The time is coming soon when the city of North Battleford is going to have to begin the process of finding a replacement for the Civic Centre.
In the meantime, the intention at City Hall is to keep the 52-year-old Civic Centre going for the next 10 or 15 years, with some major building upgrades to happen during that time.
The upgrades are estimated at $1.3 million and would keep the facility operating while preparations go on towards a replacement.
Barring any unforeseen events, City Director of Leisure Services Bill Samborski told city council Monday, the return on investment for the capital items will be continued use of the Civic Centre "to allow for us to plan for a succession to that building."
The discussion of the Civic Centre and its future came as a result of a long-awaited structural and mechanical assessment on the condition of the current building presented at the meeting.
The report, prepared by Concentric Associates International Inc., did not provide any major surprises to council or administration. Many of the items noted were "already on our radar," said Samborski.
The recommendations include one "critical" repair estimated at $21,000 and three "potentially critical" repairs estimated at $389,000 that will need to be addressed soon. There are other less-critical repairs that can take place over the longer term.
It was indicated a repair proposal for the Civic Centre will be included in the 2015 capital budget. According to Samborski's memo to council, those will call for a southwest entrance canopy replacement, a sealant program, water line replacements, unit heaters, and exhaust fan replacements, along with some roof repairs and roof access ladders.
The rest of the report painted a picture of an aging facility that is not up to current building code standards and is becoming an increasing maintenance burden.
Functionality concerns identified include barrier-free access, press box limitations and dressing room sizes that are "significant roadblocks to acquiring national events."
On the positive side, the existing concession and lobby areas were rated as "superior." Most importantly, noted Samborski, there were no serious conditions that would affect the safety and serviceability of the facility, with the condition of the building itself rated from fair to good.
In comments attached to the Concentric report, City Manager Jim Puffalt stated, "it is apparent that the building is nearing the end of its useful life." He suggested a possible replacement arena could have a twin ice surface -- one for major events, with the other used primarily as a minor hockey arena.
The Concentric report identified potential costs of $10 million for a single-ice surface arena and $16 million for a twin-ice arena with spectator seating of 2,500 and secondary seating of 200. The costs do not include all site work, however, and are for a basic arena with modest finishes.
One intriguing possibility was raised at the meeting - that the Civic Centre might be able to continue on as a secondary facility, even after a potential replacement facility was completed.
Councillor Greg Lightfoot asked if the Civic Centre might extend past the 10-15 year lifespan even if another rink was built.
"Yeah, actually I do believe that," Samborski responded, saying if all the work is done it's "almost a shame to scrap it at that time, too."
He did acknowledge the cost of heating the Civic Centre might be an issue, however, due to the size of the building.
In speaking to reporters following the meeting, Puffalt said the "biggest issue is we have to look at the day when that facility is not going to be in operation anymore."
He indicated the plan for 2015 was to "come back to council and talk about the establishment of a committee to start looking at what the new facility should have and where it should go."
He noted it was a "long-term project" to get to the point of building the new facility. It would be a two-year build just by itself, he said, and it will take three to five years for the planning and the community consultation, and for the fundraising.
"Realistically, we have to start, in 2015, planning for the new building."
