Alnwick Haldimand Township council has taken a key step toward major repairs at the Haldimand Community Memorial Arena in Grafton, approving the consultant that will oversee the multi-million-dollar project.
At its latest regular meeting, council authorized the mayor and clerk to enter into an agreement with Barry Bryan Associates for architectural and engineering services valued at $78,000 plus HST. The firm received the highest overall score through the township’s request for proposals process and ranked third lowest among four submitted bids.
The overall arena project is expected to cost about $3.75 million and includes extensive work to the ice surface and supporting infrastructure. Planned upgrades include removal and replacement of the concrete rink floor, sub-floor insulation, dasher boards and safety netting, along with repairs to the refrigeration system and header trench. Preliminary work is expected to begin early in the new year, with construction slated for completion by the end of September.
Barry Bryan Associates brings experience from more than 60 ice facility projects across Ontario, including arena renovations and ice pad replacements in Niagara Falls, Kingston, Cornwall, Clarington and Durham Region.
Council discussion also focused heavily on how the project will be funded. Some members raised concerns about the potential impact on taxpayers if long-term borrowing is required, noting existing budget pressures tied to policing costs, infrastructure needs and inflation.
Township staff indicated that several funding options remain under review, including financing strategies, development charges, fundraising efforts and the possible sale of surplus municipal land. Moving forward with the consultant was described as a necessary step to keep the project on schedule and position the township to pursue provincial grant funding.
Despite unresolved funding questions, council approved the motion, allowing planning work to proceed.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
