Agriplex badly in need of electrical repairs

Chris Clegg
South Peace News

Electrical problems arising at the High Prairie Agriplex has prompted the High Prairie and District Agricultural Society to ask the M.D. of Big Lakes council for money. Ag Society president Louise Zahacy and treasurer Judy Johnston co-signed a letter to the M.D. June 12 outlining the problems at the popular and well-used community facility. “As you may be aware, in 1993 and 1994 the Agricultural Society had the indoor riding arena (known as the Agriplex) constructed. All work was contracted out and engineered, all permits obtained. Recently, however, while the Indoor Rodeo was being held, we experienced many varied electrical problems,” writes Zahacy and Johnston. “Upon inspection by a qualified electrician it is obvious that the electrical installation in the whole Agriplex is not up to standard and has deteriorated rapidly,” reads the letter. A verbal estimate for correcting the sub-standard wiring installation is estimated at $15,000 to $20,000. “This cost exceeds our yearly maintenance budget of $14,000,” writes Zahacy and Johnston, noting that money is already spent. The Ag Society is writing the contractors to see what can be done and says if they have to pursue legal avenues they will. But, that could take a long time and they want the Agriplex to stay open. “As the Agriplex is a public facility we feel we need to deal with the electrical issue as soon as possible and, as such, the Agricultural Society is asking for any financial assistance that the M.D. would consider.” The M.D. will consider the request at its July 25 meeting. The Ag Society has not requested any funding from the M.D. since the original construction of the Agriplex in 1993.

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