Council is upgrading the lighting at the Houston arena before the next ice season.
The $22,000 upgrade replaces the 55 metal halide lights with T-5 High Output fluorescent fixtures, which would improve the arena lighting and save the District costs on energy, maintenance and repairs.
"The project would save the District $6,367 a year and pay for itself in 3.45 years," wrote Leisure Services Director Ryan Coltura in a recommendation to council.
Asked if the lights would be able to be installed in time for the hockey season, Coltura said they would.
"The lights will be installed by September 14, and the ice goes in September 16," he said.
Previously, council budgeted $6,000 to replace 14 burnt out lights and relocate ten light fixtures which interfere with the new safety netting.
Coltura says that with the old lights, if a bulb burned out during the season, they had to immediately replace it because otherwise it would leave a dark spot - and each replacement cost $500.
The T-5 lights come with six bulbs and would not need to be replaced until the off-season, when they could do all replacements in one shot, said Coltura.
He adds that the light analyst reported they may not need 55 fixtures with the upgraded lights, so they will likely be able to save further costs.
Mayor Holmberg says it's an easy decision.
"It's a cost upfront, but it's money you save in hydro over time," he said.
All councillors supported the upgrade.