Enerplex Has Soft Opening
By 250 News
Wednesday, September 16, 2009 03:58 AM
Ft. St. John, B.C.- Residents of Fort St. John are welcome to visit the new Enerplex today as the facility has a “soft opening”.While a show piece for the community, the Enerplex has not been free from controversy.
( at right, artists rendering of Enerplex)
First, there was the cost, with the City of Ft. St. John borrowing $15 million dollars for the project, a decision which resulted in a significant boost to taxpayers. The question went to referendum. Of the 13,045 eligible voters in the community, only 12.78% turned out to vote. 933 votes in favour,734 against, and that was enough to approve the debt. The Province has committed to $12.5 million.
The last update on the project says the bill will be just over $39.4 million dollars. That’s $6 million more than the original projected price, but the scope of the project was revised .
Then there’s the parking lot issue.
The City of Ft. St. John had set aside dollars for a lot that could accommodate 454 vehicles. Half that budget has been spent on site preparation so the City will be short about $770 thousand dollars and that’s for a scaled back lot that will accommodate 320 vehicles.
There have been three liens put against the project, two by Scott Builders against Joint Ventures, the third from a geo-technical firm. The money was paid to the court until the matter could be resolved.
When all is said and done, Fort St. John will have a new facility that will have 2 NHL sized ice rinks, with boards and benches complete with protective netting.
The second floor of the facility features a raised speed skating oval, one of only three indoor Olympic sized long tracks in North America. Made with a concrete base, this level can also be used as additional seating and for other events with 60,000 square feet of usable space.
The third floor features a three lane walking track for use year round. It is 380 m in length and features a rubberized running surface.
The facility has the capability to remove all ice surfaces in the summer months, to accommodate any kind of indoor event.
The third floor features a three lane walking track for use year round. It is 380 m in length and features a rubberized running surface.
The facility has the capability to remove all ice surfaces in the summer months, to accommodate any kind of indoor event.
Previous Story - Next Story
Email
Print
Facebook
Twitter
Digg
Del.icio.usReturn to Home
Posted by: MiddleGround on September 16 2009 9:21 AM