CENTRAL MANITOULIN—During its May 11 meeting, council of the Municipality of Central Manitoulin debated spending an unbudgeted $20,000 on emergency repairs to the brine system at the Mindemoya arena. The motion was moved by Councillor Linda Farquhar and seconded by Councillor Dale Scott.
“I think we should be looking forward,” said Councillor John Bisaillon, who raised concerns about the state of the rest of the system, suggesting the municipality would be “putting a band aid on the building.”
Councillor Derek Stephens called for a recorded vote, adding his voice to concerns about the state of the rest of the system, going on to point out “I told you so” to the previous council members. “This is exactly what I told you would happen.”
Councillor Stephens said that the ice surface of the Mindemoya arena has “soft spots” which he noted is evidence of failing coils that freeze the ice.
Councillor Bisaillon suggested that the problem is being caused by pinholes and rusted clamps and that once repair work starts, other issues may well be discovered.
Councillor John Mitchell noted that there is still life in the old building and that it will take time to work out a replacement. “I say fix the problem and carry on.”
“I am like John,” said Councillor Dale Scott, going on to note that waiting until later to make the decision would leave the municipality scrambling closer to the fall season. Councillor Farquhar agreed with Councillor Scott. Councillor Rose Diebolt and Mayor Richard Stephens also agreed.
In clarification, Councillor Stephens said he was not against repairing the arena, but that if it is being done, it should be done “properly. Fix it right the first time.”
Councillor Bissaillon suggested that a static test of the lines be included in the quotes for the repairs. Sponsors of the vote were agreeable to the change.
In the recorded vote, Councillors Bisaillon and Stephens voted against the motion, while Councillors Mitchell, Farquhar, Rose Diebolt, Scott and Mayor Stephens voted for the motion—the motion carried.
