SUNDRE – Upgrades at the Sundre Arena will proceed this summer now that funding for the nearly quarter-million-dollar project has been firmed up.
The Town of Sundre's council heard on May 26 a verbal report from administration during the regular meeting confirming that Mountain View County had approved its allocation to carry out the work on the facility that is used by both town and county residents.
Sundre council had earlier in May approved the projects contingent on the county’s contribution.
“We did get notification from Mountain View County at the end of last week, they have approved us to go ahead with the projects and they will fund to a maximum of $125,000,” said Chris Albert, director of corporate services and acting CAO for the meeting.
“Not as much as we wanted but it is what we expected,” said Albert.
“We appreciate the funding, those projects will go ahead,” he added, seeking a motion to accept the report for information.
Coun. Chris Vardas was pleased to see the town and county “working together to better some of the facilities that all of our residents share.”
Coun. Paul Isaac asked for a reminder as to how much the town had initially requested.
The multi-faceted project’s complete scope – which includes numerous upgrades and repairs from a compressor overhaul to a new concession stand grill as well as fresh flooring throughout the facility – was estimated to run up a total cost of approximately $240,000, said Albert.
Based on the population split between the two municipalities that stands at 56 per cent county users and 44 per cent town users, Albert said administration had asked for $135,000 “because that would be the true split. But their policy does indicate a maximum of $125,000.”
Council unanimously carried a motion accepting the report for information.
Mountain View County's policy #8006 indicates that potential funding is based on a cost-sharing model reflecting population distribution of 44 per cent from the town and 56 per cent from the county.
“The policy also contemplates a maximum contribution from the county of $125,000 per year for capital and maintenance projects,” the county's chief administrative officer Jeff Holmes told council when it was presented.
The Town of Sundre submitted an information document to the county outlining the proposed upgrade project.
“The Sundre Arena capital upgrade project is a key initiative that reflects the Town of Sundre’s ongoing commitment to improving regional recreation infrastructure,” the document states.
“As a vital community hub, the town arena serves as a bathing place for residents and visitors alike, playing a central role in hosting sports, recreational activities and local events.
“Its continued enhancement ensures it remains a welcoming and functional space that brings people together across the region.”
By way of background, in 2020 the town commissioned a study of the Sundre Arena to identify improvements needed to keep the facility functional for the next 10 to 15 years, council heard.
“The Town (of Sundre) is looking to accelerate these remaining projects over the next two years, to help ensure the arena’s long-term viability and safety for users.”
Upgrades proposed include arena compressor overhaul, additions to the arena heating system, upgrades to the concession stand grill and make-up air unit, and replacement of shower flooring.
Coun. Alan Miller put forward the motion to “approve cost sharing the municipal portion of the Sundre arena capital upgrade project to a maximum of $125,000, to be funded from the Intermunicipal Collaboration Reserve.”
Council unanimously voted in favour of the motion. Council declined a town request for $134,400 in total funding.
After completing the arena upgrade project work, the Town of Sundre will send a bill to the county, to a maximum of $125,000, Holmes said.
