The District of West Kelowna has found a way to spend its $25,000 Hockeyville prize money.
And council is optimistic, this time, the public will approve of its decision.
Council unanimously voted to use the money toward installing a new score clock in Jim Lind Arena and upgrading the washrooms in the facility.
Last November, the district was leaning toward using the money for the construction of a $125,000 electronic highway sign.
After receiving a considerable amount of negative feedback from the public, council scrapped that idea during its 2013 budget deliberations.
Since January, residents have submitted various ideas of how the district can use the prize money. Staff once again met with the Hockeyville committee to determine an appropriate alternate use for the prize.
The new score clock will feature a plaque or display that recognizes West Kelowna’s second-place result in the 2012 Kraft Hockeyville competition.
According to Erin Goodwin, facilities supervisor for the district, the old score clock uses incandescent bulbs, which are less energy efficient than LED bulbs.
“We have had some mechanical issues with (the old score clock) in the past,” said Goodwin.
“It’s been here quite some time.”
The cost of installing the score clock is approximately $15,000. The rest of the money will be put toward washroom upgrades, which was one of the top priority items identified in the feedback district staff received.
Council was also presented with the option of constructing a Mount Boucherie Complex electronic entrance sign, which could act as a community message board.
Council decided not to use the Hockeyville money for that option; however, it will consider the project during its 2014 budget deliberations.
Both the score clock installation and washroom upgrades are expected to be completed by the time Jim Lind Arena—which is currently closed for repairs—is re-opened in August 2013.
wpaterson@kelownacapnews.com
Twitter: @PatersonWade
