SUNDRE - Although a replacement dehumidifier for the Sundre Arena was budgeted at a cost of $50,000 in 2024, a used unit that came to the attention of a member of council represented a substantial cost saving that council could not refuse.
Coun. Charlene Preston had informed administration about plans the City of Red Deer has to decommission one of its arenas to make way for a new expansion, said Linda Nelson, chief administrative officer.
“One of the items that they have for sale was a used dehumidifier,” said Nelson. “This item was actually planned in the budget for 2024 at a cost of $50,000. And we have the opportunity to purchase the unit — this includes the ceiling stand that the dehumidifier would sit on — for a cost of $7,500."
Aside from the significant saving, the unit would also enable town staff to prepare ice by mid-September, she added.
“It will improve the service to our minor hockey and rec hockey teams, as they may no longer have to rent ice elsewhere,” she said, adding the expense was also considered and approved in principle during the spring workshop
Council unanimously carried the recommended motion to approve the purchase of the dehumidifier at a cost of $7,500 with funds allocated from the Municipal New Project restricted surplus account.
