Enderby may not have won the Hockeyville funding for a full arena upgrade, but the old barn will still be back up and running by next season.
In an April 19 media release from the city, chief administrative officer Tate Bengtson said the mechanical problems that caused the rink’s early closure in January have been identified, and work is in progress.
“The repair of the complex, which includes the Enderby Arena and the Curling Rink, is now proceeding,” he said, adding, “it is anticipated that the complex will be operational for the start of the ice season in September 2024.”
Bengtson outlined the work that has been done, or is currently in progress. The refrigeration chiller – an “expensive and critical system component has been drained, inspected and deemed to be in good working order to be returned to service.”
The corroded steel brine header on the arena side has been removed and will be replaced this summer by one made of a corrosion resistant material, with the contaminated brine having been flushed from the system.
Crews also found the suspected brine leak in the floor, which will be repaired, with a pressure test having confirmed just the one which will “reduce the total repair costs.”
In the release, Enderby & District Services Commission chair Coun. Shawn Shishido thanked the community for its support throughout the closure and particularly during the Kraft Hockeyville voting.
“Despite the unfortunate circumstances, how our community came together was inspirational,” he said. “The support that we saw regionally, provincially and across Canada was absolutely phenomenal, and I would like to thank each and every person for the role that they played in getting us to this point. We could not have done it without you!”
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