Blackfalds council approved Shunda Construction's bid to build the town's new outdoor skating rink in Pine Crescent, at a cost of about $384,000.

Shunda’s bid was the lowest of 12 proposals received during public tender but the Red Deer company was also cited during Tuesday night’s meeting for its working relationship with the town.

Its past projects have included Blackfalds’ community centre and RCMP station.

“They were really helpful in the construction of it. They were always available to our advisors and they did outstanding work when they were building it,” said Mayor Richard Poole.

The town had budgeted $450,000 for the project, which also includes relocating an old skatepark and lighting. That leaves about $66,000 for contingency.

“We’re expecting this will come in under budget, which is always a good thing,” Poole said.

Sean Barnes, the town’s director of community services, said the rink will be made of "crystal ply boards" with steel framing as opposed to just wood, giving it a lifespan as long as 30 years.

He adds construction will start in May and could be finished in as little as 60 days.