Arena update: must meet Sept. 15 deadline

Alicia Boisson
South Peace News

The organizers and project managers of the Gordon Buchanan Recreation Centre are very content with how well it is moving along. The High Prairie and District Sports Complex Society has been working diligently to have access to as many grants available. Media liaison for the society, Lindsay Pratt, says they just received word about another grant. “We just received $25,000 for a recycled tire grant,” says Pratt. “We will be using a type of high quality flooring in the gymnasium made of recycled tires. It will have good flexibility and a nice finish. It will also be a lot easier on people’s bodies.” This is not the only additional funding they have received since the announce of the money being contributed by the M.D. of Big Lakes and the Town of High Prairie. Pratt says the Summer Fun Cabin Sweepstakes raised $413,000 before the cost deductions, which he estimates between $50,000-100,000. The society is currently sitting at a comfortable $2.3 million, not including the money from the Town and M.D., says Pratt, adding they don’t expect that money until June or July. “But we are still ordering the materials we need and putting down deposits based on the fact we will be getting that money,” says Pratt. As far as progress is concerned, Pratt says projects are more than on the go. “Realistically we are three years ahead of schedule,” says Pratt. “Considering where Laurie, Cliff and I thought we would be this time last year we are doing great.” Currently, the block walls are being built around the gymnasium, the foundation is being prepped for the ice surface and connector building. “As far as the timeline this is what we are expected to be ready for this month. The ice plant is leaving Toronto on May 24 and we have to have the cement poured in the connector building so it has something to sit on when it gets here. Also, the contractor for the ice surface is expected to start pouring on June 15,” says Pratt. Spending for the project is breaking even, says Pratt. “Where we are saving money, we are having to put more into other projects,” adds Pratt. “For example, we managed to save money on the cost of the concrete for the ice surface, but we also had to use one-third more concrete for the dressing rooms and the gym. The $100,000 we saved on the contractor is being used in the other portion of the concrete projects.” Pratt says meeting the September deadline will be tight squeeze but it will happen.

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