HomeMy WebLinkAboutCS 11-23
Report to Council
Report Number: CS 11-23
Date: April 24, 2023
From: Sarah Douglas-Murray
Director, Community Services
Subject: Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex Arena Desiccant
Dehumidification Unit
-File: A-1440-001
Recommendation:
1. That Report CS 11-23, regarding Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex Arena
Desiccant Dehumidification Unit, be received;
2. That staff be directed to retain the services of A.C.E. Services to complete the necessary
repairs in accordance with Purchasing Policy PUR-010, Section 12, Emergency
Purchase;
3. That Council authorize the Director, Finance & Treasurer to finance the total net project
cost of $217,000.00, as approved for in the 2023 Capital Budget from the Rate
Stabilization Reserve; and
4. That the appropriate officials of the City of Pickering be authorized to take the necessary
actions indicated in this report.
Executive Summary: In November 2022, the desiccant dehumidification unit failed at the
Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex (CHDRC) Arenas and was deemed unsafe
for operation. An emergency purchase order was issued to Cimco Refrigeration allowing
Cimco to complete an emergency replacement of the CHDRC Arena desiccant
dehumidification unit. Cimco Refrigeration had provided costing and timelines to make repairs
and to replace the current inoperable piece of equipment. Based on information provided by
CIMCO and in consultation with the Finance Department regarding the options, it was
determined that replacement of the unit would be the most timely and cost effective way to
provide the required dehumidification for the two arenas.
In early January 2023, Cimco Refrigeration notified the City that there was a potential mistake
made within the quote documents that had been provided in November 2022 for the
replacement dehumidification unit. In early February 2023, Cimco determined that the quoted
replacement dehumidification unit was not of the proper specifications and the pricing within
the quote was for an entirely different dehumidification system that was not compatible with
other existing arena systems.
New pricing was requested and received from two suppliers; Cimco Refrigeration and A.C.E.
Services. Quotations were requested to provide the necessary repairs to ensure the current
CS 11-23 April 24, 2023
Subject: Chestnut Hill Developments Complex Arena Page 2
Desiccant Dehumidification Unit
desiccant dehumidification unit would be fully operational, and to provide interim solutions to
ensure arena operations while repairs could be conducted.
A.C.E. Services provided pricing that was substantially lower than Cimco Refrigeration to make
the necessary repairs.
Financial Implications: At this time, staff have received updated costing for repairs and
replacement of the non-functioning unit from A.C.E. Services as follows:
1. Estimated Project Costing Summary
Quotation $213,345.00
Total Project Cost $213,345.00
HST (13%) 27,735.00
Total Gross Project Costs $241,080.00
HST Rebate (11.24%) (23,980.00)
Total Net Project Costs $217,100.00
2. Approved Source of Funds
Approved Code Source of Funds Budget Funds Required
C10235.2301 Rate Stabilization Reserve $250,000.00 $217,100.00
Project Cost under (over) approved funds by $32,900.00
Staff have determined that the repair costs and timelines for repairs provided by A.C.E.
Services to be the most cost effective and can be completed in the shortest time. The current
repair costs are quoted at $65,820 plus HST.
A.C.E. Services has also provided a quote for $33,000 to cover unknown repairs that may be
required based on potential damage within the desiccant dehumidification unit that are not able
to be seen until the unit is fully taken apart and to cover the cost of commissioning of the unit
once the repairs have been completed.
Work will take place as soon as parts and equipment are available, however, due to supply
chain issues, A.C.E. Services may not be able to secure replacement parts in advance of the
Fall ice season. A temporary dehumidification solution may also be required in order to
maintain safe ice conditions once ice is installed in late summer of 2023. A.C.E. Services has
also provided pricing of $22,905 per month to provide and install a temporary dehumidification
solution which has been deemed a reasonable cost by staff. Any temporary dehumidification
solution would only be employed if the required repairs to the current dehumidification system
CS 11-23 April 24, 2023
Subject: Chestnut Hill Developments Complex Arena
Desiccant Dehumidification Unit
Page 3
could not be completed by August 1, 2023. Rental fees would only be charged for the months
the solution is in place.
As this issue was discovered during the development of the 2023 Capital Budget, Arena
Desiccant Dehumidification Replacement (C10235.2301) was included in the 2023 Capital
Budget – Recreation Complex – Arenas in the amount of $250,000.
Discussion: Low humidity in arena air is integral to providing appropriate and safe ice for ice
users. As the floor temperatures within an ice rink are very low in order to make ice, the
cooling effect from the ice sheet requires control of the air temperature and humidity levels to
prevent fog and condensation from forming within arenas. The condensation that is associated
with, and produced by high humidity levels is of concern as condensation drops can emulate
rain inside an arena and cause damage to the ice surface. High humidity can also cause
mould growth creating an unsafe environment and cause potentially causing damage to
structural components of the building.
During the winter months of December, January and February dehumidification is not as
necessary due to the generally very cold and dry winter air conditions. Proper dehumidification
is a necessity during all other months when exterior temperatures are much warmer than the
ice surface and humidity levels can change drastically due to exterior factors such as rain.
Summer ice for 2023 has been moved to Don Beer Arena to mitigate costs for a temporary
dehumidification solution and to accommodate repairs.
The current dehumidification unit has a large desiccant wheel that is made of metal and a
material that absorbs moisture. This wheel is heated by a natural gas fueled heat source which
is used to dry the moisture and provide dry air into the arena. This desiccant wheel has
deteriorated and has now become a fire hazard as pieces of debris are falling off of the wheel
and contacting the natural gas flame.
In accordance with Section 12 Emergency Purchase of the Purchasing Policy: In an
emergency situation the Manager shall, on the approval of the appropriate Director, obtain
such goods and services as are necessary to respond to the emergency. If the purchase
amount exceeds $5,000, the Director must notify the Treasurer at the earliest possible time. If
the purchase exceeds $50,000, the Treasurer and the CAO shall be notified and the Director
shall submit a report of the incident to the appropriate Committee and Council at the earliest
possible time.
Subject to Council’s approval of Report CS 11-23, Community Services Department will retain
the services A.C.E. Services to complete the necessary repairs as an Emergency Purchase.
It is anticipated that the repairs could take from six to ten months to be completed based on
the time required to produce the required custom made parts that are required for the
desiccant dehumidification unit model that is used at the CHDRC Arena.
CS 11-23 April 24, 2023
Subject: Chestnut Hill Developments Complex Arena Page 4
Desiccant Dehumidification Unit
Attachment:
1. ACE Services Quote
Prepared By: Approved/Endorsed By:
Original Signed By Original Signed By
Kevin Hayes Sarah Douglas-Murray
Manager, Facilities Maintenance Director, Community Services
SDM:kh
Recommended for the consideration
of Pickering City Council
Original Signed By
Marisa Carpino, M.A.
Chief Administrative Officer
Attachment 1 to Report CS 11-23