New water heaters set to be installed at PMD arena before hockey season starts
DRAYTON – The water heaters at Drayton’s PMD arena, installed in 2012, have reached the end of their useful life.
That’s according to a report from the township’s finance department, presented to Mapleton council on Aug. 13.
Council pre-approved $30,935 during the meeting for Gleeson Plumbing Inc., based in Moorefield, to install four new water heaters and a 50 gallon buffer tank.
The money will come from capital reserve funds allocated in the 2025 budget for work at the PMD arena.
“The township’s 10-year capital forecast, endorsed as part of the 2024 budget process, included a provision of $70,000 in 2025 for plumbing and HVAC works at the PMD arena,” the report states.
This leaves almost $40,000 for “additional work on water pipes/fittings as part of the 2025 work program,” the report continues.
Councillor Martin Tamlyn asked about considering water heaters compatible with heat exchange systems, to prepare for a possible future transition to an integrated system for heat recovery.
But public works director Jamie Morgan said the water heaters replacement is too time-sensitive of an issue for these considerations.
“This is almost an emergency,” he said.
“The ice goes in next week – so unfortunately we have run out of time on this one.”
Moving forward with the replacements in a timely manner will “ensure installation occurs prior to the commencement of the ice hockey season, limiting the impact of service disruptions,” the report states.
