Redcliff delays Rec-Tangle project

Posted on February 1, 2024 by Ryan Dahlman

By Anna Smith
Commentator/Courier

Following news that the application for funding for the replacement of the Rec-Tangle ice plant was unsuccessful, the Town of Redcliff has decided to delay work on the project for more information.

Originally, in May 2023, the Town applied for a CFEP grant to fund replacement of the Redcliff Rec-Tangle Arena’s ice plant refrigeration system. Unfortunately in January this year they received news that they have been unsuccessful.

Administration is still waiting for a decision to be made on the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Program (GICBP) grant that was submitted in October 2022, requesting $2,225,000 to fund several upgrades to the Rec-Tangle, explained the staff report.

The project is estimated to cost $900,000 in total, and take 6–8 months to complete. At this time it’s unclear if they can begin work on the project immediately, or if doing so could cost them the chance to secure CFEP funding. Staff has reached out for clarification, however, as of writing, they have yet to have received word.

Staff are currently confident that the system can continue “limping through” another year, noted Council, but the project needed to move quickly should Council have decided to put an RFP forward for the install in hopes of having the plant operational when the arena would begin making ice in the fall.

Currently, the town has a functioning dual system, and technically, could be operational with one system, should something happen that would require the reserve freon that the town has; currently, there are no operational issues with the ice plant, but the system was installed in 1972 and has exceeded the intended life period of 40 years, and incurs increasing maintenance costs every year.

While they did not fully commit to delaying the project to 2025, no RFP will be put forward this month, as Council directed to delay until the possibility of grant money was made clearer, with the intent for the new ice plant to be operational for the 2025 season.