UPDATE: Monday, April 8
Vernon council approved all three upgrades to Kal Tire Place at their Monday, April 8 council meeting.
Coun. Brian Guy questioned the willingness of the Vernon Vipers to foot part of the $300,000 bill for the new scoreboard.
”During the latest round of negotiations, there was discussion, but there has been nothing formerly in writing to that effect,” said a city staff member.
Guy also asked if operating costs for the new scoreboard would cost more than the old one. City staff responded that “right now, we are collecting quotes on different models. We haven’t gone through procurement and the intention is to not find anything harder to use.”
Coun. Kari Gares also chimed in, mentioning the importance of what a new scoreboard would mean for other sports teams in the arena.
“West Kelowna approved $600k for theirs, so if we can keep ours at $300 (thousand), we are doing really really well,’” Gares said. “Our junior lacrosse club uses that arena (Vernon Tigers). Lacrosse is an intense sport and to be able to have instant replay capability for the spectators. I think them, along with ringette and minor hockey groups could all benefit from this. We already got 20 years on the current score clock so it is well worth its money.”
ORIGINAL
Renovations are in the cards for Kal Tire Place.
Vernon council approved three pertinent upgrades within Kal Tire Place South at its council meeting on Monday, April 8.
The first is up to $60,000 for the repair of the arena’s air-cooled liquid chiller.
Recreation Services has received feedback from numerous groups related to the temperature, humidity and ice conditions within the building, which prompted an investigation and inspection of the chiller, which was originally installed in 2001.
The city recently made urgent repairs of the chiller system, after an ammonia leak was found, forcing the closure of the south arena for 10 days in early March.
The cost for a new chiller is estimated at $21,425, which will include a complete pressure test, servicing of components, removal, disposal of the current refrigerant and recharging of the new unit.
In addition, non-repairable component expenses are estimated at up to $35,000.
A new digital scoreboard is also on the board, which is estimated to cost $300,000. The new scoreboard will align with BCHL’s new and future policies in requiring video replay during games.
A report to council states, “the intention for this video display is to not only support BCHL requirements, but also, for this item to be available for use by other user groups, special events, and Recreation Services programming.”
The scoreboard will be purchased using the procurement process, and installed prior to the start of the 2024-25 BCHL season.
Coun. Brian Guy questioned the willingness of the Vernon Vipers to foot part of the $300,000 bill for the new scoreboard.
”During the latest round of negotiations, there was discussion, but there has been nothing formerly in writing to that effect,” said a city staff member.
Coun. Kari Gares also chimed in, mentioning the importance of what a new scoreboard would mean for other sports teams in the arena.
“West Kelowna approved $600k for theirs, so if we can keep ours at $300 (thousand), we are doing really really well,’” Gares said. “Our junior lacrosse club uses that arena (Vernon Tigers). Lacrosse is an intense sport and to be able to have instant replay capability for the spectators. I think them, along with ringette and minor hockey groups could all benefit from this. We already got 20 years on the current score clock so it is well worth its money.”
Finally, concessions in Kal Tire Place are on the table to be heavily upgraded.
According to the report, an agreement was reached with a company, prior to the start of the 2023-24 ice season, for concession services within the rink. However, the company withdrew from its contract mere days before it was expected to begin.
That led to patchwork from Recreation Services, as three local vendors signed on to provide these services for the season. Their contract is expiring in May 2024.
The intention of Recreation Services is to put out a new request for proposal (RFP) for vendors, while also upgrading the three current concessions around the rink.
The Crease, the Penalty Box and the Crossbar are the three concessions, with the Crossbar being the sole liquor service outlet.
Below are the estimated costs for upgrading all three:
- Crease: Stainless steel cabinets, refrigerators, freezer, oven, ice machine, sheet pan rack, flooring - $70,300.
- Penalty Box: Cabinets, countertops, shelving, condiment cart, flooring, mats - $55,700.
- Crossbar: Cabinets, countertops, and sink cabinet- $12,000.
Costs are estimated at $138,000, with recommended upgrades to all concessions for full temperature control with ductless split heat pumps expected at $40,000.
Further miscellaneous costs of $100,000 (plumbing, electrical) leave a total of $278,000, with the funds coming from the Recreation Facility Major Maintenance Reserve.
Expected revenue to the city from the concessions is an estimated $60,000 annually.
READ MORE: Vernon wedding expo connects brides and grooms to 29 vendors
READ MORE: Okanagan College denied funding for women in trades program