Cranbrook City Council approved an additional $280,000 in funding to replace the evaporative condenser at Western Financial Place.
Western Financial Place relies on an evaporative condenser as a critical component of its ammonia refrigeration system used to maintain the arena ice surface.
The existing condenser is approximately 26 years old and has reached the end of its service life. The project requires replacing with a similar condenser so the City can maintain the existing refrigeration system configuration and avoid triggering extensive upgrades to the ammonia plant to meet new regulations.
The City says since the budget was established, the condenser unit cost has increased 10 per cent and continues to be subject to market volatility, exchange rate fluctuations, and potential tariff impacts on equipment imported from the United States.
Based on the updated project estimate, additional funding approval is required to proceed with purchasing the condenser and completing installation.
City staff presented to council during regular meeting this week, requesting an additional $280,000 from the Facilities Reserve to fund the shortfall.
The project budget is currently estimated at a cost of $650,000.
Construction and installation are expected for June 2027.
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