Rocklyn Arena will be getting a new stove.
At its meeting on March 15, Grey Highlands council approved a plan to purchase a new stove for the community hall at Rocklyn Arena for up to $8,000. Council made the decision after receiving a staff report on the stove situation and a delegation from Rocklyn resident and community volunteer Catharine Campbell. In her presentation, Campbell said the community prefers to replace the stove that caused issues and requested that council not fund the project through the Euphrasia reserve.
“We all want a functioning commercial kitchen for the new and future generations,” she said.
During its budget process, council had voted to remove the stove project from the 2023 budget after quotes for the project exceeded the initial $4,500 budget. A new stove for the community hall at the Rocklyn Arena was purchased in 2020. However, an electrical compatibility issue with the new appliance caused problems and eventually the local community asked that a new stove be purchased.
“Residents were of the mind that a new six-burner stove to replace the one with concerns was the best way to move forward,” said Deputy Mayor Dane Nielsen.
The resolution to proceed with the purchase of a new stove was approved unanimously by council.
“This moves it forward, the community works hard at fundraising. It builds confidence for that community,” said Mayor Paul McQueen, who suggested the problem stove, which is now fully functional, be tested and repurposed and used elsewhere by the municipality.
Grey Highlands will fund the project through its appliance lifecycle reserve account.
