Fernie curlers will be back on the ice by late March as work gets underway to repair a leak at the local rink.
The Fernie Curling Club has been unable to curl all season due to a leaking flooring system at Fernie Memorial Arena.
The club hoped to find a fix for the leak and reopen the rink to maintain momentum after experiencing record sign up, despite the arena closure the previous season.
LOOK BACK: Fernie’s curling season delayed after issues identified with cooling system
Working with the City of Fernie, the club executive found the most viable and cost effective solution was to buy portable brine lines, known as refrigeration mats.
At the January 14 regular meeting, council awarded the contract for the design, supply and installation of the mats to Trane Canada ULC in the amount $124,953 plus GST.
The curling club will contribute $10,000 to the cost of the mats and council also directed staff to prepare a contribution agreement.
LOOK BACK: City of Fernie gets curlers back on the ice
The Request for Proposal (RFP) for the design, supply and installation of the mats was advertised for four weeks on the City website and BC Bid.
The City received three submissions in response to the RFP, which were evaluated based on set criteria, with fees and schedule given extra weighting.
Trane Canada ULC received the highest score of 74/100.
It was not the lowest bid, however, City staff said the company showed strong corporate experience and understanding of project scope, and promised to complete the work in eight weeks with a three-year warranty on parts and labour.
The work schedule means the curling rink will reopen late March, giving curlers a few weeks to curl before the end of the season.
Fernie Curling Club President Annie McFarlane was thrilled to learn the contract had been awarded.
“That’s fantastic news,” she said.
“We’re really looking forward to getting it (the rink) up and running for a few weeks.”
McFarlane said this will allow the club to work out any kinks and ensure there are no hiccups the following season.
To maintain interest during the closure, the club has been hosting game nights at the curling lounge every Wednesday.
The bar is open from 7-10 p.m. and there is pool, shuffleboard and cards. Anyone is welcome to join with club membership costing $10.
