The City of Yorkton is hoping for infrastructure dollars that if received, would help with the Kinsmen Arena replacement.
The City is applying for dollars for the project through investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP), explained Darcy McLeod, Director Community Development, Parks and Recreation with the City at the regular meeting of Yorkton Council Monday.
The $896 million dollar federal program covers four streams of projects, one focused on community, culture and recreation.
“The City’s Management group has selected the Kinsmen Replacement Project for application to the Community, Culture and Recreation stream,” said McLeod. “This project would include the replacement of the Kinsmen Arena at the Gallagher Centre.
“Work would include a new ice facility along with dressing rooms, viewing area above the dressing rooms as well as a second floor interior viewing space.”
Councillor Mitch Hippsley questioned if the Kinsmen Arena replacement was an imminent need, as Council had been told at least a 10-year life remained?
McLeod said the 10-year life expectancy dated back to 2010, and while the arena remains useable, how long it remains viable is an unknown. For example, the ice plant dates back to the 1970s.
“We just know it doesn’t meet our needs right now,” he said.
Mayor Bob Maloney initially balked at the idea of applying for a project he saw as not an immediate need.
“In eight years maybe, but I don’t think that time is now,” he said.
Councillor Randy Goulden noted that federal dollars for recreation facilities is extremely rare these days, so when they are available a municipality should try to access them, especially with the federal and provincial governments picking up 73 percent of costs.
“I support forward planning and long term investment,” she said.
It was at this point that Maloney said that Goulden’s view point had “changed my mind on this.”
Council passed the motion to make the application.
