The City of Kimberley has made budget amendments to split the Civic Centre/Curling Rink chiller and compressor upgrades into its own project to increase grant opportunities.
Previously, the chiller and compressor upgrade was part of a larger project at the Civic Centre, including board and glass replacements.
“We had trouble getting grants for the big project, which was in excess of $2 million, so we have cut that into two different projects,” said Mayor Don McCormick.
“We have taken the chiller and compressor out of that larger project and kept it as a standalone. We think that because of the risk management we’re trying to apply to this, we’ll have a much higher probability of receiving a grant.”
Kimberley will set aside $1,069,650 from its reserve funds to replace the aging unit.
“It’s really important that we get this done because it’s still an ammonia-based system. Given the accidents and risks associated with that kind of unit, we have upped that on our priority list for replacement in early 2025,” said McCormick.
However, if the City is successful in its grant application, that cost will be cut significantly.
“The grant we’re applying for would cover 80 per cent of the cost and the remaining 20 per cent would come from our general operating reserve in the order of about $275,000,” said McCormick.
“We will not see any increase in taxes from these projects. It will all come from reserves that have been built up over the last few years.”
The project is grant-dependent, but McCormick is hopeful to hear a response by April 2025.
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