The Municipality of Kincardine will apply for federal funding to help replace the aging arena floor at the Davidson Centre.
Council approved an application to the Build Communities Strong Fund’s Local Impact Stream during its July 22 meeting.
The project is estimated to cost $2.3 million and would include replacement of the ice floor, dasher boards and refrigerant headers.
Staff say the existing arena floor has passed its expected 50-year lifespan and was identified as being at the end of its useful life in a 2025 refrigeration assessment.
"Advancing this project in the next two years, with the support of BCSF funding, would position the Municipality well to address aging recreational infrastructure prior to its failure, ensuring the continuity of ice operations at the Davidson Centre," the report states.
The federal program could cover up to half of eligible costs, to a maximum grant of $1 million. Kincardine intends to apply for the maximum amount, with the remaining costs to be addressed through a future capital budget.
"Should the application be successful, the Municipality would be responsible for the remaining project costs after any grant funding is received," the report says.
If the application is unsuccessful, the arena floor replacement will still be included in future capital budget discussions.
"If the Municipality wishes to continue offering ice at the Davidson Centre, this floor replacement work will inevitably need to be completed in the future," staff wrote.
If funding is secured, construction would be expected to begin in the spring and finish in the fall. Staff say they would work with user groups to limit disruptions and schedule most of the work outside the regular ice season.
Applications for the federal funding program close August 6.
