A big new digital scoreboard in sa国际传媒sa国际传媒 main hockey rink will be provided by a U.S.-based company despite the citysa国际传媒 stated preference for Canadian suppliers.听
Daktronics, headquartered in Brookings, South Dakota, was chosen from among 18 bidders to install the new scoreboard over centre ice in Prospera Place.听
At Mondaysa国际传媒 meeting, council voted to increase total funding for upgrades to the arena from $3.8 million to $5.1 million with unforeseen inflation getting some of the blame for the busted budget.听
Another factor was a decision to buy electric Zambonis to reduce the arenasa国际传媒 greenhouse gas emissions. But the continued decline of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar is also at play since the city is buying the new digital score clock from south of the border.听
That decision sparked a question from Coun. Mohini Singh, who wondered why, given current trade tensions between the two countries, the City of sa国际传媒 was doing business with an American firm.听
Apparently anticipating the question, city staffer Johannes Saufferer referred to a prepared statement in which he said the city uses the services of Sourcewell, a non-profit organization that helps municipalities with their purchasing decisions in ways that deliver best value for money while also respecting trade agreements.听
Sourcewell itself is based in the U.S. though it has a relationship with a similar Canadian organization called Canoe.听
Sourcewell recommended to the City of sa国际传媒 that it sign a scoreboard delivery contract with Daktronics, council heard. Council did not hear exactly how much the new scoreboard cost, or how many of the other 17 bids were from Canadian firms.听
鈥淭hat is why we鈥檙e working with Daktronics,鈥 Saufferer said, referring to Sourcewell's recommendation that the city go with Daktronics. 鈥淭hey are also one of the premier providers of this type of equipment throughout facilities in North America.鈥
When the issue of the citysa国际传媒 sourcing methods has come up recently, councillors have been assured that the overwhelming number of contracts are with Canadian suppliers. 鈥淎t this point, 99 per cent of our suppliers are Canadian,鈥 finance manager Joe Sass told council in late February.听
Along with a new scoreclock - which also requires a $45,000 鈥渁nnual service agreement鈥 - and electric Zambonis, the arena upgrades include a better sound system, additional media displays, an Internet/WiFi system, and better provisions for media.听
The improvements are said to be necessary so sa国际传媒 can successfully host the Memorial Cup junior hockey championship tournament next May.
But the city will assume ownership of the 6,500-seat building in 2029 after expiration of a 30-year contract with current facility operator GSL Group. Investing in the upgrades now, Saufferer said, will safeguard building longevity, optimize the fan experience, and maximize the arenasa国际传媒 impact on sa国际传媒sa国际传媒 economic and cultural fabric.听
The upgrades will be complete by June or July, council heard.听
A lengthy report a few years ago by a stadium consultancy group identified the need for larger and more expensive improvements to the aging arena, such as a new roof and improved HVAC systems. Those projects are not contained within the scope of the present undertaking, and will be the subject of future debate at council.听
