CBRM takes over Bayplex
The municipality has taken possession of the Bayplex Recreation Centre.
The 21-year-old Glace Bay arena has been closed since it was deemed to be unsafe this past summer.
Earlier in the year, the Glace Bay Recreational Society, the non-profit group that managed the facility, informed CBRM Mayor Cecil Clarke that it was unable to keep the building operational and that it intended to disband.
On Tuesday, municipal council voted to take over the failing complex that was built with federal funds prior to CBRM amalgamation.
The transfer means a structural engineering study can now be carried out to help determine how much it will cost to bring the facility back up to a safe and operational standard. Initial estimates put the cost of a refit in the $8 million to $10 million range.
Once that assessment is completed, CBRM staff will present the findings to council, the province and the federal government for funding consideration.
Financial forecasts show that while the Bayplex projected revenues of $388,000 in 2017-2018, its expenditures were expected to be in the neighbourhood of $522,000.
It has already been determined that the rink’s primary roof needs replacing and that the estimated cost is between $1.2 million to $2.1 million. Council was also told that the boards require about $130,000 worth of work, that all entrance doors need replacement, that all skate-friendly surfaces need to be renewed, that all furniture needs replacement, and that all external brick and block walls may also require replacing.
Recently, about $400,000 was spent on a dressing rooms upgrade, $1.2 million was spent on the rink’s geothermal and mechanical systems and $40,000 was needed to repair a leaking roof in the lobby area. Additionally, Pepsi sponsored a new $150,000 score clock, while the society purchased a new $105,000 Zamboni ice machine.
The Bayplex’s monthly power bill is approximately $28,000.