Town hoping planned arena opening not impacted by failed fire test
As the town of Hartland prepares for a Nov. 15 public opening for the new recreational complex, the project hit a snag as one of three required fire pump inspections didn’t pass muster.
Giving an update on the project during an Oct. 22 meeting, Chief Administrative Officer Rob Webber told the council two tests passed, but a third did not.
Webber said since the test the week before, Public Works Manager Jed Giberson had been working with contractors on the issue. Webber noted it was cause for concern, but the crew was working with the fire marshal, and another test was in place for the following day.
“We’re really waiting and anxious to see what the results are tomorrow and that’ll decide an awful lot about our strategies [going] forward,” said Webber.
The CAO added that staff are hopeful the failed test will be resolved and won’t impact the Nov. 15 opening.
Webber later told the River Valley Sun the test was done on Oct. 23, and as the town waits for the result, they will schedule the full fire inspection with the fire marshal for the end of October or early November.
“We’ll go forward with the final inspection and hope for the best,” said Webber.
Town commissions Indigenous artist for arena artwork
Webber highlighted an agreement with the Wolastoqey First Nation for a commissioned art piece inside the Central Carleton Community Complex.
“The artist said it will take a number of months to complete the work. So that is probably an Operating/Capital spend that we do have in the budget…for next year not this year.”
Webber told the River Valley Sun that part of the bilateral agreement with the provincial and federal governments is a duty to consult the Indigenous community and include representation in the building.
“What we have agreed to is to reserve a space in the building for an indigenous artwork,” said Webber.
“The expectation would be that the artwork should be produced and then we would present it in the building probably not the first quarter, but almost certainly the second quarter of 2025.”
Webber said a large wall has been reserved for the artwork in the entryway facing the walking track.
Town extends contract for canteen operator
Updating council on plans for the canteen, Webber said the town’s current contract with Huskies Grill as an operator will be extended through the end of the current hockey season into spring 2025.
“We went with the path of least resistance,” said Webber. “The best known thing is that [Huskies Grill] had worked at the last arena and we decided [to] just keep things simple and extend their stay.”
He added that depending on the operator’s long-term availability, the town may look at a tender and go in a different direction once the hockey season ends.
