The Town of LaSalle is moving ahead with the design phase for two new features at its LaSalle Landing waterfront project, the ice skating trail and a water feature.
Council signed off on the two projects earlier this week.
"This has taken us years to develop, and it is exciting that we are moving forward," said Mayor Crystal Meloche.
The town considered an artificial ice surface on the ice skating trail but rejected that option in favour of using a natural ice surface.
There are risks associated with a natural surface. The ice could melt during a warm spell. A refrigeration plant could help keep the ice solid. Based on information from neighbouring municipalities that host outdoor skating rinks, administrators believe it could be used from December to February.
"Generally, outdoor ice pads with an ice plant are good during periods of overcast sky with temperatures generally below 8 degrees Celsius," said a report to councillors. "On sunny and warmer days, the ice surface may become wet and soft. In most cases, the overnight temperatures are low enough to restore usable ice."
When the trail is not iced over, the concrete surface creates a multi-purpose trail. At 250 metres in length, residents could use it for walking, cycling, and rollerblading.
The Rotary Club of LaSalle - Centennial has pledged $132,000 to help pay for the water feature near the ice trail. It would have benches and ground-oriented water jets for residents to enjoy during hot and humid summer days.
Council approved two small buildings, one with a public washroom and an area to put on ice skates. The town is in discussions with the LaSalle Police Service to have officers on site. A second building would house the refrigeration plant, equipment, controls, and storage.
An illuminated "LaSalle" sign, measuring 2.4 metres tall, would add to the uniqueness of the waterfront attractions.
"If the project stays on schedule, we hope to open the ice skate tail in late fall of 2024 and the water feature in spring of 2025," said Deputy CAO Peter Marra.
The town has set aside $8-million in its Waterfront Reserve Build-Up fund for the construction of the water feature and ice skating trail. The cost of the sign will come from the Strategic Plan Reserve.
