DIDSBURY - The Didsbury Memorial Arena could reopen as early as Dec. 7 after a $1.45 million, months-long renovation project that has included the installation of new concrete flooring, say officials.
"We have an estimated opening range of December 7 to December 11, and we will have a more firm date once the refrigeration of the slabs begins,” said Nicole Aasen, manager of community services. “This process must be handled slowly to ensure the integrity and warranty of the new floors are protected, thus the date range for now.
“Ensuring that the substantial investment that has been made in this facility is our top priority and as such, we can not rush this process.”
Work is scheduled to continue at the facility this week, with the new boards for both the main ice and leisure ice surfaces being installed.
“This work will be completed by Nov. 25 and the cooling process for the slabs begins on Nov. 23, with the manufacturing of ice to follow beginning Nov. 30, ideally,” she said.
“Again, the ice making date of Nov 30 is a projected estimate, but could be delayed by a couple of days if the floors take longer to cool than anticipated.”
Asked if crews have encountered any recent problems with the project, she said, “All issues associated with this project, additional buried slabs and cross-tie deterioration, were handled months ago. There are no issues with the work that is occurring at this phase of the project.”
The project remains on budget, she said.
Although a grand reopening of the facility is planned, details are being worked out and will be announced later, she said.
