Council toured the RECplex in September to learn more about the ice plant and cooling tower and the need for a replacement. (Town of Tisdale)

By Cam Lee

RECplex upgrade

Tisdale Council greenlights RECplex ice plant and cooling tower replacement

Dec 1, 2025 | 3:04 PM

The RECplex in Tisdale will soon have a new ice plant.

Town council approved the tender for the ice plant and cooling tower replacement project to Ainsworth, Inc.

The cost of the project will be $1.7 million, plus taxes and freight.

Chief Administrative Officer Lovely Magnaye told northeastNOW the project is sorely needed.

“The existing system has reached the end of its functional life cycle, making replacement necessary to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operation,” Magnaye said. “The RECplex serves as a central recreational facility for the Town of Tisdale and plays a vital role in supporting community health, wellness, and engagement.”

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Magnaye said maintaining a dependable ice system is essential for sustaining those services.

The cooling tower at the RECplex is approximately 45 years old, while the ice plant has been around for about two decades. Magnaye said the system has undergone several repairs throughout its lifespan, including cooling tower maintenance, replacement of oil coolers on the compressor, valve replacements, and a full rebuild of the compressors.

“Despite these age-related maintenance needs, the facility has not experienced issues with ice quality,” said Magnaye.

The installation of the new system is expected to start in the spring.

Magnaye said the new system is expected to reduce energy consumption and could extend the ice season if required. The system should also provide an estimated 30 additional years of reliable operation. The new ice plant and cooling tower will service both the arena and the curling rink.

Town Council toured the RECplex this fall to look at the dated equipment currently in place. Magnaye believes the tour helped inform council about the decision, and that they were aware of the need to complete the project due to the service the RECplex provides to the Tisdale area.

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cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com