Submitted
Spectators attending events at the Nelson and District Community Complex arena will enjoy a much-improved sound system, thanks to the Nelson Leafs, Martech Electrical Systems and the Regional District of Central Kootenay.
“I’d like to thank the Nelson Leafs for taking the initiative to get these improvements started, and Martech for stepping up to cover the installation costs,” said Tom Newell, chair of the Nelson and District Recreation Commission.
“This is an excellent example of community-minded partners working together and coming up with a solution that will make everyone’s experience at the arena that much more enjoyable.”
The Recreation Commission and NDCC staff had been approached by the Nelson Leafs in the past to make improvements to the arena sound system. The RDCK consulted with Sound Solutions, a B.C.-based sound company, to look at upgrades to the existing system. These upgrades would include the relocation of the existing public announcement system speakers and an additional row of speakers over the stands on both sides of the arena. New amplifiers would also be installed to power the new speakers. The cost of these improvements was $22,526, plus taxes.
After reviewing the Sound Solutions proposal with the RDCK, Martech Electrical expressed an interest in donating resources to cover the cost of the installation as part of a community project, which would bring the cost of the upgrades project down to $16,000, plus taxes.
The Nelson Leafs returned with a proposal that the RDCK provide the upfront cost of the upgrades, and the Leafs would repay the cost of the upgrades over a five-year period. This would allow the project to commence immediately without the need to use operating funding or reserves. The RDCK board of directors approved the funding agreement in August, and the upgrades were completed in October.
“We are pleased to contribute to this noteworthy project for all users to benefit,” said Mario DiBella, president of Martech Electrical and Leafs coach. “Giving back to our community is something we take great pride in.”