A new floor covering could open the doors for events in the city arenas this winter.

Timmins City Council has approved a $425,000 contract with Athletica Sport Systems Inc. to purchase new surfaces for the ice surfaces at McIntyre Arena and Archie Dillon Sportsplex.

The city’s current pavement is being damaged when driven on, which could also lead to damage to the ice surface underneath, said City Clerk Steph Palmateer.

The new product is very robust and designed to be used directly on the ice surface. It is easy for staff to handle and compatible with the city’s current equipment, he said.

“We expect we will be able to install and rebuild the surface quicker than with the existing surface for the McIntyre. It will also be designed to fit the ice surface better so it won’t slip or move … once the surface is installed,” he told the council.

If a hockey team advances deep into the playoffs, for example, the sporting show can still take place without affecting the ice or temporary surface. Palmateer said it also opens up opportunities to use the city’s larger facilities during the winter months.

The project is more than budgeted for 2024.

This year’s capital budget included $400,000 for the ice floor system, arena glass and vertical supports.

Welmar Recreational was awarded the $398,500 arena glass and vertical supports project. The City has applied for funding for the project from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) and that application is in the second phase of approval.

If the NOHFC’s money is not enough to cover the costs, Palmateer said the additional $400,000 cost of the arena project could be covered internally with the surplus from the boat dock project.