By Treena Mielke
Rimbey town council is not quite ready to step up to the plate and give the go ahead to recreation director Rick Kreklewich to order new flooring for the main auditorium in the community centre.
At its regular meeting Aug. 22, Kreklewich told council the recreation board recommended Advantage Sport install the Omnisport 6.5 millimetre synthetic sport floor system and gym equipment at a cost of $81,112.95. Gym equipment is to include volleyball and badminton posts and nets and portable basketball nets.
However, Coun. Joe Anglin was opposed to the recommendation, stating hardwood flooring would be better suited for the community centre.
“I don’t buy it,” he said. “Synthetics, I’ve never seen them work. Hardwood is cheaper, lasts longer and has a proven history.”
Kreklewich said the synthetic flooring has an eight-year warranty and he was told it would be easier to maintain than the hardwood, though the cost of $80,041.95 (which includes gym equipment) was slightly cheaper.
Council agreed to Anglin’s motion table the purchase the hardwood flooring until the recreation board has checked with other municipalities to inquire which type of flooring has proven to have the best track record.
Kreklewich said he would also check with suppliers who have provided quotes for the project to get their opinion as to which type of flooring is most suitable.
“I hope to have it (the flooring) in place by the end of October or early November,” he said.