LAMPMAN - The Lampman Recreation Board was ecstatic when they received word on a $514,000 grant to help with the upgrades of the Lampman’s ice rink system.
According to Dustin Ferguson, a rec. board member, Brittany Sutherland worked diligently on this grant, and her challenging work paid off. Sutherland is the recreation director.
The Lampman arena needs a new ice system, as the one they have is old and parts are becoming difficult to obtain. The ice plant has two compressors that run on a R20 refrigerant. This R20 refrigerant and power are extremely high in cost and the biggest expense during the winter months.
It cools both the curling and ice rink. Ferguson said, “It is the heart of the rink, and the rink is the heart of the community.”
When Ferguson became a Lampman town council member, they began working on an asset management plan, and the recreation board quickly told them of the much-needed upgrade at the rink.
Once they knew they would get the grant, they tried to lock in prices. Due to the length of time and the uncertain market, they were unable to do this. Although the group was excited about the $514,000 grant, it would not cover the cost of the equipment needed, as the cost had increased to around $700,000, if not more.
After contemplating on what to do, the board decided that through volunteer work they could do the demolition work themselves, along with the prep work and construction. It would save them about two percent, as letting the grant go was not an option.
They had toured Balcarres as they have a thermal syphoning plant. With a couple of modifications and a larger condenser, it could save them 20 percent on power. Not only was it cost efficient, but environmentally friendly, which was a huge plus, so the renovations began.
Ferguson said, “we have been working hard on fundraising as well, reaching out to businesses, in the hope to get help with our short fall.”
Well, it worked. Tundra Oil and Gas donated $50,000 and Kingston Midstream matched that with another $50,000 donation. Richardson owns both these companies.
Ferguson said, “our community is profoundly grateful and appreciate what these companies have done. They are helping us to sustain our rink, to keep it operating.” Ferguson went on to say, it is companies like this that keep our facilities going, and we cannot do it without them.
A lot can happen when people pull together, and this is the case with the people of Lampman.
The Lampman rink is home to seven hockey teams and a few part-time teams. It offers a Tot skating program for youngsters four and under and also public skating.
In the fall a huge fundraiser is planned. It is tentatively booked for October 22 at the Lampman School. The details have not yet been finalized, but it sounds huge. So, mark your calendars and stay tuned for further details in the future, as you will not want to miss it.
