By TERRY PUGH
Construction work on the $15 million expansion to the Warman Home Centre Communiplex (WHCC) is continuing on schedule, with critical utility connections taking place this month.
The project by Quorex Construction began in February, 2024 and is expected to be completed by this summer, with the expansion rink in operation by this fall.
In a report to a Warman City Council committee of the whole meeting, in late April, a city administration report indicated preparatory work for the concrete pad was in the final stages, with the pouring of the pad slated to be done shortly afterward.
In addition, installation of the HVAC system, electrical lines and masonry was being completed.
Upgrade work on the building’s refrigeration system was scheduled to start April 25, following the removal of the ice in the WHCC main arena. The upgrades require the building’s entire refrigeration system to be off for 30 days. This will also affect the attached Warman Community Middle School, leaving both buildings without air condition for the month.
A crane is being used to remove existing exterior items of the refrigeration system.
Beginning in late April, work is also taking place on the WHCC parking lot. The north side of the parking lot is slated to be excavated down to a depth of approximately six feet in the initial stages. It is expected that if weather conditions are favourable, paving on this portion of the parking lot should take place in mid-June.
The two-storey WHCC expansion features 2,952 square meters on the main floor, and 880 square meters on the second level. The facility components include a single ice arena, seating for 205 spectators, six change rooms and a second floor lounge space with seating for 150 people. The additional ice surface is aimed at helping meet the demand for ice time for minor hockey, ringette and other user groups. It will also allow the city to host tournaments.
DIAMOND RODEO ARENA
A structural assessment of the Diamond Rodeo Arena, built in 1967, is currently underway by a Saskatoon engineering firm. The results of the study are expected to be presented to city council in the near future. The 58-year-old arena has been plagued by periodic glycol leaks in the lines under the rink surface.