Dartmouth 4-pad arena should be Olympic sized, city staff says
Drainage and other issues could increase $43M price tag, officials warn
Halifax municipal staff are recommending the four-rink complex proposed for Dartmouth should include an Olympic-sized ice surface, but they're also warning councillors the cost of the project could increase.
The speed skating community is pleased with the recommendation for a larger ice surface. Right now short track speed skaters have to go to St. Margaret's Bay for appropriate ice time.
"It would mean a big opportunity for growth not just for Dartmouth, Cole Harbour and Eastern Passage, but Halifax, Bedford and Sackville," said Bert Losier, who represents short track skaters at the Halifax Speed Skating Club.
If councillors approve this week's staff report the larger rink will also have 350 seats.
"We would we probably prefer 500, but we can live with that," Losier said. "At least you can showcase and have people come in and look at it right?"
The new rink complex is planned for Commodore Drive in Burnside, next to other city sports fields. The proposal includes changing rooms and washrooms for the sports field.
The original estimate for the project is $43 million, but staff say that price tag could go up for a variety of reasons including drainage and land preparation.
If the project gets the go-ahead this week, it is scheduled to be completed by September 2017.