It's taking the City of Steinbach longer than expected to get approval to operate the gas fireplace in the new plaza in front of the T.G. Smith Centre. Chief Administrative Officer Troy Warkentin says the fireplace was custom built and the Centra Gas division of Manitoba Hydro has still not given its final approval. He adds it was custom built and is a one-of-a-kind unit.

"Hydro just wants to make sure that the appliance has been built according to specifications, that they feel comfortable and that we'll meet all the required codes. It is a fairly large device. While typically these things tend to be common in places such as outdoor patios, it is a little bit of a different installation in that it's installed in a public plaza."

Warkentin adds the city is current working with Manitoba Hydro to see what outstanding items need to be addressed and is optimistic the matter will be resolved by spring.

He notes the plaza was designed as a public gathering space with the fireplace as its focal point.

"The vision was to see it as a public gathering place. The vision of a fireplace, which tends to be a focal point or a gathering place of people, and certainly with the fact that the venues that are there are primarily for winter sports, it was seen as a good opportunity to try and get the public to use this amenity and enjoy the benefits especially during the times of year that, when you're outside, it can be pretty cold."