Handrails will be placed throughout the Mel Hegland Uniplex. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

increased safety

Handrailings coming to Mel Hegland Uniplex

Jul 26, 2023 | 2:18 PM

La Ronge council has voted to move forward with installing railings along the stands at the Mel Hegland Uniplex.

The plan has an estimated cost of $8,600 and it includes the installation of 31 handrails. The decision to move ahead with the plan was made at a regular council meeting on Tuesday.

Over the past years, public requests have come forward to add handrailings to the indoor arena bleachers to enhance safety. The most recent request by resident Don Prokop was reviewed at the Nov. 22, 2022, council meeting.

“I have been an Ice Wolves season ticket holder for a long time,” Prokop wrote to council. “I have never had problems getting up the few stairs to get to my seat. Now, I have a leg problem on my left side and have difficulty climbing these stairs. I have to hold on to the back of the seats to get to my seat. I also know others who are in the same situation.”

On Dec. 13, 2022, council decided to defer direction on the installation of handrails until it was determined whether the Uniplex was to undergo extensive renovations or if the facility would be rebuilt. Town council has since chosen to rebuild the facility.

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In a report prepared by administration, it was stated there have been some reported incidents or near misses regarding patrons navigating the bleacher stairs in the facility. Most of the facility seating is comprised of five rows, though certain sections are nine rows high.

“While the building is legal non-conforming regarding stairwell handrails, there is a desire to make the facility as reasonably safe as possible,” the report noted.

“For comparison purposes, the current code requires handrails for all indoor public assembly space stairs, while outdoor bleachers require handrails if there are more than five rows of seating. If the town is to address safety via handrail installation, this should be done in the entire facility.”

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno