,000.
Council has approved the work and staff will tender the project next week.
The early tendering ensures that the specialized equipment is delivered in a timely manner and installed early enough to make the arena operational.