FAQs

What is being completed during this project?

The Kinsmen Arena Ice Systems Upgrades Project will see replacement of the concrete slab (including all the refrigeration piping), new arena boards and glass, arena dehumidification and code and safety upgrades in the plant room. The project will also address some spectator experience items including new bleacher seating complete with accessible seating areas, replacement of the safety netting surround the ice surface, new sound system, and other improvements.

Why are the dressing rooms not being renovated? Why is the rink not being twinned as part of the project?

The intent of the project is to ensure that the ice plant and related mechanical/building systems can support ice for the next 15 years. Renovations to the dressing rooms and lobby areas were not included in the scope of the project.

Twinning of an ice surface was the focus of the Gallagher Centre Renewal Project in 2019 which did not proceed.

Why did the City decide to shut the Kinsmen down in the middle of the hockey season? Why doesn’t the project happen when the rink is closed during the summer?

The Kinsmen Arena project is scheduled to take up to 9 months to complete, and would have an impact on the hockey season regardless of when it starts. The City and Yorkton Minor Hockey worked together to determine when would be the best time to close the rink, and landed on a January start date for the closure and start of the project.

When is the last day for skating at the Kinsmen Arena?

December 23 is the planned last day for skating.

When will the rink re-open?

The project is anticipated to be completed in time for the rink to open in September 2025 for the next hockey season.

I heard the project costs over $12 million dollars. Why does it cost so much?

The approved budget for the project is $4,500,000.00, not including GST:

  • Project Cost - $3,925,615.66
    • Removal of existing boards, glass, concrete slab, and excavation of ground materials
    • New ground materials to build solid foundation and base
    • New concrete slab, complete with refrigeration piping
    • New rink boards, glass, player benches, and spectator amenities
    • New arena dehumidification system
    • Code requirements, safety, and mechanical upgrades within the arena ice plant room
  • Spent to Date - $215,561.86
  • Project Insurance - $34,980.00
  • Project Contingency - $328,055.00 (only if required)

How much are taxes increasing because of this project?

This project does not have an impact on taxes. The Kinsmen Arena project is internally funded by the annual Recreation Levy through 2030, becoming available for the 2031 budget cycle.