DIDSBURY - The Didsbury Memorial Complex’s main ice rink will be re-opened on or before Feb. 1 after council authorized the rental of a temporary condenser at a special council meeting on Monday.
The town expects to spend up to $67,500 for the rental for the remainder of the 2024-25 season, say officials.
The ice surfaces at the facility including the curling rink were closed last month after a leak was discovered in the condenser. The closures were scheduled to continue for at least three months until a new condenser was installed.
The decision to use a rental condenser will allow the Mountainview Colts and other hockey teams to resume play at the Didsbury facility.
However, the leisure ices and curling rink ice at the complex will not be re-installed using the rental unit due to a lack power capacity.
“We are looking forward to welcoming back our facility user groups,” Town of Didsbury Mayor Rhonda Hunter said in a release issued Tuesday, Jan. 7.
The condenser is a piece of equipment used to absorb steam as part of the ice making process.
The ice was removed from both arena surfaces and curling rink last month, forcing teas to find alternative ice and for tournaments and bonspiels to be held at alternate facilities, including in Olds.
“Council and administration extend a sincere and heartfelt thank you to all user groups for their understanding and support during what has been a very impactful situation on all of their members and their hockey, skating, and curling seasons," said Hunter.
“We truly understand what this has meant to you all and, as ardent fans and supporters of recreation in our community and of you all, we feel the loss of the access to our facilities right along with you.”
