DIDSBURY - Plans to reopen the main ice at the Didsbury Memorial Complex (DMC) through the use of a temporary rented condenser by Feb. 1 have been de-railed, meaning the ice will not be available for the rest of the 2024-25 season, say officials.
An ammonia leak in a condenser forced the closure of all the ice surfaces at the facility in December.
Earlier this month council approved the rental of the temporary condenser at a cost of about $67,000. The temporary unit was to be brought on line before Feb. 1, allowing the main ice rink to be re-opened.
Work was started last week to install that temporary unit.
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“Regrettably, once the contractor began the process of setting the unit up and connecting to the existing system, it became apparent that it would not work as proposed,” the Town of Didsbury said in a press release issued Friday.
“The town and contractor fully explored a number of different options, but none were successful; installing the ice prior to replacing the condenser is no long an option for the arena.”
Mayor Rhonda Hunter called the setback regrettable.
“It is disheartening to relay this disappointing message,” said Hunter. “We are thankful that Didsbury’s skaters continue to have a place to enjoy their winter sport, and we are grateful to our neighbouring communities for stepping in to offer their facilities and ices times and accommodate Didsbury’s skaters.”
Curling rink ice at the facility has also been closed for the season due to the condenser issue. The swimming pool and meeting rooms at DMC remain open.
Local curlers and hockey teams, including the Mountainview Colts, will continue to use other area facilities for the remainder of the 2024-25 season.
Whether the Town of Didsbury will be able to recoup the rental cost of the temporary condenser has yet to be determined, officials told the Albertan.
