(Town of Tisdale/Facebook)

By Cam Lee

Cooling system upgrade

Tisdale RECplex refrigeration plant, cooling tower replacement to take place in 2026

Sep 25, 2025 | 10:25 AM

A major upgrade is coming to the cooling system at the Tisdale RECplex.

The chillers and compressors at the facility are now two decades old, and in a news release the Town stated the industry lifespan for that equipment is only 12 to 15 years.

“These systems have long exceeded their expected life,” their social media post read.

The system has been repaired several times over the past 20 years, including the compressors in 2012 and 2020, and oil coolers in 2024. However, the system is still running on R-22 refrigerant, which is harmful to the ozone layer and is being phased out.

The cooling tower is the original in the building, dating back to 1980. The tower has failed twice in the past, has heavy corrosion, and its concrete base is deteriorating due to the constant wet conditions.

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“Parts have been replaced over the years, but the risks continue to increase, including potential freeze-ups during cold and windy conditions,” their post stated.

Repairs and replacements are complicated and costly as well due to the refrigeration plant and cooling tower being in “challenging areas of the building”.

Council and administration toured the building last week before discussing any proposed upgrades, and council determined this past Monday that they would proceed with planning for a new refrigeration plant and cooling tower due to the age of the current systems and the risks posed.

Council and Administration toured the RECplex last week to learn more about the facility’s cooling system. (Town of Tisdale/Facebook)

The upgrades would be in the 2026 budget, and the Town’s target is for the system to be fully operational by next August.

“This major investment, which will cost approximately $1.8 million, will ensure the RECplex continues to provide safe, reliable, and sustainable service to our community for many years to come,” the Town’s post stated.

Companies can see the Request for Proposal here.

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cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com