The NexSource Centre in Sylvan Lake will be undergoing an update.
Ahead of the much anticipated Hlinka Gretzky Cup USA vs Slovakia game in Sylvan Lake in August, Town Council has agreed an upgrade to the lighting in Arena Two is needed.
Hockey Canada, who is co-hosting the tournament, agreed Arena Two at the NexSource Centre is an ideal location of an exhibition game, however there was a concern with the arena.
“One concern that was identified in Arena Two was the lack of lighting compared to Arena One,” said Sean Durkin, recreation and culture manager with the Town.
He added the concern is just with Hockey Canada, many user groups agree lighting is a concern in the arena.
The number of lights in Arena Two is significantly less than what is found in Arena One.
There are 50 single bulbs giving light to Arena Two while in Arena One there are 70 units, each with four bulbs.
“This means there are dull spots and shadows on the ice or court in Arena Two,” said Durkin.
Along with upping the lighting situation in the second arena, Durkin also suggested added lighting sensors to both arenas and the hockey rink.
These sensors will help to ultimately reduce lighting costs.
“Currently Arena One and Arena Two are open from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. for 362 days of the year with the inability to dim our lighting system during operating hours,” Durkin said.
Durkin explained these sensors will lower the lights while the arenas are unoccupied.
The sensors are expected to reduce the NexSource Centre’s total energy used by about 67 per cent, or 72,885 kilowatts per hour.
The reduction in energy used will not have an environmental impact, but also a budgetary impact, according to Durkin.
“With the sensors we could see an annual savings of $8,538.38.”
Durkin added there is a payback period for the lighting and sensors of 5.7 years, with the average life span of one lamp being 142,000 hours.
NexSource Power was one of three bidders to complete the project, and the lowest, at a cost of $58,805.25.
In exchange for a primary sponsorship of the Hlinka Gretzky Cup exhibition game, NexSource Energy has agreed to reduce the cost of the upgrade by $10,000, which would bring the cost to $48, 805.25.
Administration is also applying for a grant from the Energy Efficient Albert - Energy Saving Program for the full amount of the upgrade.
Council approved the upgrade to the NexSource Centre lighting for the amount of $48,805.25 at the May 14 meeting. The funds have been reallocated from the Recreation Administration Operating Reserve.
megan.roth@sylvanlakenews.com
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