The front entrance to the West Perth Mitchell Arena. (Photo by Ryan Drury)The front entrance to the West Perth Mitchell Arena. (Photo by Ryan Drury)
Midwestern

Mitchell Arena needs $2M worth of upgrades

Taxpayers in West Perth could be looking at a big maintenance bill for the Mitchell Arena.

West Perth council received a building assessment report on the Mitchell Arena at the council meeting on April 7.

The report looked at the condition of the overall building and the ice facility within. Director of Community Services Nic Larsen says overall the building looks pretty good, but there is some serious work that needs done.

"Our building's in good condition, and without any work or investment over the next 10 years it'll transition to fair condition, also noting that the arena floor and the (refrigeration) system, for the most part, needs to be replaced. It's reached its end of life," Larsen revealed.

Now, Larsen says staff and council will get together to figure out a best way forward concerning a number of local assets.

"That includes Heron Business Park, recreational trails master plan, the arena, wastewater, things like that. Really looking at the asset management plan, so then we can sit down and prioritize where to focus our efforts," Larsen said.

Larsen adds some roof repairs will also eventually need to be addressed. As far as a ballpark figure for the replacement of the rink floor and refrigeration system, it won't be cheap.

"So a ballpark figure to replace the floor and that system is somewhere between, give or take, $2-$2.5 million, maybe even a bit more than that, plus costs for the actual building are roughly the same. That's just to keep the existing footprint and everything running in good shape," Larsen concluded.

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