Although the Orillia Recreation Centre opened just over four years ago, city council's budget committee has approved over $6.6 million in funds to refurbish its cooling system. (All decisions are subject to ratification at a special meeting in December)
During capital budget deliberations on Tuesday, city staff explained the city is moving away from water-based cooling systems, which the new recreation facility has, in favour of air-based cooling systems.
“In 2020, the city established air cooling systems as the level of service, and we're migrating away from those water source systems,” said Roger Young, the city's general manager of environment and infrastructure services.
“To date, we've renovated Rotary Place. We're currently upgrading (Brian Orser Arena), and we currently have a project on the go at Barnfield Point as well," said Young. “This would be the final piece within the city's recreation facilities.”
During discussion, Coun. Tim Lauer questioned whether the move had to do with legionella outbreaks the city saw in recent years – both of which took place out of Rotary Place’s former water-based cooling system.
“Can we get a little bit more detail? What kind of health issue are we talking about here? Is this in response to our legionnaire problems?” Lauer said.
Before Lauer could get an answer, however, he was promptly cut off by the mayor.
“I’m going to not allow that question,” Mayor Don McIsaac said.
“Why is that not allowed?” asked Lauer.
“Out of order,” responded the mayor.
“I think that’s a fair question,” added Coun. Jay Fallis.
“There’s some legal issues … it’s out of order,” said the mayor.
Following the legionella outbreaks at Rotary Place, which were traced to the water-based cooling system at the dual-pad arena, a pair of lawsuits, claiming millions in damage were filed by people who contracted legionnaire’s disease and claim the city was at fault.
Funds approved for the project include $847,000 approved through the 2025 budget, with an additional $5.78 million pre-approved for 2026.
