DIDSBURY - User groups of Didsbury’s only arena and curling rink are contemplating next steps after no longer having home ice for the remainder of the 2024-25 season.
The Town of Didsbury announced Thursday that the municipally-owned arena and curling rink’s 2024-25 season were ending that day after an ammonia leak was detected.
The facilities' condenser failed and was determined to be unrepairable.
Officials estimate it can be replaced within the next three to four months.
In it’s Dec. 19 statement announcing the removal of the ice in the facilities, town officials said its user groups will be looking for other arenas to use and “are hopeful neighbouring communities are able to help.”
Some, like Didsbury Skating Club which is on hiatus from Dec. 19 – Jan. 5, take a break during the seasonal holidays.
Other have more immediate concerns.
Several Didsbury Minor Hockey Association (DMHA) teams had home games scheduled to take place on Saturday and Sunday.
“Please be advised that DMHA board will be holding an emergency meeting as soon as possible to figure out a plan moving forward. Please be patient, we will send out an update as soon as we have one,” the association posted to social media at 3:38 p.m. Thursday.
Didsbury Rec Hockey teams also had a home game scheduled this weekend.
The Didsbury Curling Club expects to update members within a couple days.
“We are meeting to come up with some solutions and will communicate back to everyone as soon as we can,” a 5:22 p.m. Dec. 19 post on the club’s social media page said. “Thank you for your patience and you will hear from us within the next couple days.”
One of the first big events scheduled to take place at the curling rink in the new year was the Didsbury Farm and Ranch Bonspiel Jan 6 – 11.
The Mountainview Colts, the Heritage Junior Hockey League's junior B Didsbury-based team's next game is on Friday in Strathmore.
