City Hall Reflecting Pool (E. Gibbons)

Recommendation:
That this report be received for information.

Report Summary

This report provides information about the potential for creating an artificial rink on the reflecting pool outside City Hall.

Previous Council/Committee Action

At the August 19, 2002, Community Services Committee meeting Councillor Gibbons made the following inquiry:

“The reflecting pool in front of City Hall is a wonderful asset to our citizens and is a gathering place for swimming in the summer and skating in the winter, though skating is often affected by change in weather.

I would like to ask Administration to look into the potential of creating an artificial rink on the reflecting pool outside of City Hall from the time the fountain is turned off in the fall, until it is restarted in the spring time.

  1. What would be the feasibility of installing pipes and associated equipment to maintain an ice surface independent of the usual freeze/thaw of our typical winters?
  2. What would be the estimated cost of such an installation?
  3. Would such an installation affect the use of the pool as a place for summer activities?

I would like a report to come back to the September 23, 2002, Community Services Committee Meeting.”

Report

  1. What would be the feasibility of installing pipes and associated equipment to maintain an ice surface independent of the usual freeze/thaw of our typical winters?
    It is feasible to install an ice making system for the reflective pool in front of City Hall. Provision was made during the construction of the pool for eventual connection to a refrigeration plant and associated equipment to make artificial ice on the pool surface. Room was also made available during construction to house this equipment. Piping already installed in the slab would require inspection.
  2. What would be the estimated cost of such an installation?
    Refrigeration installation at City Hall is estimated to cost $750,000. The cost of equipment required for making ice has risen 15-20% over the last two years, however the tendering process could result in competitive pricing. Annual operational costs would increase by approximately $25,000 as a result of the extended skating season.
  3. Would such an installation affect the use of the pool as a place for summer activities?
    The installation should not affect summer use of the pool. There would be shutdown and start-up periods required during the shoulder seasons.

Others Approving this Report

·  Bill Burn, General Manager, Asset Management and Public Works

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