Two parties bid for old arena

A city lot that once saw goals scored and skates laced will likely soon see boxes stacked and papers printed.

A city lot that once saw goals scored and skates laced will likely soon see boxes stacked and papers printed.
The city is reviewing recommendations from the planning committee to sell the Stan McCowan Arena building and site to Permafrost Trading Ltd., to be used for commercial storage and office space.
Parks and arenas supervisor Doug Hnatiuk told council Monday evening 12 parties picked up Request for Expression of Interested Parties.
Three expressions of interest were submitted, and two proposals ended up coming in Jan. 9 from Permafrost and the Yukon Horse & Riders Association. The latter intended to create an indoor riding arena.
The proposals were evaluated based on five criteria: that a project team was identified, past relevant experience, proposed re-location, proposed reuse and sale prices.
The riding association had no relevant past experience and had not identified a project superintendent nor project team. Permafrost, represented by Alex Seely, had met all the criteria.
Permafrost has proposed to reuse the existing building, and has agreed to pay $5,272.05, GST included. The riding association offered a sale price of $1.05.
‘Permafrost Trading Ltd. had a better proposal in all areas,’ said Hnatiuk, reading from a prepared report.
Should Permafrost desire to tear down the existing building, city-hired consultants estimated the associated costs. To cover a tear down, salvage and removal of the building structure, it would cost Permafrost $148,145.76.
The consultant’s estimate on the appraised value of the Stan McCowan building structure is $27,343.
Hnatiuk recommended the city revisit the matter next week to vote on whether to award the sale to Permafrost Trading Ltd.
Mayor Bev Buckway asked what kind of timeline the sale would work upon.
‘The structure would be removed by end of April ‘08, but city staff indicate that timeline may be extended a little bit, if needed,’ said Hnatiuk.
Coun. Doug Graham asked what the costs for the consultant’s work were to the city, which funded the appraisals.
Hnatiuk guessed they’re around $2,000, but said he would get back to council at a future date with more information.