DIDSBURY - The arena and curling rink at the Didsbury Memorial Complex (DMC) has been closed for the season following the discovery of an ammonia leak in a condenser unit/cooling tower at the facility, officials said in a town press release issued Thursday.
The leak was discovered on the exterior of the facility during regular maintenance of the ice plant.
The town’s contractor has advised that the condenser has failed and repair is not an option.
The condenser was scheduled to be replaced in the 2027 budget, but will now completed early in 2025 when a new unit can be delivered and installed.
“Due to the hazards and risks associated with ammonia breaches and for the safety of all users, staff, and the community, the arena and curling rink will both remain closed until such time that the unit can be replaced, which is estimated within the next three to four months,” officials said.
This means the 2024-2025 arena and curling rink season officially ended today, December 19.
“The Town of Didsbury is working with the contractor to follow all protocols to deal with this situation.”
In the release, Mayor Rhonda Hunter said management and staff at the complex “acted quickly once the failure was detected through regularly scheduled maintenance, and council fully supports the decision to close the facility to ensure the safety of the public, staff, and all other user groups.”
The removal of the ice at the complex will mean that user groups, including the Mountainview Colts Heritage Junior B Hockey League team, will be looking for other arenas to use.
“Didsbury staff are communicating with all the groups and we are hopeful that neighbouring communities are able to help,” she said.
“Everyone understands that safety is the number one priority. With that said, we understand how important hockey, skating and curling is to Canadians and, in our case, to Didsburians—both urban and rural. We know the impacts of a lost skating and curling season will be far reaching and felt deeply.”
Council and administration will continue to update the community on this project as it progresses, she said.
The swimming pool and multi-purpose room at the DMC will remain open, officials said.
